Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

This month, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wants to highlight and celebrate one of our partners:  Geico Insurance.  Geico Insurance has been a longtime partner of our auto body shop. Even before the time of COVID-19, we had an on-site Geico representative who would assess the collision damage of their clients’ vehicles. Together, we do our part to provide easy, convenient service and communication to our mutual clients. Our combined goal is to make your auto body repairs seamless and hassle-free, with high-quality customer service.  Here are some videos showing the entire customer service experience and repair process when you work with CARSTAR Robert’s Collision:   For additional information about Geico and how to make a claim after you suffer an auto accident, you’ll find a wealth of material here: https://www.geico.com/claims/  ... read more

Lucky for us, not too many crazy things happen here on the Monterey Peninsula. However, that doesn’t mean we should blow off preparing for disaster. Monterey County has seen numerous wildfires, evacuations, car accidents, and other disasters. Why not prepare yourself, your family, and your car in case you need to leave your home on short notice? If you take the time to be prepared, the painful sting of unexpected accidents or emergencies can be reduced. Of course, one can never be fully prepared to a life-altering event, but advance preparation can remove some of the chaos that comes with it.  Earlier this month, we shared some helpful advice that can help you and your family prepare. Here’s a recap: Check your tires. Just a couple extra minutes in the morning, make sure your tires aren’t going flat on you. You can even use the penny trick! When your tires are properly inflated, not only will your tires last longer, but you will reduce your chances of a blowo ... read more

Every year, many of us promise to do better in the new year. A lot of us resolve to lose weight, change an old bad habit, or quit the things that no longer serve us. In 2021, we’re curious. What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Among them, will you resolve to drive better and safer this year? With the Coronavirus still affecting our local communities, our state, and our nation, many of our driving habits have changed. Some drivers report feeling that their driving skills have become rusty. Other drivers have confessed that since they’re more glued to their phones, the temptation to text and drive can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions for better driving and safer travels in 2021. Pack a personal health kit that includes two spare face masks, hand sanitizer, bottled water, and some Kleenex. Not only will this help you reduce your risk of exposure, but it may also come in handy for anyone who accidentally leaves th ... read more

In the past years, we have posted our annual letter titled “New Year’s Resolutions From Your Car”. Now that CARSTAR Robert’s Collision is no longer doing mechanical repair and exclusively handling auto body repair, we have updated the annual letter written from the perspective of your vehicle. Enjoy!   For us, it’s become a tradition to share a few New Year’s Resolutions with you. Sometimes resolutions are tough to stick to, but these 5 simple car care routines are quick and easy to maintain. Little reminders to do the simple things to keep your car running until next year! 1) Get your car washed regularly. This is one of those little things that fall to the side after a while. Keeping your car washed and clean can help maintain visibility and extend the life of your paint coat! When you wash your car, not only are you helping it look clean, but you are also rinsing away the salt and grime that could affect your brakes’ ability to ... read more

At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we don’t just fix cars – we protect them. One of the questions we often hear from our clients is, “Why do you use Carnauba Wax?” It's a great question, especially for those looking to preserve their vehicle’s paint and maintain that showroom shine. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just want to keep your car looking new, Carnauba Wax plays a key role in protecting your investment. What is Carnauba Wax, and Why Do We Use It? Carnauba Wax, also known as "the queen of waxes," is the go-to choice for car collectors, Concours d'Elegance enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a flawless finish. Unlike other waxes that sit on the paint's surface, Carnauba Wax transforms your car's paint into a deep, liquid-like pool that shimmers under varying light conditions. It's not just about aesthetics either – Carnauba Wax offers superior protection against sc ... read more

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to remind everyone that there is so much to be grateful for. Yes, this year has been incredibly rough due to COVID-19 and the other challenges we have faced here in California. However, we choose to focus on the good in every situation. That is why we want to list the many things that we are grateful for here at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision:   We are grateful to have a large number of happy clients who are thrilled with our customer service experience and the quality of our work. We are grateful that today’s modern vehicles have so many safety features, that even when a collision occurs, the precious cargo inside is well protected. Of course, not all accidents allow you to walk away without a scratch. But the safety features that have been added to most vehicles can certainly help reduce the risk of higher fatalities. We are grateful for state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and auto body technolo ... read more

