Hi all,
As here in Israel we have problems to get Tamiya thinner (that I always used until now with excellent results), my question is qhat can I use as a replacement until it will be possible to found it again.
I use only Tamiya acrylic paints.
Thanks in advance
Jose
Well Jose, I`m no expert, and I havent tried it yet myself, but I have been told by an old model freind that you can dilute acrylics with WINDEX glass cleaner. Thje one with ammonia. Let us know how it works if you try it…
While some people swear by Windex as a thinner for Tamiya acrylics, I won’t use it. Whilst Windex contains an amount of alcohol, which is an effective thinner for Tamiya acrylics, it also contains some ammonia, which is very effective at breaking down the binders in the paint which make it adhere to the surface being painted. Many people use Windex to clean their airbrushes specifically for its ability to break down acrylic paint.
The best thinner for Tamiya acrylic is Tamiya’s own thinner. However, if unavailable, the best alternative is (90% or better) Isopropyl alcohol. The next best option is ethanol (aka denatured alcohol or methylated spirits in some localities).
Both of these options can be somewhat problematic when airbrushing due to the fast evaporation of the alcohol. This can sometimes cause a grainy, powdery finish due to paint drying in the air between the airbrush and the surface of the model being painted. This can be reduced by airbrushing closer to the surface of the model and by adding an acrylic retarder (available from art supply stores) to your paint mix (pre-mix a few drops of retarder with your chosen thinner before mixing with your paint). Typically, I spray from 15cm or less.
Whilst I haven’t had any problems using ethanol as a thinner, Ross (Triarius) has indicated that there may be some compatibility issues with certain colours in the range, so I’d suggest testing with small amounts first.
I have us 90% alcohol as well, it works ok. Another option is wind screen wiper fluid (winter mix, it must cntain alcohol!) I have also mixed the two with ok results.
Basically the Tamiya thinner is a alcohol/water solution (probably around 60% alcohol but that’s a guess) with some retarder added. Most other alcohol/water mixes work just as well. Just stay away from the ammonia, it attacks acryllic paints (good for cleaning though)
I use Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% and it works great.
I’ve been told that Tamiya acrylic thinner is essentially isopropyl alcohol with a retarder, though I haven’t seen it’s MSDS or actual composition. I suspect it may also have a glycol compound in it.
I don’t recommend Windex as a reducer for spraying for the reason that it removes even cured acrylics very well. That means that it does something drastic to the polymer of the binder, which means that it will have a negative effect on coating performance.
Try 90% isopropyl alcohol with a drop of acrylic retarder. Some have reported that they use denatured or ethyl alcohol with good results, but I find that those two dry to rapidly, even with retarder. You might be able to use a mixture of denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol and water, with a drop of retarder.
Only use distilled or deionized water for your mixtures. Add the drop of retarder to the solvent first, then add the solvent to the paint or you will have problems.
I’ll chime in with another nod for 90% or better Isopropyl Alcohol. In a pinch you could use the 70% version, but beware that there could be other chemicals mixed in that may be incompatable with the paint.
An acrylic retarder is a good idea to prevent tip dry. Using alcohol have a tendency to flatten gloss paints.
Since I use the TLAR method of mixing paint right in the paint cup of my airbrush it isn’t very exacting. But I do get good results!
What I do though is add a squirt of alcohol (90% iso) into the cup followed by the paint. I add more alcohol until I get the consistancy I desire, then add one drop of a Windex solution (50/50 Windex/water). This seams to allow for a more consistant flowage throughout the spraying session with the color, especially if you are starting and stopping to reposition or work with different parts. The alcohol also evaporates rather quickly so you may end up adding more if you’re painting a large area.
Denatured Alcohol from your local hardware store.
Jose
I’ll pass this along from another site. (And I quote)
Windshield washer fluid
To thin acrylic paint, I use automotive windshield washer fluid. The generic cheap blue kind that’s $1.00 for a 1 gallon jug. It contains glycol, water, and detergent. It works excellently with Tamiya and Model Master Acryl paints. It has the same ingredients as Tamiya thinner, which, as I priced yesterday, is $128.00 a gallon at the LHS.
Windex
To clean my airbrush, I use the generic economy brand equivalent of Windex window cleaner. It dissolves acrylic paint like a magic eraser. When I’m done with a color, I wipe out the cup and shoot Windex through the brush until it comes out completely clean. That’s it. I only take my airbrushes (an Iwata and a Tamiya) apart once a year to give them a good cleaning.
Windex is also a rescuer if you botch your paint job. Just place the model in a tupperware and fill with Windex to cover the model. Leave it overnight and in the morning all the paint will be gone, leaving you a clean slate to try again.
I don’t know where you get windshield washer fluid in Israel.
Dan
I tried Windex before I got the Tamiya thinner, and it does affect the adhesion of the paint so I only use it for cleaning acrylic paint up. If you have none of the Tamiya stuff, I’d use the 90% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Sometimes that’s hard to find, but almost any Wal-Mart or drugstore has the blue-label 70%.
I use Isopropyl Alchohol with a drop of dish soap as a retarder.
Hi Ross,
Just to confirm, the label on Tamiya’s paint jars says:
The ethanol works for me, perhaps because I thin more than the norm, and usually spray no more than about 10-12cm max. from the surface (often a lot less).
Thanks Phil!
You’ver beginning to make me feel like “The Mighty Carnak” (for those who remember Johnny Carson…)
Oh, how I miss Johnny, and Dick Cavett and Jack Parr. Actually I’m a little young to remember Jack Paar and have only seen him in reruns and specials, but I miss him nonetheless. As much as I like Jay Leno, the Tonight show is just not the same without Johnny, Ed and Doc. Letterman, O’Brien and the rest are immensely forgettable.
I’ve used the windshield wiper fluid with great results.
Steve
I’d stay away from using Windex as a thinner. The amonia chemically breaks down the acrylics paint which makes it great for cleaning brushes, air brushes, spray booth and for stripping even dried acrylic paint.
Isopropyl alcohol is a good substitute for Tamiya Thinner, however keep in mind that the Tamiya product contains a retarder which prevents the paint from drying too quickly. You might get a grainy finish if you hold the airbrush too far back and the paint dries as it’s propelled through the air onto the model.
Scott, maybe if both of us keep hammering on this it will finally sink in…[:-^]