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: 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: 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.