Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

October, 2002

VOC Compliant Solvents for Paints & Coatings

Q. I am looking for a VOC compliant solvent I can use to replace mineral spirits for a formula I am blending for a stone sealer. It contains a fluoropolymer and mineral spirts..What do you recommend as a replacement.

A. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by a :"VOC Compliant solvent". With only a few exceptions that include acetone, methyl acetate, PCBTF, methylene chloride and volatile methyl siloxanes, and a host of chlorofluoro hydrocarbons, all other organic solvents ARE by definition VOCs.

Mineral Spirits is as complaint as any other solvent. The issue is how much VOC is in the coating. If you are formulating a coating that must have a VOC content less than 3.5 lbs/gal (for instance), then it doesn't matter what solvents you select for the formulation, provided that their weight in the coating does not exceed 3.5 lbs/gal.

If you are asking me to recommend a solvent other than mineral spirits that is compatible with fluoropolymers, then I can't help you, and suggest that you check with the raw material supplier of the polymer.

I hope I have clarified the situation.