Solvency & Polarity

Match the solvent’s polarity to the resin and pigment system. Use Hansen or Hildebrand parameters to predict compatibility and avoid seed/gel issues.

• Aliphatics: Low polarity; good for waxes and aliphatic binders.
• Aromatics & Ketones: Mid/high solvency for many coating resins and colorants.
• Alcohols/Esters: Polar options aiding flow and coalescence.

Evaporation Rate & Film Formation

Evaporation controls open time, leveling, and defect risk. Solvent blends balance fast dry (tack-free) with slower tails for flow and reduced orange peel.

Viscosity, Flash Point & Process

• Dial-in application viscosity for spray/roll/curtain methods.
• Respect flash point for booth design and storage class.
• Check resin cut stability to prevent phase separation.

Compliance & EHS

• VOC strategy: Prefer low-VOC or exempt solvents where mandated.
• Toxicology: Review SDS; select safer substitutions when possible.
• Waste: Segregate, label, and dispose via authorized channels.

Quick Selector

1. Match resin/solvent parameters & pigment stability.
2. Balance evaporation to climate and application method.
3. Verify VOC, labeling, and transport class.