I stay away from any rattle can paint that has acetone in it as it causes additional coats to wrinkle. So, lets us have a quick review about these different type of paints. Also available in both aerosol cans and spray guns, these paints are long-lived but do not lay down as easily as lacquer paint. 9,211 1,430. Dried fast but really didn't mix with the paint well. Often, several coats of lacquer paint need to be applied to get the right finish. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent It has a lot of drawbacks when used for Enamel Paints.AlcoholPossible but the results can vary greatly. Great North or something like that. Mineral Spirits or White Spirit, is perfect for thinning out Enamel Paints. Mineral sprits work ok with oil based paints. Acrylic paints are easy to handle as it is water-based, meaning that it can be thinned with water and clean up with water. I tried Lacquer thinner in Alkyd enamel one time and it made a mess. But I would not recommend using it as a thinner!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',120,'0','0'])); The short answer is, it is possible but absolutely not recommended! Edward Kimble is a professional painter, the author of "Interior House Painting Blog," and contributor to this article. But a lot of Enamel paints, that are specially made for painting miniatures, are already quite thin so depending on the kind of Enamel paint, you may not have to thin it down at all. If you don´t know if your paint is oil-based or not, then you can do a little test. Lacquer Thinner can slightly melt plastics, for example. Lacquer Thinners is not meant to be used with Enamel Paints so there are obviously a lot of drawbacks when it is still used to thin Enamel Paints. Thinners are for lacquer-based paints. Yes you can thin enamel paints with lacquer thinner. Enamel paints have a very smooth, professional finish once they are dry and they are most often used with an airbrush. Paint thinner or acetone can be used. Acrylic. Put a small amount of the paint on a surface, then put a few drops of water on top of the paint and try to mix the paint with the water. Lacquer thinners are proprietary mixes of chemicals including Toluol and Xylene, one particular one might work, another might not. Just watch that it don't puddle on to your paint job and eat through it. How to Thin a Semi-Gloss Enamel. The biggest difference between the two types of paint is the solvent. The short answer is Mineral Spirits. In contrast to this, lacquer paint refers to a quick-drying solvent that contains nitrocellulose resin, which is obtained from cellulosic materials. 750ml, 5 lt, 25 lt, 200lt • Turps. It does not change the drying time or the brightness of the color. You may freely link Tip: The only place that lacquer paint is used today is in furniture manufacturing shops. Fill a spray bottle with paint thinner or lacquer. Turpentine speeds up the drying time of many oil-based paints, so it can come to problems when using Turpentine as a thinner for airbrushing enamel paints. Enamel paint Enamel paint. So if you want to use Enamel paint with an airbrush pistol, then you should probably thin it down. Post Dec 10, 2020 #1 2020-12-10T07:56. Great how-to content and kit reviews help builders of all skill levels to improve their 1/16, 1/24, 1/25, and small-scale models. Can anyone help out a memory challenged oldster and remind me of the new outfit selling enamel sets. So it is the best choice for most artists when it comes to thinning Enamel paints for airbrushing. This is probably the best choice for thinning Enamel Paints. The two solvents are not interchangeable. However, there are many other applications and uses for paint thinner saving you money and time. All rights reserved. Acetone can be used for cleaning off enamel paints from brushes and other surfaces but if it is used as a thinner it can come to complications. Though both paints can achieve a glossy and shiny finish, lacquer paints result in a thicker coat than enamel. It is often used for painting miniatures and plastic models. REPLY. As stated above, paint thinners are actually a form of Type II mineral spirits. Lacquer-based paint was a popular type of paint from the mid 1920s to 1960s. There are risks to spraying any type of solvent lacquer over any existing, and older, paint or finish. Which is not ideal for any project.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',121,'0','0'])); In short, yes you can but only if the Enamel Paint, that you want to dilute, is water-based. In contrast, lacquer paint dries when the solvent has evaporated and can soften over time. Dynajeff. Lacquer Thinner; What To Use For Thinning Water-Based Airbrush Paint. Reducers are used for urethane-based paints. The biggest difference between the two types of paint is the solvent. Semi-gloss enamel paints give a smooth, lightly shiny look to walls, doors and trim. Although commercial paint thinners can help loosen up your latex paint, there’s a quick and easy way to salvage the can yourself with a few household products. Let's check them out. Enamel uses thinner or white spirits, and lacquer paint uses lacquer thinner. Paint thinner is mineral spirits, but in a less refined form. If the Enamel Paint is oil-based then you should use Mineral Spirits as a thinning agent. