A solvent is a volatile liquid that dissolves the binder polymers and determines the viscosity of paint. The properties of the solvent affect the intended storage time, and the application mode of paint. Solvents have three classes of solubility. Solvents with the highest solubility can dissolve strongly hydrogenated bonds that consist of alcohols. Other solvents are classed based on their ability to dissolve moderately hydrogenated bonds consisting of esters and ethers, and poorly hydrogenated bonds including hydrocarbons.
Paints typically contain two types of polymers.
There can be no more than a small difference in the ranges of solubility of the two polymers. The range in the solubility of solvents is based on the range of the solubility of the polymers. There are several things that can be taken into consideration when selecting a solvent for a polymer. Three of the most important are the solubility of the solvent, paint viscosity, and the drying time. Solvents should be nontoxic, have an acceptable odor, and be low cost.