When Should I Choose Solvent-Based Paint?

• If you are working with a smooth surface
  If you want to paint smooth indoor tiles or a smooth radiator, we recommend using a synthetic/solvent-based primer. (e.g. Sigma Multiprimer) You can, of course, finish the surface with a water-based lacquer.
• If your windows and doors are exposed to extreme sunlight
  Do you live by the coast and are your windows and doors exposed to a lot of wind and sun? In that case, there are highly weather-resistant solvent-based lacquers available. (e.g. Sigma S2U Allure)
• If you want to paint outdoors in early spring
  Choose solvent-based paint for projects in early spring or late autumn. It performs more reliably at temperatures between 5°C and 15°C and is better able to withstand higher humidity levels.

Which Colours Are Ideal for Solvent-Based Paint?

One disadvantage of solvent-based paint is that it can yellow when exposed to insufficient sunlight. For this reason, we strongly advise against using white shades for indoor projects with solvent-based paint.

If you want to paint indoors with a solvent-based lacquer, we recommend choosing darker or more vibrant colours. These shades will retain their appearance and colour quality for much longer.

What Types of Turpentine-Based Paint Are Available?

• Weather-resistant exterior lacquers
• Fixative primers: for highly chalky and strongly absorbent surfaces
• Solvent-based wood stains

How Do I Paint with Solvent-Based Paint?

As with most paint systems, you should apply one primer coat followed by two finishing coats. The same applies here. The only difference is that painting with solvent-based paint requires slightly different painting tools. Below is a brief overview:

• Paint roller specifically designed for solvent-based paint: Anza felt roller
• Flat brush suitable for alkyd paint / solvent-based paint: ProGold Exclusive flat brush
• White Spirit or Turpentine for cleaning your painting tools: ProGold White Spirit

What Are High-Quality Solvent-Based Paint Systems?

• Sigma S2U Primer + Sigma S2U Semi-Gloss
• Sikkens Rubbol Primer + Sikkens Rubbol Satura

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solvent-based paint the same as turpentine-based paint?

Solvent-based paint is known by several different names. Turpentine-based paint is one of them. You may also hear the terms alkyd paint or alkyd-based paint when referring to solvent-based paint. These terms are often used interchangeably, so feel free to use any of them when speaking with our customer service team - we’ll immediately know what you mean.

Which is better: solvent-based paint or water-based paint?

At the top of this page, we outlined three situations where solvent-based paint is the better choice: as a primer for smooth surfaces, when living near the coast, and during early spring when humidity levels are higher. Outside of these scenarios, our personal preference is generally water-based paint or lacquer. It offers excellent colour retention, is easier to work with, and is more environmentally friendly.




Read our blog to learn more about the differences between solvent-based and water-based paint.

Can I paint over solvent-based lacquer with water-based lacquer?

If you have applied a solvent-based primer, you can lightly sand and dust the surface after it has dried, then immediately apply water-based paint. The reverse is not possible!


✅ Applying water-based paint over solvent-based paint is perfectly fine.
❌ Applying solvent-based paint over water-based paint is not recommended!

A painting tip worth remembering forever 😉

Is there such a thing as fast-drying solvent-based paint?

One disadvantage of solvent-based paint is that it generally dries more slowly than water-based paint. As a result, applying multiple coats in a single day is usually not possible. However, fast-drying solvent-based or turpentine-based paints do exist. Examples include Sigma Rapid Primer and Sikkens Rubbol Primer Express. They are ideal for projects with a tight deadline.

Can solvent-based lacquer also be applied indoors?

Yes, it can! For smooth indoor tiles or radiators, a solvent-based primer is highly recommended. Our top recommendation is Sigma Multiprimer. Once the primer has dried, you can overcoat it with any interior lacquer of your choice. For most other indoor projects, however, working with solvent-based paint is often less pleasant. Solvent-based products have a strong odour, and solvent-based lacquers may yellow over time when exposed to insufficient sunlight. For this reason, it is generally better to choose water-based paint for indoor applications. For outdoor painting projects, weather-resistant solvent-based lacquers remain an excellent option.