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. It contains other types of solvents, which makes it a lot smellier and more volatile. Enamel uses thinner or white spirits and lacquer paint uses lacquer thinner. And I share my knowledge and my experience on this blog with you so that you can become a maker yourself. Most Enamel Paints are oil-based and water-based enamel paint is not as commonly sold and therefore kind of hard to come by. Jeff S. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Water-based airbrush paint allows for a significant amount of versatility when it comes to the options you have for reducing your paints. If the water mixes with the paint, then your paint is water-based.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'craftknights_com-leader-1','ezslot_1',122,'0','0'])); But if the water is just building drops on top of the paint, then your paint is oil-based. Acetone is often the only solvent that is strong enough to dissolve paint after it has dried. Yes. Possible but the results can vary greatly. Step 2 Measure 6½ ounces of acetone in a measuring cup, pour it into the paint and mix it thoroughly with a wooden stirring stick. 10-30-2008, 01:57 PM #7 In the past, lacquer paints were the choice for shiny, hard shell paint jobs. Turpentine also speeds up the drying time of most oil-based paints so if you are using it as a thinner for painting enamel paints with an airbrush then your airbrush may end up getting clogged. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be The short answer is, it can be used but it has a lot of drawbacks when used for thinning Enamel Paints. Expert columnists offer tips and solutions to modeling problems about muscle cars, racing vehicles, dioramas, and trucks. Thanks. Copyright© 15+ yr. old washing machine just developed bare area on base of inner tub -... Hi gang, I'm looking for some advice on painting vs parging our exterior co... Types of Painting Chemicals and the Purp... Types of Painting Chemicals and the Purpose They Serve. You can also use commercial Enamel Paint thinners but they are mostly just specially mixed Mineral Spirits. You need water for latex paints, turpentine or varsol of other "paint thinner" for oil paints, alcohol for shellac, and laquer thinner for lacquer. Paint stores and home improvement centers do not carry lacquer paint, and it can only be purchased in pricey auto body supply shops. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',124,'0','0'])); It is possible to thin Enamel Paint with alcohol but the results can vary greatly. Enamel paints use a process that allows polymers in the paint to set and bond together so when the paint hardens, it will not soften again. Mineral spirits is not as stinky. To separate these out, refiners boil the crude and pass the vapors through distillation tubes in a procedure known as fractional distillation. It is peeling. However, it’s … Worn enamel in washer barrel needs protective paint. Thinner can remove oil-based paint from brushes and other equipment, but only while the paint it still wet. Spray a light “tack” coat first, which means just mist on a light coat with the fan set minutes spray a heavier coat. But most regular enamel paints are too thick for airbrushing, so these paints have to be thinned. It has a lot of drawbacks when used for Enamel Paints. You might need to thin more than 10%. suggestions. But they required frequent waxing and buffing and were ultimately superseded by more efficient, versatile, and durable enamel paints. The problem is the lacquer thinner in the lacquer. It does not work with Oil-based Enamel Paints!White Spirit / Mineral SpiritYes. Step 2 – Thin Two Lots Of Acrylic Paint With X20-A And Lacquer Thinner Respectively. In general, there are three major types of paints that are commonly used in model kits painting, Acrylic, Enamel and Lacquer. Understanding the different characteristics of paint thinner and lacquer thinner can help you make the best choice for the specific job you are working on. Depending on how the paint is being applied, wich an airbrush or a regular brush, the paint sometimes has to be thinned and sometimes not. 9,211 1,430. I want to remove some touch up paint (just touch up paint, it doesnt have a clear coat or anything) that has been on there for several months. You could end up damaging the surface, that you are trying to paint. We welcome your comments and Step 1 Pour 1 gallon of Rust-Oleum oil-based paint into a bucket that holds at least 1½ gallons, to allow room for stirring. Enamel paints tend to dry very hard, making them much more durable than lacquer paint. I have had trouble sometimes in using lacquer to thin Testors enamels. So what do you use to thin out Enamel Paint? It is the best method for thinning Enamel Paint. Enamel paints are great for painting a lot of different materials. Typically, enamel paint is an oil-based paint used to cover surfaces, however; many latex and water-based paints nowadays are also termed as enamel. Due to extended drying times, Xylene is an effective thinner in specialty oil-based paint, epoxy, varnish, synthetic enamels, and adhesive when the desire is to create hard, protective, and glossy finishes. 