What is the solvent used to decrease the viscosity of paints and coatings?

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In automotive refinishing, the solvent used to lower viscosity is the reducer, a solvent blend formulated specifically for the coating to optimize spray performance. Reducers are designed to match the coating’s chemistry and the desired drying characteristics, helping achieve proper atomization, flow, and film formation at the job’s temperature and humidity.

Thinner is a general term for any liquid that lowers viscosity, and diluent or solvent are broader terms that don’t convey the system-specific formulation and purpose. The reducer, being tailored to the product, provides the precise balance of viscosity reduction and evaporation needed for a quality spray finish.