This category consists of aliphatic (straightchained)
solvents and aromatic (containing benzene rings) solvents. Aliphatic
solvents tend to be low in their ability to dissolve a resin. Examples of aliphatic
solvents are mineral spirits and VM&P (varnish maker’s and painter’s) naphtha in
a narrow boiling range fraction of petroleum with boiling points of about 93 to
149°C. Aromatic solvents, however, are high in solvent power. Only four aromatic
solvents are commonly used in coatings: medium-flash aromatic naphtha, highflash
aromatic naphtha, toluene and xylene.