Abstract: A composition for cleaning a fluid delivery system includes an agent which controls the rheology of the fluid so that its apparent viscosity decreases as the fluid is subjected to a shear force. In particular applications, the viscosity of the composition is greater than 600 centipoise when it is not subject to any shear and less than 600 centipoise when subject to a shear of at least 10 1/sec. The fluid may be thixotropic or a Bingham plastic, in some instances. In a specific embodiment, the viscosity of the composition is greater than 3000 centipoise when it is not subject to shear, less than 3000 centipoise at a shear of 10 1/sec, less than 1000 centipoise at a shear of 30 1/sec, and less than 600 centipoise at a shear of 60 1/sec. Also disclosed are methods for cleaning a fluid delivery system with these compositions.

Abstract: A purge solution for removing water-based dehydrated paint residues from a paint delivery system includes 2–15 total weight percent of a purge concentrate diluted with solvent. The concentrate includes 20–99.5 total weight percent of a C4 alcohol or an alkoxylated C4 alcohol, and 0.5–30 total weight percent of an amine.

Abstract: An additive for improving the transfer efficiency of paint comprises an ultra high molecular weight polymer dissolved in a solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers, halogenated aromatic materials and combinations thereof. UHMW acrylic polymers are one preferred group of polymers, and materials with a molecular weight in the range of 8,000,000-12,000,000 are particularly preferred. Also disclosed are methods for using the additive.

Abstract: A universal paint solvent comprises, on a weight basis, 1-30% of an acidic material selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, phosphonic acids, phosphoric acids, and combinations thereof, together with 10-80% of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and combinations thereof. In particular compositions, the acidic component is comprised of a mixture of two different acids. Alkyl esters, particularly acetate esters, are preferred organic solvents. Butyl acetate is a specifically preferred solvent. The compositions solvate a large variety of different paint formulations, and are effective at room temperature. The compositions have particular utility for cleaning paint delivery systems and equipment.

Abstract: A universal paint solvent comprises, on a weight basis, 1-30% of an acidic material selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, phosphonic acids, phosphoric acids, and combinations thereof; together with 10-80% of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and combinations thereof. In particular compositions, the acidic component is comprised of a mixture of two different acids. Alkyl esters, particularly acetate esters, are preferred organic solvents. Butyl acetate is a specifically preferred solvent. The compositions solvate a large variety of different paint formulations, and are effective at room temperature. The compositions have particular utility for cleaning paint delivery systems and equipment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in temporarily protecting a paint booth surface are described which allow removal of the protective composition and undesired overspray with a low pressure stream of water. The protective composition is a mixture containing at least a hydrophobic solvent comprising a C1-4 alkyl ester of a C16-18 fatty acid, a surfactant and a thickener.

Abstract: A coating composition for producing a water washable, protective coating, comprising, by weight, 10-50% of a mixture of at least two acrylic polymers each having different molecular weights, acid numbers, and glass transition temperatures. The composition includes water and an alkali, in an amount sufficient to maintain the composition at a pH in the range of 7.5 to 9.5 and is further characterized in that the average molecular weight of the mixture of the at least two acrylic polymers is in the range of approximately 35,000 to 100,000. The average acid number of the mixture is in the range of approximately 65 to 150 and the glass transition temperature of a coating produced by the evaporation of the water from the composition is in the range of 0 to 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A paint-stripping composition comprises, on a weight basis, at least 20% of a benzyl alcohol, together with 5-30% of methylene chloride, 1-10% of hydrogen peroxide and 10-60% of water. The composition may also include auxiliary ingredients such as thickeners, evaporation retardants, surfactants, pH control agents, accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, coloring agents, and fragrances.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for paint delivery systems includes 3-90% of an organic solvent which may comprise one or more aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons and aliphatic esters. The composition also includes between 0.5 and 30% of a hydroxy carboxylic acid such as glycolic acid, as well as a coupling agent which may comprise one or more alcohols, glycols or glycol ethers.

Abstract: A paint stripping composition includes a peroxide, water and an organic solvent. The composition has a near-neutral pH. The solvents may include benzyl alcohol and/or cyclohexane dimethanol, and the peroxide may comprise hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing paint deposits includes, by weight, 20-80% of a solution of 2-30% of an alkali metal hydroxide dissolved in a glycol ether together with 80-20% of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of ketones, alcohols, esters, aromatic solvents, and combinations thereof. The composition is essentially free of water and may further include thickening agents, surfactants, defoamers and colors.

Abstract: The paint stripping composition comprises by weight: 30 to 65% benzyl alcohol and 20 to 60% water together with a coupling agent which operates to solubilize the benzyl alcohol in the water.

Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a liquid vehicle having dispersed therein, a particulate, organic, polymeric material. This composition is used for cleaning encrustations from the interior surface of tubes or other vessels, particularly those of paint delivery systems. Such cleaning is accomplished by maintaining a flow of the cleaning composition through the vessel. The vehicle may comprise organic or inorganic solvent mixtures and may include detergents, surfactants and similar ancillary ingredients.