What is Solvent?

A solvent is a liquid used to dissolve, thin, or clean up paint and coatings. In oil-based paints and stains, mineral spirits or paint thinner serve as the solvent carrier that evaporates as the paint cures. Water is the solvent in latex and acrylic paints. Solvents are also used to clean brushes, rollers, and spray equipment after use with oil-based products. Proper solvent selection is important for thinning paint to the correct viscosity for spraying or brushing.