Generally, consumers can choose between two types of paints:

• Water-based paints
• Solvent-based paints

As their name indicates, solvent-based paints, sometimes referred to as "oil-based" or "alkyd" paints, contain a significantly higher level of organic solvents than water-based paints. These solvents are responsible for the strong odour noticeable in buildings that have been freshly painted. They are also potentially hazardous for both human health and for the environment which is why concerted efforts are being made to reduce or remove their presence in paints without negatively impacting on paint performance.

The function of organic solvents in a paint relates to certain properties it brings – it facilitates the paint’s application, it’s drying, and the formation of a regular paint film. During application and drying, the solvent evaporates. Ideally a dry paint film no longer contains solvent. However when they evaporate, these solvents release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, with a negative, toxic impact on the environment.

Fifty years ago, virtually all paint was solvent-based. Today, advances in paint technology mean that modern, water-based paints, often referred to as acrylic emulsions, are increasingly replacing organic solvents across a broad range of paint applications and surface areas. Legislation is in place to support this trend. The European Commission recently passed a law requiring manufacturers to reduce the quantity of solvents used in paints. From a performance standpoint, advances in paint technology mean that high quality water-based paints are in many respects equal to or superior to their solvent-based equivalents. High quality acrylic emulsions offer excellent durability, quick drying time, and the emission of less odour.