Two of the industry’s most frequently used paint detackifiers are based on either melamine-formaldehyde or an acrylic acid. Melamine-formaldehyde-based detackifiers contain small amounts of residual-free formaldehyde and are derived from nonrenewable natural gas reserves. The acrylic acid-based group of paint denaturants is derived from ethylene and/or propylene produced during the petroleum cracking process and therefore relies on nonrenewable petroleum-based feedstocks. Recently, a new paint detackifier has been developed that provides an environmentally responsible alternative.

In order to assist in the removal of the oversprayed paint from the air and to provide efficient operation of the down-draft, water-washed paint spray booths utilize paint detackifying chemical agents.