Capella Solutions Group

Five Reasons Using Solvents is Crucial to Repainting Your Car

31 March 2025 Automotive

So your car needs a new paint job? Like anything done right the first time, good preparation is key to achieving that new look you want.

So where do you begin? Solvents would be an excellent start.

Solvents, or thinners, are liquids used to dissolve or dilute paints and resins on cars and other surfaces. Some examples of solvents are acetone, mineral spirits, alcohols, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), amongst others. These products, similar to ProXL’s new Solv-X range, can assist you in finding the best quality solvents at the most attractive prices.

But are solvents even necessary? Here are five reasons solvents are crucial in the automotive refinishing industry:

Effective Paint Thinning and Application: Solvents are essential for thinning automotive paints, ensuring they have the right viscosity for smooth and even application. This allows for a flawless finish and helps in achieving the desired colour, texture, and durability in refinishing work.
Surface Preparation and Cleaning: Solvents are used to clean and prep surfaces before painting or refinishing. They remove grease, oils, waxes, and dirt from the vehicle’s surface, ensuring proper adhesion of paint and coatings. This step is vital for achieving a high-quality, long-lasting finish.
Paint Removal: Solvents are effective in stripping old or damaged paint, allowing technicians to restore surfaces to their original state before applying new coatings. This process ensures the new paint adheres properly and creates a smooth surface.
Efficient Drying and Curing: Some solvents help accelerate the drying and curing process of automotive refinishing coatings, reducing the overall time needed for a vehicle to be ready for use. This can improve productivity in busy repair shops and refinishers.
Enhanced Solubility and Compatibility: Solvents are used to ensure the compatibility of different coatings, adhesives, and sealants used in refinishing. They help dissolve resins and binders in coatings, ensuring even consistency and proper chemical interactions, which are crucial for a strong, durable finish.

For the perfect new paint job, using solvents in your preparation is a crucial first step. Solvents, like ProXL’s Solv-X range, are indispensable for achieving high-quality, efficient, and durable results in automotive refinishing processes.

Find out here more

https://capellasolutionsgroup.com/product-category/solv-x/