Years ago, our auto body repair shop was the first of all auto repair shops to receive Green certification from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. To obtain this green certification, we had to employ various procedures that prove to be environmentally friendly. One of the major things that helped us earn that certification was our use of waterborne paint. CARSTAR Robert’s Collision was the first and only Green shop in the area using waterborne paint. This type of paint is water-based and the leading auto body paints in the industry that is eco-friendly. Using waterborne paint instead of more harmful kinds is better for the environment and your vehicle for several reasons:   First of all, we don’t have to sacrifice quality. This technology reduces hazardous waste that negatively impacts the environment as well as our employees. When waterborne paint is used, it serves an effective solution for lowering volatile organic compound emissions.  Waterbor ... read more

Photo by Victor He on Unsplash Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, especially during the summer, physical activity is usually something they’d be doing outside at parks, beaches, campgrounds, and a host of other summer destinations. Keep reading for places to go and ways to stay active, even while shelter-in-place restrictions are in place! Visit parks that are close to home! Places you can and should visit will ideally be close by and won’t require much traveling. Visit those parks that are closest to you and check with the park or recreation area well in advance to learn how to prepare safely. Find out if there are bathroom facilities and other services that are still open and available to the public. Beaches and othe ... read more

Photo by Frank Zhang on Unsplash Summer is in full swing, and unfortunately, big vacations might not be a possibility with continued shelter-in-place orders on the horizon. Luckily, there’s nothing like a family road trip to brighten everyone’s spirits and get out of the house. But because road trips involve extended time in the car, it can be tough to keep the kids occupied. Keep reading for some ideas to keep the kids entertained the next time you head out on a road trip! First up on the list is the ever-popular backseat-turned-movie theater. This tip is especially easy for those cars with built-in DVD players for the backseat. If you don’t have this nifty little feature, portable DVD players built for the vehicle ... read more

Happy Memorial Day. Today is a day to thank and remember the military personnel who gave their lives so we could enjoy our freedoms. Before we go any further, we want to encourage you to take a moment and reflect on all of the people in your life who have sacrificed and served our country. If you have the opportunity to say a prayer and thank them, that would be a wonderful way to let them know they are not forgotten. Last week, we suggested 5 ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend while sheltering in place on the Monterey Peninsula. We’re curious. Did you go camping in your backyard? Did you get outside and go for a hike? Did you visit a park, get in the water, or have a virtual BBQ with your friends? Look, today is Memorial Day and it’s time for you to have some fun. Even if you don’t go anywhere, take some time for self-care and enjoy the day off. You deserve some down time. After the holiday, that’s when you can jump back into work and find ways to keep yo ... read more

  Tinted windows are great for a number of reasons. They can block dangerous UV rays, they look good, and also offer some privacy, so you don't feel like you are driving in a fishbowl when on the road. Keep in mind; there is such a thing as too dark of tint.   Is It Legal? In the south, we encounter many cars with really dark tinted windows. The advantage of dark tint is heat repellant and UV ray reduction. The intense heat of the south does tend to tax your air conditioner, so it is an advantage. As we move to the northern states, dark tint tends to signal that whoever is inside may have reason to hide. Many states have laws in place to limit the tinting of vehicle windows.   Vision Limitation Yes, tinted windows can keep your eyes from sun damage, on darker days, that same tint can impede your vision. Missing an animal crossing the road, a car without headlights, or worse yet, a child running into the way could mean ultimate disaster. It is a good idea to re ... read more

  When your car was new, its paint was pristine and glossy. Over time your vehicle becomes exposed to everyday wear and tear, and your paint begins to fade and full. Here is a list of 5 everyday things that can damage your car's paint, some of which may surprise you.   Bug Juice The front of your car seems to collect bugs splattered across the front, especially in summer. Once these bugs are dead, they can seem harmless; however, if you don't immediately remove them, you can find your car has permanently etched bug imprints in your paint. As soon as you are able, you can take a soft cloth and grab some bug and tar remover and get to work to prevent your car from becoming a graveyard of bug imprints.   Bird Poo Although we do love watching these majestic feathered friends of our soar across the sky, how many times have we heard a plop and a thud to find our car has been bird bombed? Bird droppings are grainy and often filled with seeds, and acidic berry rem ... read more

