Waterborne primers aren’t just for the eco-conscious anymore — they’re for any finisher looking to upgrade efficiency, compliance, and end results without the headaches of traditional solvent-based systems. Here's who benefits most from making the switch:
Cabinet Refinishers Who Want Less Odor, More Output
If you’re working in occupied homes, lingering solvent smells can be a dealbreaker. Waterborne primers like CW-1111 offer low-odor application, which means happier homeowners and fewer complaints. Plus, with fast dry times and exceptional sandability, you can move faster through your workflow — helping you complete more kitchens in less time.
Shops Spraying Built-Ins, Doors, or Trim in Residential Settings
When your jobsite is someone’s living room, VOCs matter. CW-1111’s VOC-compliant formulation makes it safe for interior use, and its ability to level and build quickly gives your finish a pro-grade foundation — even under demanding conditions like ambient dust or fluctuating temps.
Pros Navigating Compliance Without Compromise
In regulated states or LEED-certified projects, using non-compliant primers isn’t worth the risk. CW-1111 gives you regulatory peace of mind while delivering the performance of a solvent-based primer — tight adhesion, minimal shrinkage, and a surface that topcoats love.
Finishers Transitioning from Solvent to Waterborne Systems
Still hanging on to precat or conversion varnish? You're not alone — but switching doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. CW-1111 is bridge-friendly, meaning it plays well with both waterborne and 2K solvent topcoats. That makes it a smart first step if you’re easing into waterborne systems without overhauling everything at once.
Why Waterborne Primers?
Eco-Conscious and Compliant
Waterborne primers are low in VOCs, which means they meet strict environmental regulations (especially important in places like California or the Northeast). They’re safer to use in tight or occupied spaces, and many clients are now actively looking for “green” finishing options — and willing to pay for them.
Fast Dry Times, Less Downtime
Today’s waterborne technology isn’t what it was a decade ago. With proper airflow and temp control, products like CW-1111 dry incredibly fast — allowing you to sand, recoat, or topcoat sooner and keep your projects moving.
Outstanding Sandability & Adhesion
CW-1111 is a standout in this category. It’s an acrylic-modified polyurethane primer that offers excellent adhesion on a wide range of substrates, including MDF, veneer, and solid wood. The sandability is elite — soft, powdery, and effortless — giving you a smooth, level base for your topcoat to shine.
Spotlight: CW-1111 Waterborne Acrylic-Modified PU Primer
This premium primer was designed with the professional finisher in mind. Whether you’re spraying kitchen cabinets or high-end millwork, CW-1111 delivers on every front:
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High-build formula for better surface leveling and grain fill
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Quick dry times and short recoat windows (ideal for fast-paced shops)
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VOC-compliant and user-safe for indoor applications
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Outstanding coverage and hiding power
And unlike some waterborne primers that feel “plastic-y” or brittle, CW-1111 lays down with a refined texture and remains flexible — reducing cracking and chipping over time.
The Bottom Line
Waterborne primers like CW-1111 are the next generation of finishing — durable, dependable, and designed to meet today’s jobsite and regulatory demands. If you’ve been holding out, now’s the time to test it out in your own shop.
View CW-1111 on Accessa Marketplace
Have questions or want help choosing the right system? Book a Tech Huddle with our team — we’ve got real-world finishers ready to guide you through it.