Compositions incorporating chitosan for paint detackification

The present invention relates to compositions useful in paint overspray removal processes. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions for detackifying and flocculating paint, which compositions are useful in water-based and solvent-based paint denaturant systems. A composition and method for treating oversprayed paints in paint spray booths is provided. The composition includes an aqueous solution of a compound such as chitosan, and a complex metal salt, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, capable of flocculating the oversprayed paint, and optionally, bentonite clay. The composition is useful for detackifying and flocculating oversprayed paint, and is particularly useful as a liquid concentrate for the addition to wash systems in paint spray booths for water-based and solvent-based paints. The composition is also useful in decreasing the time for phase separation of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in solvent-based removal processes.