(1) Liquid, usually volatile, used in the manufacture of paint to dissolve or disperse the filmforming constituents. Since they evaporate during drying, solvents do not become part of the dried film. Solvents are used to control the consistency and character of the liquid paint material and to regulate its application properties (2) Liquid used to dissolve and remove oil, dirt, grease, soil, and waxes from metal surfaces.
