Is there anything I should be aware of before using this product? The can says “Professional” and the smell is pretty strong. My experience from using other Rustoleum products compared to Tamiya or Guz is that their stuff is a little less forgiving to work with. I just want to verify with others before I start using it. It’s considerable cheaper.
I’ve never used it, but as a general rule I stay away from “hardware store” stuff for use on my models. I can’t see ruining a model to save a dollar or two. If you do want to try it, test it out on some scrap material first.
I agree with Chuck. Saving a buck or two can often lead to costing you more. I always keep a supply of sheet styrene on hand to use for testing anyhting that I’m not sure about.
Only use lacquer thinner 1:1 with Testors Model Master Semi-Gloss Clear sealer nothing else. Klean Strip brand thinner works well, have been using it for years.
I use paint/hardware store thinner of several brands. The only stuff to watch out for is some junk sold as generic paint thinner that does not say what it is made off. It is a milky color, and has percipitated solids in it. It is sold in opaque containers, so you cannot see the milky color. I now buy only stuff labeled mineral spirits or turpentine. Never had a problem with anything that says either.
I tested the thinner on a peice of model plastic and the results were unexpected. It is definately more corrosive than the Mr Color lacquer thinner I had been using. With some vigorous rubbing the thinner will start to scale the plastic peice which would normally never happen with the Guz brand thinner. It also seems to have a stronger affect on thinning Tamiya basic putty. My guess is, is that the Guz and Tamiya brand thinners are probably diluted version of pure lacquer thinner. Perhaps if I diluted the Rustoleum and used it sparingly I could get some good use out of it. I wouldn’t recommend using it undiluted straight from the bottle on plastic. I will probably use it for cleaning my airbrush and maybe for thinning putty slightly diluted with water. For practical purposes though I’ll probably stick with the Mr. Color and Tamiya thinner for painting and regular use on my models.