  At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision and Repair, we know you love your car as much as we do, so we put together a list of car cleaning hacks with handy items already in your home. We hope these hacks are helpful!   Toothbrush cleaning tools Use an old toothbrush to scrub your dash, vents, and console. Toothbrushes are very handy when getting into tight spaces that need a scrub.   Toothpaste your headlights It might sound funny, but headlight lenses get cloudy over time after being exposed to the sun. One way to clear your headlamps and brighten the road is to take some toothpaste and a towel and get scrubbing. It may take an application or two, but the results you will see are impressive!   Q-tip cleaning When nooks and crannies are challenging to get into, grab a Q-tip, and get to rubbing. Q-tips are especially great for cleaning your vent corners and between the shifting lever.   Magic Eraser on vinyl and leather stains Are you finding dirt and ... read more

  Accelerating and decelerating should be a smooth, uneventful process. If you feel your car shifting hard, be sure to bring it to the auto mechanics at CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair in Monterey, your one-stop repair shop. Catching your shifting issues early can save you a lot of money and be as easy as an adjustment.   Some folks say a clutch is the foot pedal to the left of your brake on the floor of your manual transmission vehicle. Yes, they are half right, the far-left foot pedal is the actual switch which activated the clutch assembly. However, the location of the clutch itself is in your transmission. Does your automatic have a clutch? The answer is yes. An automatic transmission does have a clutch in addition to having sensors automating the activation process, so no foot pedal is needed when driving.   There are five main parts in your clutch that, together, work to sync your engine and wheels, allowing your engine to rev at full speed while you ... read more

    Used parts from a junkyard can be a fantastic alternative to aftermarket parts, UNLESS that used part is also an aftermarket part. Cars can be in an accident more than once. If a vehicle that is in a wrecking yard, say, from a front-end impact and your vehicle requires a left rear door, this part could be a great option. What if that same car had been in an accident prior and was repaired before the front-end collision which made it a total loss? That used part is now not only pulled from the wrecking yard; it is also an aftermarket quality part. That is like doubling down on alternative parts.   Who finds these parts anyway? Used parts go through many hands before they reach a body shop. First, a vehicle has to hit 70% threshold of the resale value before qualifying as a total loss. Once a car is deemed a total loss, it is then towed to a wrecking yard to await tear down. Salvage yards usually have a big fenced-in area as well as different warehouses to store ve ... read more

  Aftermarket and alternative parts have their place in the repair process.   Believe it or not, some vehicles over four years of age begin encountering challenges when tracking down replacement parts. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts may simply no longer be available, and the only option becomes aftermarket or salvaged parts to repair your vehicle.   Remember that for your monthly premium to remain affordable; insurance companies use aftermarket parts in the repair process. Would you use a cheaper part to save money if the two were nearly identical in every way? How about reusing a component that is still good? Insurance companies are faced with this same challenge, and so have come up with policies and protocols to streamline their approval process throughout your automobiles repair.   Collision shops love the fit and feel of an OEM part; it is the preferred part to work with. If aftermarket parts are available and insurance will not pay for an O ... read more

  Even the most proactive vehicle owner can find themselves dealing with a car that’s overheated. It’s true that if you stay on a regular preventive maintenance schedule, not only will you save yourself money in the long run, you’ll significantly decrease the chances of ending up broken down on the side of the road.     Regardless, if it ever happens to you, make sure you know what to do to minimize the damage that’s already been done. The worst thing you can do is to keep driving it like nothing's wrong.    Your best bet is to pull over immediately. The more you drive after it overheats, the more extensive the damage. Even so, stay safe and pull over in a good location and turn off the engine. Don’t be in a hurry to open the hood. Wait until it’s completely cooled down. You may not be able to see that on your temperature gauge on the dash, so just don’t rush.  Pull out your owner’s manual if you&r ... read more

