Abstract: A temporary removable water-based paint produces a protective film which is insensitive to water or weather, but washes off with an ammonia gel. The paint is waterborne employing an acrylic copolymer as a vehicle, and an acetylenic dispersant to disperse the pigment particles in the acrylic copolymer. The acetylenic dispersant is present in an amount of 3-5% by weight of the pigment. The acetylenic dispersant has the property that after it is applied, it becomes water insensitive so it does not rewet on exposure to moisture.