Well so I was working on a model using just enamel paints and paintbrushes and a friend recommended that instead of buying the same model paint thinner over, and over, I should just get a jug of paint thinner at walmart. Would you guys recommend this or is their something special about testors model paint thinner? Are all thinners also basically the same too?
i use MM enamel only and i use regular old Wal Mart thinner and nothing else,it works fine
For cleaning enamels, just about any generic paint thinner (mineral spirits) will do.
For dilution (reduction) for spraying, mineral spirits will work for most. If you are buying it for cleaning, it’s simple to try it with a new paint.
For lacquers, use lacquer thinner.
For acrylics, things get more complicated. clean up with soap and water, Windex, Simple Green, or other ammoniated cleaner. Dilute with the proprietary thinner unless you have good information on an alternative. Search these forums on “acrylic” and you will find a wealth of recent info on what solvents to use with them.
thx guys!
Lcaquer thinner works fine for enamels too. I use only Model Master Enamels and thin them with lacquer thinner. It also gives a dead flat finish and dries almost instantly. It is a great product.
[#ditto] Works great! cleans brushes/AB’s also.
While all thinners could be potentially dangerous, lacquer thinner and lacquer paints pose a “more serious” risk to ones health and precautions need to be taken. No matter what you use just be careful and exercise caution.[tup]
I’ll worry about that when I am dead!!![xx(]
Seriously, the amounts of thinners and paints we use as hobbyists is so small that they are not really a health issue. Don’t be afraid to use enamels and lacquers. They are not that big of a deal.
Yeah. The CLP bore cleaner we use in the artillery was more dangerous than these chemicals. And we practically bathed in it, eh, Heavy?
Yup, gotta love it. I think I have some running in my veins. Keeps everything lubed and working smoothely.[:D]
Thank you guys for all of your input!
I have modeled with Testors enamels exclusively since I was a kid (1960’s). I’m now using some Model Master enamels also. Not once have I purposely purchased Testors thinner.
I use the cheap gallon of mineral spirits (paint thinner) from Wal*Mart or any hardware store. Actually I prefer the more expensive “oderless” thinner since I work at the kitchen table.
Please spray in a well ventilated area, preferably a spray booth, and definitely stay away from open flames (such as pilot lights on gas stoves).
Gino and Chimera,
I can’t let some of your statements about carelessness with chemicals go unchallenged. I remember hearing similar things back in the '50s, about chemicals now considered so dangerous it is almost impossible to obtain them, even for research purposes.
The effect of long term exposure to low level doses of toxic chemicals is generally poorly known—it takes too long to study, even in lab rats. The cumulative effect of exposure to multiple chemicals is essentially unknown. Most of these chemicals have to be metabolized in the liver. This may harm the liver, and sometimes the metabolites are more harmful than the originals. You cannot live without a liver, and dying from liver disease is slow and painful poisoning. Emphysima is no fun, either. The rates for both are rising, just as for cancer.
The attitude that because something does not do immediate, serious damage it is nothing to be considered, is dangerous and irresponsible. That is, as I’m sure you will vociferously agree, your choice. But don’t urge it on others.
On the other hand, and this may be what you are really trying to say, the constant media hype has created a climate of paranoid fear about the issue. That is also foolish. Used carefully and responsibly, the danger to the hobbyist is very small.
Yes, that is what I really mean. The rest is just some fun. The media has hyped it way up too.