Painting Sites Halted by Thinner Shortages: The Growing 'Oil-Based Paint Problem' in the Industry and New Alternatives
Due to supply instability of paint thinners caused by the Middle East situation, painting sites across Japan are facing difficulties using oil-based paints. Prematex Co., Ltd. is proposing 'water-soluble solvent paints' as a third option that combines the workability of water-based paints with the quality of oil-based paints to address these supply and quality concerns.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 19:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 3, 2026 at 11:00
Due to the influence of the situation in the Middle East, concerns over the supply of paint thinners have become severe. As a result, cases where the use of oil-based (solvent) paints is restricted are occurring at painting sites nationwide, leading to an increasing number of instances where construction plans must be revised and alternative methods considered.
On the other hand, regarding the switch to water-based paints, the reality is that there remains deep-seated resistance at the site level due to concerns regarding workability and the final finish.
Voices saying 'Water-based alone is difficult'
At painting sites, water-based and oil-based paints are used selectively depending on the application and conditions. In particular, oil-based paints are often chosen for roof painting and direct application to incidental parts where primer materials are not used. However, that premise is being shaken by the instability of thinner supplies.
'With water-based, there are lingering concerns about leveling and the finish.'
'We are actually proceeding with the switch, but it is increasing the number of processes and the amount of labor required.'
Being caught between supply problems and concerns about construction quality has become a major issue at current painting sites.
Water-soluble solvent paint as a 'third option'
Against this backdrop, Prematex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenichi Kikuchi) is proposing a new option called 'water-soluble solvent paint,' which possesses 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, the number of cases of continuous use at actual painting sites has been increasing, and a movement toward full-scale adoption following trial introductions is spreading. In some painting shops, it is already becoming established as one of the standard options.
'Although it is diluted with water, it can be applied directly and has good coverage.'
'I had concerns about switching, but I was convinced after seeing the finish.'
Growing interest against the backdrop of thinner shortages
And now, as the unstable situation of thinner supply continues, interest is also rising from the perspective of supply stability.
Inquiries from the field are increasing, and adoption is expected to expand at sites facing similar challenges.
'Realistic choices' required for the future painting industry
The instability of thinner supply is not just a short-term problem; it has the potential to affect the very nature of how paints are selected in the future.
It is believed that in the future painting industry, it will be important to have a flexible approach that uses multiple options depending on the situation, rather than relying on the conventional binary choice of 'water-based or oil-based.'
Prematex Co., Ltd. plans to respond to these changes in the market environment and continue to strengthen its product development and supply system to contribute to solving problems in the field.
[Inquiries regarding this matter / Applications for coverage, etc.]
Prematex Co., Ltd.
TEL: 03-5728-9221
E-Mail: info@prematex.co.jp
URL: https://www.prematex.co.jp/
*The information contained in this press release is current as of the date of the announcement.
On the other hand, regarding the switch to water-based paints, the reality is that there remains deep-seated resistance at the site level due to concerns regarding workability and the final finish.
Voices saying 'Water-based alone is difficult'
At painting sites, water-based and oil-based paints are used selectively depending on the application and conditions. In particular, oil-based paints are often chosen for roof painting and direct application to incidental parts where primer materials are not used. However, that premise is being shaken by the instability of thinner supplies.
'With water-based, there are lingering concerns about leveling and the finish.'
'We are actually proceeding with the switch, but it is increasing the number of processes and the amount of labor required.'
Being caught between supply problems and concerns about construction quality has become a major issue at current painting sites.
Water-soluble solvent paint as a 'third option'
Against this backdrop, Prematex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenichi Kikuchi) is proposing a new option called 'water-soluble solvent paint,' which possesses 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, the number of cases of continuous use at actual painting sites has been increasing, and a movement toward full-scale adoption following trial introductions is spreading. In some painting shops, it is already becoming established as one of the standard options.
'Although it is diluted with water, it can be applied directly and has good coverage.'
'I had concerns about switching, but I was convinced after seeing the finish.'
Growing interest against the backdrop of thinner shortages
And now, as the unstable situation of thinner supply continues, interest is also rising from the perspective of supply stability.
Inquiries from the field are increasing, and adoption is expected to expand at sites facing similar challenges.
'Realistic choices' required for the future painting industry
The instability of thinner supply is not just a short-term problem; it has the potential to affect the very nature of how paints are selected in the future.
It is believed that in the future painting industry, it will be important to have a flexible approach that uses multiple options depending on the situation, rather than relying on the conventional binary choice of 'water-based or oil-based.'
Prematex Co., Ltd. plans to respond to these changes in the market environment and continue to strengthen its product development and supply system to contribute to solving problems in the field.
[Inquiries regarding this matter / Applications for coverage, etc.]
Prematex Co., Ltd.
TEL: 03-5728-9221
E-Mail: info@prematex.co.jp
URL: https://www.prematex.co.jp/
*The information contained in this press release is current as of the date of the announcement.