Solvents are liquid substances, which have the property of dissolving resins or binders without altering their chemical nature, giving solutions that are normally transparent, homogeneous and stable over time.
Solvents are therefore used by manufacturers in the formulation of paints to dissolve the resin, whether it is in solid form, or to keep it in suspension together with the other ingredients, in case it is liquid.
An additional function of solvents is to serve for the cleaning of working tools: in this case they take the name of washing solvents.
To best exert the function for which it is used, the washing solvent must be aggressive towards paint residues. They are therefore products that are formulated for this precise purpose and are different according to whether they should be used with traditional paints or water-soluble paints.