Women should become auto mechanics if that is what their heart’s desire. There is no better time than right now to make this happen. There is a considerable shortage of qualified technicians and service advisors. That leaves the doors wide open for women to step in and take their place in this industry. With only 2% of the auto repair workforce checking the female box, it’s just a matter of time before that number significantly increases. Women mechanics work just as hard as the men do, tend to have better attention to detail than most men, and their communication skills are often much better than their male counterparts. These are generalizations, but you get the gist. There is room, and a need, for women in this industry. Any woman who is interested in becoming an auto mechanic or technician should pursue a career in the industry. There is an old stereotype that the automotive industry is a "man's world" and while much of that still rings true, more and m ... read more

Proving that even a serious German automobile giant like Porsche has a sense of humor, just take a look at a news release the company issued on April 1, 2018:   Porsche announces Mission E Tractor Plugging into the future of all-electric agriculture.   Porsche AG is delighted to announce the latest addition to the Mission E model line. Following the successful debut of the Mission E Cross Turismo at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche is heading even further off road with the all-electric Mission E Tractor.   This bold vision for 21st Century agriculture blends design cues from Porsche’s original mid 1950s tractors with the same advanced digital connectivity and 800v fast-charging architecture that powers the Mission E.   With a power output in excess of 700hp, the Mission E Tractor will be the fastest accelerating agricultural vehicle in the world, enabling farmers to harvest crops in record time with the added environmental benefits of ... read more

Did you play with Legos as a kid? Millions of children around the world did, and some never outgrew their obsession with the building block toys. Originally introduced by the Lego Group, a Danish company founded by carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, the design was repeatedly tweaked until it became the familiar system we know today in 1958. They are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymer. All kinds of objects have been constructed with Legos. It truly is a toy whose fun potential is limited only by its users’ imaginations. Here’s a recent example, a life-size Toyota Camry built entirely from Lego bricks…an astounding 500,000 of them:   This project took 900 hours in eight weeks to complete and is astounding in its detail. It weighs around 4,000 pounds, even more than the actual steel car upon which it is m ... read more

In a 1909 meeting, Henry Ford said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” In the century-plus since he said that, manufacturers—including Ford—have relaxed that requirement somewhat, offering vehicles painted in a rainbow of colors, up to and including actual rainbows. When you look around while driving, though, it seems like there are just a few colors in everyday use. That begs the question: “just what are the most popular colors for cars these days?” For that, we turn to the experts, in this case, Pittsburgh Plate Glass, better known as PPG. Though as its name implies, PPG was first a glass company, it now is among the top producers of automotive paints. According to Jane E. Harrington, PPG Manager, auto manufacturer’s attitudes have loosened a bit since Ford’s day. “Color and styling choices by original equipment manufacturers must be responsive to differences among potential buy ... read more

Halloween is here and with it come the added dangers of excited goblins running in the streets in their dark costumes. Robert’s Collision & Repair reminds you that trick-or-treaters can be indecisive and impulsive, and their costumes may hinder their peripheral vision. Please be careful and follow these Halloween safe driving tips:      Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra reaction time should children dart into the street. Keep an eye out for pirates and princesses walking in streets, on medians and curbs. Look out for children crossing streets. They may not be paying attention to traffic and could run out from between parked cars in the middle of the block. Be careful entering driveways and alleys.   A quick reminder that Halloween may bring out some little devils. If your vehicle is egged or otherwise affected, bring it to Robert’s Collision and ... read more

Car week in Monterey takes place August 11 - 20, and it just so happens to be one of our favorite events here on the Monterey Peninsula! This year’s events will be scattered across Seaside, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach. Monterey Car Week has become one of the most popular car shows in the world. Considering the week-long festivities and famous cars and car designs, it’s no wonder why! The show starts off on Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey with a car show that has over 30 classic cars lining the roads. The events later on in the week at Pebble Beach are so revered that many sponsors and car makers use the stage to introduce new car models and even offer test drives! The sponsors are not only car companies, they are also sponsored by Rolex and a handful of yacht and private jet representatives. It’s certainly a high mark for the attendants to meet, but the great thing about Car Week is that as long as you have a love for cars and make some tim ... read more

