Solvents and thinners
In the field of paint and varnish materials, the concepts of solvents and thinners often overlap. Therefore, first you should understand what is the difference between these terms.
Solvents are volatile organic liquids capable of dissolving film-forming substances (binding components of LFM) or, in simple words, dissolving paint. As a result of chemical interaction, a homogeneous liquid is formed. Solvents are used to reduce the viscosity of LFM, reduce drying time and create an even, uniform coating.
Lacquer and paint thinners are liquids that are not able to independently dissolve the film-forming substance, but at the same time create a dispersion or solution with a binder. They are used to reduce the viscosity of paints and varnishes and facilitate drying. As a rule, these are water-based thinners involved in the production of water-dispersion or water-emulsion paints and organic-based thinners used to dilute organically soluble LFMs.
Types of solvents for varnishes and paints
White spirit is a mixture of liquid aliphatic and volatile hydrocarbons with a sharp smell. Dissolves oil and alkyd paints and enamels, bituminous and rubber mastics. White spirit is a transparent liquid obtained in the process of multi-stage separation of oil. It is also very useful for motorists in the fight against bitumen stains on car bodies after driving on freshly laid roads. White spirit is used in everyday life – you can easily wipe dirty hands with it after painting and remove paint stains from clothes.
KALOSHA gasoline is used in the rubber industry, for diluting oil, bituminous and other paint materials, degreasing surfaces before painting or gluing them, removing greasy stains from various types of fabric.
Kerosene is used for diluting alkyd, oil, bituminous materials, filling ordinary and incandescent lamps, forcing, as fuel in heating and lighting devices, for washing parts and other purposes.
Turpentine is a liquid mixture of components obtained from the resins of coniferous trees. It is a by-product in the production of wood pulp from resinous wood using the sulfate method. Turpentine dissolves oil- and alkyd-styrene-based paints, varnishes and enamels made of natural resins, pentaphthalic and glyphthalic enamels, artistic materials, bituminous mastics.
Solvent is a flammable liquid based on light hydrocarbons, which is released from oil or coal raw materials. Quite toxic material. When working with it, it is necessary to observe some safety measures: use rubber gloves and glasses. It is an effective solvent for oil, alkyd, alkyd-phenolic LFM, and is also suitable for oils, bitumen, rubber, melamino-alkyd LFM.
Xylene (petroleum) is an aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a benzene ring and two methyl groups. It is widely used for diluting to working viscosity various car enamels, as well as some LFM and primers on alkyd, epoxy and bituminous bases. With its help, it is possible to achieve the required level of viscosity, which is especially important when using spray guns. Also, xylene is used in construction to degrease the surface before painting, as well as to dissolve polymeric and other compounds. It is a rather toxic material with a large number of volatile compounds.
Acetone is a colorless mobile volatile liquid with a characteristic sharp smell.
Among the combined solvents, we highlight the most popular:
646 universal solvent for nitropaints, nitroenamels, general-purpose nitrolacquers, epoxy and acrylic materials. This is the most convenient and universal solvent. It is often used in everyday life as a solvent for paints and varnishes, for mixing and softening putties.
Solvent 647 – used for diluting nitroenamels, nitrolacquers and nitroputty. It dissolves synthetic and natural resins well. It is also used for diluting car enamels and paints.
Solvent 650 is used mainly for diluting nitrocellulose enamels – in particular, NC. However, this solvent can also be used for other varnishes, paints, enamels and primers, if it is indicated in the instructions for these materials.
Solvent Solvecol Universal is used to dilute melamine formaldehyde car enamels, nitroalkyd varnishes and enamels of domestic and imported production.
Solvent RP CLEANER RINSE for washing and cleaning various tools, paint sprayers and containers from incompletely dried paint and varnish materials. Removes glue and tape residues from various surfaces. Does not spoil the nylon parts of the equipment.
The full assortment of solvents is presented in our catalog.
If you have additional questions, our experts will help you choose solvents for varnishes and paints and for other technological processes of your production process.
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