I spilt some model master universal enamel thinner all over my hand today whilst trying to transfer some from a large container to its smaller jar. Naturally I then tried washing it off with soap and warm water. For some reason it didnt wash off very well at all and also went very gummy and sticky. I know that enamels and water dont mix at all and do somewhat this, but not enamel thinner. Is this normal?
Cheers!
Paint thinner won’t hurt your hand. You don’t have to wash it of with soap and water, just wipe it off and you can go about your business. I worked as a painter for many years and I can tell you that mineral spirits (paint thinner) is not that caustic. Lacquer thinner, on the other hand, is something that you want to limit your exposure to. I have already had way more than enough exposure to that. Not the stuff you want absorbed through your skin. Be careful out there…
Gary
I’m not a doctor and don’t play one on TV- but I have found no problem. Put more paint thinner on, wipe it with a paper towel, and immediately wash with soap and water. Works for me. Or use latex gloves when using the stuff, but I find that cumbersome. The important thing is to wear a vapor respirator when spraying this, or anything.
Thanks guys. I wasnt worried about it itself, but rather its strong odour. It had moslty evaporated by the time I had my hands in the basin, but of course there was still a film of it where it was.
Ah, that is the crud I have been warning about. Turpentine or mineral spirits are not sticky, and evaporate very quickly. This new stuff sold as generic “paint thinner” is something else. Ever since I have found out how bad it is (it contains some barely suspended crud) I will not buy it any more. I only buy stuff labeled specifically as turpentine or mineral spirits. They cost a little more than the “paint thinner” but are worth the difference. If you spill turpentine or mineral spirits on your hands, they will dry out the skin, but leave no residue, and a little lotion or moisturizer will fix the dryness.
This new stuff is not water clear, but looks like dilute milk. Course, you cannot see it until you buy it, 'cause they usually sell it in opaque poly jugs. Buy the real stuff.