    As cars age, you often begin to see discoloration, staining, peeling… all sorts of problems appearing with paint. Although these can be staved off with regular washing and waxing, many have specific, sometimes preventable causes. At Robert’s Collision and Repair, we’ve seen it all when it comes to paint job problems, and we have all the tools and talent to sand down, repaint, repair, and wax your car’s paint job until it is seamless and shiny again. But just in case you’ve got some professional curiosity about how paint problems develop, here’s a few common reasons paint can wear:   Craters and air pockets can develop and mess up a vehicle’s paint job. These are a result of a bad paint job, to begin with. To paint cars, we use a spray gun to coat the vehicle evenly, but if the gun is too close to the car or is moved too slowly, air bubbles can form and when they pop, it peels back that paint. This happens pretty quickly a ... read more

If you just made your final car payment and want to celebrate this milestone, why not treat your vehicle to an Ultimate Facial? Robert’s Collision & Repair offers an Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint that will help bring back the showroom floor luster your vehicle had when it was brand new.   This Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint is only $250.00, and is available by appointment. Rental cars are available as needed. Here’s what the Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint includes:   Platinum Wash -- Full Service Hand Wash Paint Protection Package Wheel Bright / Tire Shine Clean Glass Air Freshener Vacuum Leather Protectant Complete Micro Buff Clay Magic Complete Carnauba Wax ​   If you want to do something else for your vehicle, you’re welcome to choose from our other detailing services, such as:   Interior Complete Carpet OR Seat Shampoo Interior Complete Carpet AND Seat Shampoo Gold Wash Silver Wash Paint Touch Ups D ... read more

Robert’s Collision & Repair has earned the reputation as the leading auto repair center on the Monterey Peninsula, but what exactly separates us from our competitors? We have a compiled a list of reasons:   Estimators located on site at our facility make the process of auto repair much easier. They can quickly estimate the cost and extent of the damage, so we begin repairing your vehicle that much faster. We’re a preferred vendor for several insurance companies, including GEICO, Farmers, State Farm, Progressive, USAA, and several other auto insurance carriers. In order to become a preferred vendor, you need to meet several standards and requirements. Basically, it is a big deal. Insurance companies trust us to properly repair your car. Our customer service is both professional and personable. We pay close attention to effectively and efficiently service your vehicle, while keeping you informed each step of the way. We boast an on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car ... read more

You can think of your vehicle’s paint as its skin. Just like how we have to protect our skin from harm, we have to do the same for our car’s paint. The first step in protecting your car’s paint is to recognize what you should avoid, as a car-owner. The team at Robert’s Collision & Repair has compiled a list of what you should be wary of:   Sun: Just like our skin, the sun’s UV rays can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s paint. In the hot sun, your car’s paint actually expands, which means it can absorb more dirt and grime. Bird droppings: Not only do bird droppings look less than pleasant, they are also harmful to our car’s paint. In fact, they are very acidic, so they are able to easily erode paint and clear-coat finishes quite easily. Tree Sap: It is easy to see why sap is an enemy to our car’s paint. It is sticky, difficult to remove, and an absolute magnet for ... read more

As the days and miles go by, your car picks up tons of dirt and grime. Detailing wipes away all that filth, and leaves your car glistening. At a car detailing service, a professional will use special tools and technology to detail the car, both inside and out.   During a detailing service, there are several areas of your car that we can focus on, depending on the service you select:   Paint: One of those areas is your vehicle’s paint. Our team of professionals will clean, correct, and protect the paint of your vehicle. Also, we will polish your vehicle to carefully remove any scratches or swirl marks. We can also wax your car to ensure your paint is properly protected. Chassis and wheels: We believe it is important for our professionals to carefully clean and detail the undercarriage of your car, along with the wheel walls. Headlights and taillights: Our team will polish headlights and taillights that are no longer clear and showing signs of oxidation. Interi ... read more

