What Is the Best POR-15 Solvent Substitute?

Not all solvents are suitable for all kinds of coatings. And mismatching them can be very harmful and might end up not giving the desired results.  

So what are the best por-15 solvent substitute?

Some chemical POR-15 Solvent substitutes are Acetone, Xylene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene. These will need to be mixed properly. And if you don’t want the hassle of mixing, directly shop-bought alternatives are Chassis Saver Reducer, Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer or Lacquer Thinner.

This does not provide all of the necessary information. More details and comparisons between the substitutes along with different alternatives and their compositions are discussed in the article.

Is POR-15 Solvent the Best Choice? 

The first thing you have to know is what is por 15 solvent? It is a solvent designed especially for thinning and is the recommended solvent for POR 15.

When POR-15 is applied in its original, undiluted form, it can be too thick to apply smoothly and evenly. This can result in an uneven or textured finish. This is why POR-15 often needs to be thinned before application.

POR-15 needs to be applied carefully.

Thinning POR-15 for spraying involves adding a small amount of solvent, such as POR-15 Solvent, to the coating. This is done to reduce its viscosity and make it easier to apply. Thinning the coating can also help to reduce the appearance of drips, and other imperfections that may occur during application. 

Now the follow-up query should be what is por 15 solvent made of? The company does not reveal the solvent’s precise chemical makeup. Yet, it has been shown that it contains a mixture of solvents including mineral spirits, toluene, and xylene.

Disadvantages of POR 15 Solvent:

• Lack of UV Protection: Some people may choose to avoid it due to its lack of UV protection. Lack of UV protection means it may fade or discolor over time when exposed to sunlight.

• Expensive: POR-15 Solvent can be more expensive than other solvents that are commonly available at hardware stores. Additionally, POR-15 coatings do not offer UV protection. 

• Bubbles on coating: Another potential issue with using POR-15 Solvent is the risk of bubbles forming if it is not mixed properly. This can happen if the solvent is shaken too vigorously, which can cause air to become trapped in the liquid. When the solvent is used to clean or dissolve POR-15 coatings, these bubbles can cause uneven results.

To address these concerns, some people may choose to use alternative coatings or solvents that are more affordable. Some alternatives even offer UV protection and are easier to mix as well. Making bubbles less likely to form. 

However, it is important to note that using substitute products can potentially compromise the quality of the coating. And even its ability to protect against rust and corrosion. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. And to use the recommended products whenever possible to ensure the best results.

What are the Por-15 Solvent Substitutes?

There are plenty of good substitutes for POR-15 solvents. But there are some nuances you should know. 

Chemical Substitutes: 

The chemical substitutes are the raw ingredients that can be used for thinning POR-15. You can create blends to make the ideal substitute. 

Substance	Compatibility	Cost of 5 Liters	Availability	Drawback
Acetone	Ingredient of POR-15 Solvent	$16.98	Widely	Regular Acetone may contain impurities
Ethylbenzene	Ingredient of POR-15 Solvent	$129.83	Widely	Very hazardous substance
Xylene	Ingredient of POR-15 Solvent	$27.95	Widely	Very Hazardous substance
Toluene	Ingredient of POR-15 Solvent	$30.99	Widely	Highly flammable, hazardous and cannot be exposed to air

Acetone:

Can you thin por 15 with acetone? 

Well, you certainly can thin POR 15 with acetone, a popular denatured alcohol alternative. Acetone is a good POR-15 thinner mainly because it is one of the main ingredients of the POR-15 Solvent. It is a commonly used solvent that can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores. And it is much cheaper than other solvents, especially POR-15 Solvent.

Moreover, when using acetone as a POR-15 solvent thinner is that only acetone labeled as urethane reducer should be used. This is because regular acetone may contain impurities that can negatively impact the performance of the POR-15 coating. 

Another reason to avoid normal acetone is because of its high water content. The high water content is about 0.05% and hence cannot be used with POR-15. This is because the 50% acetone present in most thinners tends to absorb water from the surrounding atmosphere. 

As a result, 100% acetone is also not recommended as it may also absorb moisture while being used.

Urethane reducer is a higher-grade acetone that has been refined to remove impurities and less water content. Thus making it a better option for POR-15.

When used properly, acetone can help to improve the flow and leveling of the coating. This will ensure a smoother, more even finish. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. And wear appropriate protective gear when working with solvents.

Acetone is also popular for removing silicone from car paint.

Ethylbenzene:

Ethylbenzene is a recommended POR-15 solvent substitute. What makes it a solid alternative is the fact that it is a primary ingredient in the POR-15 solvent.

Additionally, ethylbenzene is a relatively low-cost and widely available solvent. 

Also, Ethylbenzene is about 0.015 percent soluble in water at most. So the amount of atmospheric water that might be dissolved into the thinners to cause damage to the POR 15 is just too little.

However, it is important to note that ethylbenzene is considered a hazardous substance. The chemical requires careful handling and proper ventilation to avoid health and safety risks.

Ethylbenzene may also help when rubbing compounds won’t come off of a car. 

