Mild solvent for oil paint washes?

Chrisk-k · February 28, 2012, 2:29pm

I’m new to washes and need some help.

What solvent is mild and less toxic? Mona Lisa? Or, odorless mineral spirits sold at home depot? Or, something else?

The reason why I’m asking is that with a mild solvent (1) I will less likely to damage the base coat, and (2) my health will suffer less

Bish · February 28, 2012, 2:40pm

Provideing the coat you are applying the wash to isn’t enamel, you won’t damage it. I use normal White Spirits to thinn my oil paint have have only had a problem when i didn’t cover the enamel base correctly.

DoogsATX · February 28, 2012, 2:55pm

Mona Lisa is very gentle…used it over enamel without damaging it. It also goes great with Bloody Mary mix…[t$t]

Bish · February 28, 2012, 3:14pm

Doogs, whats is this Mona Lisa. I haven’t heard of it, not in this context.

DoogsATX · February 28, 2012, 3:25pm

Mona Lisa Odorless Thinner…pretty widely available here in the US - I’ve seen it at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, the local art supply store, etc. I believe it’s actually a brand of odorless turpenoid, but it’s very not-harsh and I’ve found it ideal when working with oils.

Bish · February 28, 2012, 4:06pm

Thanks, i will have to see if i can find it over here. Might help avoid any more accidents.

Chrisk-k · February 28, 2012, 4:20pm

I use Tamiya acrylic paints as base coats and will use a Vallejo acrylic glossy top coat as a base for decaling and pin washes. I’ve read that an acrylic paint, once fully dried, will survive an oil paint thinner. This is true, isn’t it? About 20 years ago I was into oil painting (with turpentine) and I still remember the viscious, toxic odor of turp.