Water Based vs Solvent Based Epoxy What’s The Difference
In the past, solvent is the favored carrier agent used for epoxy coatings because of the following reasons: It can be used even in high humidity and cool temperatures. It can bear petroleum contaminates in concrete floors. It produces a much glossier surface. It is more durable than water-based epoxy systems. However, solvent-based epoxy contains high content of volatile organic compounds. As such, solvent-based epoxy cannot be used indoors because of the harmful fumes. When used outdoors, you will have to utilize proper respirators and avoid open flames like furnaces and water heaters because the solvent-based epoxy is highly flammable. If you are looking for solvent-based epoxies, you may have a hard time finding them as some states have banned their use if unless they are produced with low VOCs. They are being used less and less nowadays.