Xylene:

Xylene is a good POR-15 solvent substitute because it is another one of the primary ingredients in POR-15 solvent. As such, it can provide similar results and compatibility with POR-15 coatings. Xylene can also help reduce the drying time of the coating.

Additionally, xylene, like the other mentioned substitutes, is a relatively low-cost and widely available solvent.

However, it is important to follow appropriate safety procedures. And use it with caution to avoid potential health and environmental hazards. 

Xylene and Ethylbenzene solvent:

A good solvent mixture for POR-15 coatings is 20L of ethylbenzene and 1L of xylene. This mixture can provide effective thinning and solvency power. All the while also helping to reduce potential health and safety risks associated with using only ethylbenzene.

For the mixing process, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Wearing safety gear is recommended. 

Toluene or Methylbenzene:

Toluene is a commonly used solvent in the coatings industry. It can be a good substitute for POR 15 solvent as a thinner. It is also an ingredient of POR-15 solvent. 

Toluene has a high solvency power, meaning it can dissolve and mix well with many types of coatings, including POR 15. It also has a relatively low boiling point and evaporates quickly, which helps to speed up the drying process of the coating.

Another advantage of toluene as a thinner is its availability. Toluene is widely produced and is readily available in many hardware and paint stores. This makes it an affordable and convenient option for those looking for a POR 15 solvent substitute.

However, there are some drawbacks to using toluene. One of the biggest concerns is its flammability. Toluene is highly flammable and can pose a fire hazard if not handled properly. It should always be used in a well-ventilated area and away from sources of ignition.

Another consideration is that toluene has a maximum water solubility of 0.05%. This means that it can absorb moisture from the air, which can impact its effectiveness as a thinner. To avoid this, it is recommended to keep the total time exposed to air down until it is mixed with the POR.

Store Bought Alternatives: 

There are some products you can just buy from the story and directly use in the correct proportions. This removes the hassle of having to make the correct blend with the aforementioned chemical substitutes. 

Substance		Compatibility	Pros	Check Price
Chassis Saver Reducer		Rust preventative paint thinner with Xylene, Toluene, and other similar ingredients	Widely available with similar composition
Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer		Rust preventative paint thinner	UV protection
Lacquer Thinner		Works similarly to acetone, toluene, and methanol	Widely available and safer to use

Chassis Saver Reducer:

Chassis Saver Reducer is designed to thin and reduce the viscosity of Chassis Saver paint. But it can be a suitable substitute for POR 15 Solvent.

Both Chassis Saver Reducer and POR 15 Solvent contain some similar solvents such as xylene and acetone. Their formulation is not too different. In addition, it is cheaper than POR 15 solvent, making it a good choice for budget shoppers.

Product	Type	Ingredients
POR-15 Solvent	Rust preventative paint thinner	Xylene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene, etc.
Chassis Saver Reducer	Rust preventative paint thinner	Xylene, Toluene, etc.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding creating the solvent mixture. 

Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer: 

Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer is a suitable alternative to POR 15 solvent. It may be found in a wide variety of retail locations, including auto parts shops and on the internet.

Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer is a thinner made for rust-preventing paints like POR-15. So naturally, it is a good substitute. 

One of the key advantages of Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer over POR-15 solvent is that it offers UV protection. This is an important feature, as UV radiation can cause damage to painted surfaces over time. This can lead to fading, chalking, and other issues. 

In contrast, POR 15 solvent does not offer any UV protection. This means that the paint may degrade more quickly if exposed to sunlight.

Another benefit of Eastwood Tools Rust Encapsulating Primer is that it can be applied to a wide range of surfaces. This includes metal, wood, and fiberglass. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of projects. 

Additionally, the product is formulated to be resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling, which helps to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Lacquer Thinner:

Since it is readily available and very inexpensive, lacquer thinner is an excellent option for use as a POR-15 solvent alternative. It has a wide range of uses, including those in the industrial and domestic spheres, and it can be purchased at any hardware shop with relative ease. 

Can you thin por 15 with lacquer thinner?

Yes, lacquer thinner has similar properties to POR-15 solvent in terms of its ability to dissolve and thin out the paint. This makes it a useful alternative for individuals who are looking for a cheaper and more readily available solution.

Following is the process of mixing POR 15 with lacqer thinner.

• To mix lacquer thinner with POR-15, you can start by pouring the desired amount of POR-15 into a clean container. Then, gradually add the lacquer thinner into the POR-15 while stirring continuously until you achieve the desired consistency.
• As for the ratio, you can thin POR-15 up to 20% with lacquer thinner. This means that for every 100 ml of POR-15, you can add up to 20 ml of lacquer thinner.

However, the use of lacquer thinner as a substitute for Por-15 solvent is somewhat controversial. Most commercial lacquer thinners contain varying quantities of alcohols that can react with some of the isocyanate groups in the POR-15. You may want to learn more about how denatured alcohol affects cars.

This can compromise the coating’s properties. This reaction can cause the paint to crack, peel, or blister and may reduce its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion.

Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the potential risks before using lacquer thinner as a POR-15 substitute. Individuals who decide to use lacquer thinner should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to larger surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion 

And with that, we know so much more about por-15 solvent substitute. 

There are many choices available. Hopefully, our article will help you pick the right one. 

Good luck!