A water-based, aerosol marking composition that adheres to a variety of surfaces
but is removable by mechanical rubbing with a dry cloth or by washing with water
is provided. The composition comprises 10 to 50% by weight water; 5 to 50% by weight
of a solvent selected from the group consisting of a C6 to C15 aliphatic solvent,
an aromatic solvent comprising 10 or fewer carbon atoms, an ether, and an alcohol,
or combinations thereof; 0.1 to 4% of an emulsifier having a hydrophile to lipophile
balance of from 1.8 to 16.7; a marking agent; and 10 to 45% propellant. In a preferred
embodiment the composition lacks or contains only trace amounts of an alkyd-based
drying oil, polyvinylpyrrrolidone, or polyvinyl alcohol, or another agent that
serves as an adhesive for the pigment particles. In certain embodiments, the composition
comprises an inorganic filler and from 0.05% to 3% surfactant. Optionally, the
composition comprises an anti-foaming agent, corrosion inhibitor, an anti-freeze
agent, or combinations thereof. Also provided is a liquid composition that can
be used as a spray marking composition or combined with a propellant to prepare
a water-based, aerosol marking composition.