Automobiles are constantly improving. Safety features are continually being upgraded. Acceleration is becoming quicker. There are few changes and trends on the horizon that will completely change the way you drive. Here are the five top automobile trends:   Personalization: Because of complex algorithms and software, cars are becoming much more personalized. Basically, cars will adapt and understand their driver’s preference and habits. This will make driving much safer and easier than ever before. ​ Algorithms for everything: From car insurance to car sales, everything will have an algorithm. For example, your specific driving abilities and the area you live in will be used to analyze the cost of your insurance premium. Basically, everything will become a lot more personalized to you and your vehicle. Ethernet in your car: Soon, you will be able to watch movies and television in your cars, thanks to the emergence of th ... read more

At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we have been assisting with the restoration of the Ingenue Funny Car. Here is what Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car has been posting about us on their Facebook page.  :-)   March 9, 2016 Facebook update from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car “Picked up the body and dropped it off...every tech in the place (and it's a BIG place) stopped what they were doing to check out Ingenue,lol...pretty funny actually.” March 9, 2016 Facebook update from Ingenue / Buick Dealers Group Funny Car “Stopped by today and snapped these, Jeff was there yesterday and went over everything that needs to be addressed with Martin who is overseeing the project. Areas were marked and noted and progress was actually being made…” March 15, 2016 Facebook update from ... read more

What’s your favorite color? Okay, now...what’s your favorite car color? Similar to what car you choose speaks volumes about your personality, the same can be said about your preferred car color. Borrowing from the Today Show, here is what your car color of choice says about you… or how you wish to be perceived.   Black = Serious, classic, elegant, professional White = Fastidious, pure, direct, pristine Red = Bold, confident, sensual, outgoing Orange = Artistic, one-of-a-kind, complex, individualistic Blue = Calm, credible, faithful, authoritative Silver = Elegant, forward-thinking, prestigious, futuristic Green = Well-balanced, no-fuss, organic, trustworthy Brown = Natural, down-to-earth, powerful, unique Yellow = Joyful, effervescent, sense of humor Gold = Glamorous, warm, intelligent   So, how accurate were these descriptions for you? Pretty close, huh? W ... read more

  Auto battery Safety Month is in October. To celebrate, Robert’s Collision & Auto Repair is happy to provide information about maintaining a car’s battery and warning signs of a dying battery.   Tips for maintaining a car's battery: If you can, park in a garage. A thoroughly insulated garage will keep your battery warm, which will prolong the life of the battery. Drive your vehicle on a routine basis. Avoid frequent, short drives. Try not to leave vehicle accessories on for a long period of time. For example, leaving a cell phone charger plugged in will require the battery to recharge constantly, which shortens the life of the battery. Make sure to have your vehicle serviced regularly. An engine in poor condition will overload the battery. Typically, batteries last about two to three years, but how do you know if your battery is on the verge of dying? Here are the signs to watch out for: Your engine cranks when you turn the key, but it will not st ... read more

The Benefits of Waterborne Paint: A Decade of Green Innovation at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we take pride in being pioneers in environmentally friendly practices within the auto body industry. Since becoming the first and only green-certified body shop in the Monterey area, we've continued to advance our commitment to sustainability and quality. One of our standout initiatives has been the adoption of waterborne paint technology, which remains at the forefront of our eco-friendly efforts. Why Waterborne Paint? Environmental and Safety Benefits: Waterborne paint technology significantly reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to both the environment and human health. By using water as the primary solvent, we lower the levels of hazardous chemicals released into the air, contributing to improved air quality and a safer working environment for our employees. S ... read more

Robert's Auto Repair is very proud to be the only green-certified auto body shop in the Monterey Peninsula. What makes us so green? Mostly, its our environmentally-friendly paint that we use on the vehicles. Here is a definition of waterborne paint: "Waterborne paints have been evaluated as alternatives to solvent-based paints. The volatile organic compound (VOC) content of waterborne paints is significantly lower than conventional solvent-based paints, thereby reducing VOC emissions. Waterborne (or latex) paints are composed of synthetic resins and pigments that are kept dispersed in water by surfactants. They also contain small amounts of coalescing solvents. Waterborne paints dry by evaporation of the water. The coalescing solvents allow the resin particles to fuse together (coalesce) as the water evaporates to form a continuous coating. Waterborne paints must be protected from freezing and applied at a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.' 'Waterborne paints reduce VOC ... read more