Painting Sites Halting Due to Thinner Shortages - The 'Oil-Based Paint Restriction Problem' Spreading in the Industry and a New Alternative
Due to thinner shortages caused by the Middle East situation, Prematex has introduced 'water-soluble solvent paint' as a new alternative for painting sites struggling with restricted oil-based paint usage.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 19:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 3, 2026 at 11:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 04:06 (425h 6m after Collected)
Due to the influence of the Middle East situation, anxiety over the supply of paint thinner is becoming serious. As a result, there are cases occurring at painting sites nationwide where the use of oil-based (solvent) paint is restricted, and an increasing number of cases are forcing a review of construction plans or consideration of alternative methods.
On the other hand, the reality is that there is still deep-rooted resistance at the site level to switching to water-based paints due to concerns about workability and finish.
## Voices saying 'Water-based alone is tough'
At painting sites, water-based and oil-based paints are used selectively depending on the application and conditions. Among them, oil-based paints are often chosen for roof painting or direct painting on attached parts without the use of undercoat materials. However, due to the destabilization of thinner supply, this premise is wavering.
'Concerns remain about leveling and finish with water-based.'
'We are actually switching, but the processes and effort have increased.'
Caught between supply problems and concerns over construction quality is a major challenge currently faced by painting sites.
## Water-Soluble Solvent Paint as a 'Third Option'
Against this background, Prematex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kenichi Kikuchi) is proposing a new option called 'water-soluble solvent paint,' which combines the characteristics of both oil-based and water-based paints.
Water-soluble solvent paint was developed as a paint that adopts a solvent that can be diluted with water, combining the workability of water-based paint with the quality of oil-based paint.
Since its launch last year, along with the expansion of the product lineup, cases of its continuous use in actual painting sites have been increasing, and there is a spreading movement to transition to full adoption after trial introduction. It is already taking root as one of the standard options at some painting shops.
'The dilution is indeed water, but it allows for direct painting and has good coverage.'
'I had anxiety about the switch, but I was convinced when I saw the finish.'
## Growing Interest Against the Backdrop of Thinner Shortages
And now, as the unstable situation of thinner supply continues, interest is growing from the perspective of supply stability.
Inquiries from the field are also increasing, and expanded adoption is expected at sites facing similar challenges.
## A 'Realistic Choice' Required for the Future Painting Industry
The destabilization of thinner supply is not just a short-term problem but has the potential to affect the very nature of future paint selection.
Rather than relying on the traditional binary choice of 'water-based or oil-based,' a flexible approach of selectively using multiple options depending on the situation will be essential for the future painting industry.
On the other hand, the reality is that there is still deep-rooted resistance at the site level to switching to water-based paints due to concerns about workability and finish.
## Voices saying 'Water-based alone is tough'
At painting sites, water-based and oil-based paints are used selectively depending on the application and conditions. Among them, oil-based paints are often chosen for roof painting or direct painting on attached parts without the use of undercoat materials. However, due to the destabilization of thinner supply, this premise is wavering.
'Concerns remain about leveling and finish with water-based.'
'We are actually switching, but the processes and effort have increased.'
Caught between supply problems and concerns over construction quality is a major challenge currently faced by painting sites.
## Water-Soluble Solvent Paint as a 'Third Option'
Against this background, Prematex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kenichi Kikuchi) is proposing a new option called 'water-soluble solvent paint,' which combines the characteristics of both oil-based and water-based paints.
Water-soluble solvent paint was developed as a paint that adopts a solvent that can be diluted with water, combining the workability of water-based paint with the quality of oil-based paint.
Since its launch last year, along with the expansion of the product lineup, cases of its continuous use in actual painting sites have been increasing, and there is a spreading movement to transition to full adoption after trial introduction. It is already taking root as one of the standard options at some painting shops.
'The dilution is indeed water, but it allows for direct painting and has good coverage.'
'I had anxiety about the switch, but I was convinced when I saw the finish.'
## Growing Interest Against the Backdrop of Thinner Shortages
And now, as the unstable situation of thinner supply continues, interest is growing from the perspective of supply stability.
Inquiries from the field are also increasing, and expanded adoption is expected at sites facing similar challenges.
## A 'Realistic Choice' Required for the Future Painting Industry
The destabilization of thinner supply is not just a short-term problem but has the potential to affect the very nature of future paint selection.
Rather than relying on the traditional binary choice of 'water-based or oil-based,' a flexible approach of selectively using multiple options depending on the situation will be essential for the future painting industry.