Which component is used to adjust viscosity during application (a common property of paints and coatings)?

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When you need to get a coating to sprayable flow, the component used to adjust viscosity for the application is the reducer. Reducers are formulated to be compatible with the specific auto refinishing system (basecoat or clearcoat) and to evaporate at the right rate as you spray, which helps the coating atomize, wet the substrate, and level out without runs. The reducer is chosen based on the product type and the spraying conditions (temperature, humidity) to hit the target viscosity.

Other terms describe more general solvents. A thinner is commonly associated with lacquers and older systems, a diluent is a broad term for any solvent that lowers viscosity, and a solvent is the generic name for any liquid that dissolves or carries the binder. The reducer is the dedicated option used to fine-tune viscosity for application in automotive finishes.