Lacquer Thinner - True Or False?

[doctorwayne]

maxman

In a number of threads posters have stated that there was a change in lacquer thinner that made it not as good as the original formula. And that it is best to use the original stuff.....

For thinning paint, I don't see much difference in what's being offered nowadays as compared to what we had in the past.

However, old-style lacquer thinner was a good solvent-type cement for styrene, while the latest versions are absolutely useless in that role.  I did get some somewhat better stuff from a place which deals mainly with solvents.

When lacquer thinner was changed, I found MEK to be a fairly suitable replacement as a cement for styrene, although it evapourates too quickly for large applications.   Even in a small bottle like that for Testors liquid cement, some components of it flash-off rather rapidly if the bottle is left open while in use, resulting in a less satisfactory bond.

Wayne

[AntonioFP45]

Ok,

Reply sent. I hope that it is helpful.

mbinsewi

Antonio, I just sent you a PM on Alclad paint.  Any help to my questions would be much appriciated.

Mike.

 

[mbinsewi]

Antonio, I just sent you a PM on Alclad paint.  Any help to my questions would be much appriciated.

Mike.

[AntonioFP45]

Hi,

Just a quick tidbit of info. 

Years back I started using professional automotive lacquer thinners from Auto Body Supply businesses. PPG, Axalta (formerly DuPont), Matrix, and BASF lacquer thinners work very well for the solvent based scale model paints that we use. I've been thinning Scale Coat II and Testors paints with automotive thinner, at least, since 2012 with no issues. 

Depending on where you live in the USA, a gallon is usually comparable price-wise to what you pay for in the "box stores" and will last you a long time. Automotive lacquer thinner also does an excellent job in cleaning airbrushes!

I will always respectfully caution modelers that automotive lacquer thinner, and even "green friendly" versions are flammable and toxic. Proper ventilation along with a quality respirator should always be utilized.

maxman

In a number of threads posters have stated that there was a change in lacquer thinner that made it not as good as the original formula.  And that it is best to use the original stuff.

So when I go to the local Big Box or hardware store, how do I tell the difference?

Thanks

 

[richhotrain]

Here is a link to a good discussion of lacquer thinner, past and present, the evolution of lacquer thinner ingredients, and the reasons for the changeover.

https://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/its-a-struggle-working-with-new-compliant-solvents

It seems that modern lacquer thinner is mostly acetone without the other solvents which are more harmful to the environment and human health.

Hope this helps.

Rich

[selector]

https://uwaterloo.ca/fine-arts/sites/ca.fine-arts/files/uploads/files/lacquer_thinner_13-354.pdf

 

http://www.dick-blick.com/msds/DBH_499581007.pdf

 

One from 2008 or so-

http://www.e3systems.ca/uploads/Premium_Lacquer_Thinner_6770_-_cdn.pdf

 

One from 2006 showing quite a few more ingredients:

http://www.e3systems.ca/uploads/Premium_Lacquer_Thinner_6770_-_cdn.pdf

 

[maxman]

In a number of threads posters have stated that there was a change in lacquer thinner that made it not as good as the original formula.  And that it is best to use the original stuff.

So when I go to the local Big Box or hardware store, how do I tell the difference?

Thanks