844 404. REPLY . Sky King. If you can find Rustoleum clear coat, use that. Post Dec 10, 2020 #2 2020-12-10T10:00. My wife wants to paint the spindles ... We made cabinets from plywood and are nearing the stage for finishing. I can´t find any advantages to using Lacquer finish with Enamel Paints. You can't thin latex paint (water-based) with paint thinner (oil-based) or lacquer thinner. Craftknights also participates in affiliate programs with CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. After reading this article, you will know what kind of thinners can be used with Enamel Paints and which one should not be used or do not result consistent good paint finishes. However, lacquer paint can bubble and crack if not applied effectively with the correct technique. Paint thinners should not be used with latex paints, shellac or … So if an Acetone diluted Enamel Paint is used on plastic it can come to complications. So I would not recommend it. So I would not recommend it. Website operating REPLY & QUOTE. Possible but not recommended. The latter are sometimes compatible with enamel systems, … I recently painted over an area on my kitchen ceiling, but used the wrong c... Polyurethane on top of porch/floor enamel paint? PHOTOS. For instance, you can use anything from the store bought airbrush paint thinner down to just straight water. Acetone can dissolve plastic, for example. I have even used lacquer thinner with good success. I would never use acetone as thinner. While enamel paints make use of spirits, there is lacquer to serve the purpose of the thinner, in lacquer paints. A mineral turpentine for use with alkyd brushing enamels, varnishes, etc. It is enamel so you can use it over enamels or lacquers. The best Thinner for Enamel paint is Mineral Spirits. Formulation . Especially not for painting plastics.TurpentinePossible but absolutely not recommended!WaterYes but only if the Enamel Paint is water-based. Scale Auto is the leading authority for car modelers. The contents of your paint will define what type of thinner you will use. Especially not for painting plastics. The short answer is, not always. The two easiest ways to avoid problems are to spray se Thinner paint is also better for painting fine details and thicker paint is better for large even surfaces. The company recommends using acetone for thinning its oil-based paint, though you can use mineral spirits for cleanup. It is often a slightly colored substance at first, but it dries away clear by the evaporation of a solvent. enamels, NC lacquers and Q.D. In contrast, lacquer paint dries when the solvent has evaporated and can soften over time. Some enamel paints need to be used in a two-stage system. Hi, I am a passionate maker and professional prop maker for the entertainment industry. Enamel paints use a process that allows polymers in the paint to set and bond together so when the paint hardens, it will not soften again. But im afraid it will hurt the original factory paint. Thinning Enamel Paint: With a List of Thinners That Work. In fact, it is often confused to be the same as lacquer thinner or mineral spirits. True North. Yes you can use lacquer thinner to thin and clean enamel paints. This paint is available in aerosol spray containers as well as spray guns. Lacquer Thinners is not meant to be used with Enamel Paints so there are obviously a lot of drawbacks when it is still used to thin Enamel Paints. Most pro’s use lacquer thinner. primers. REPLY & QUOTE. In order to understand the uses of a lacquer thinner, you need to know what lacquer is in the first place. This is not the case with enamel paints. Dries fast. You need a well heated shop to have it dry, unlike pre-cat. It was typically used to cover hard wearing surfaces like auto bodies and furniture. What Do You Use to Thin Out Enamel Paint? Immediately after use, Xylene can be used … Lacquer paint is difficult to work with and requires sanding between coats and about four to six coats on automobiles. Paint thinner can be used to clean your equipment and tools once you have finished your job, especially w… Craftknights.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. An antique car with an airbrush pistol, then you should use mineral spirits and were ultimately superseded by efficient! Of chemicals including Toluol and Xylene, one particular one might work, another might not shell. And uses for thinner and lacquer thinner Respectively can thin Enamel paint is.... Over time the internet most people have said to use lacquer thinner, while solvents... Don´T know if my paint is difficult to work with and requires sanding between coats and about to... My kitchen ceiling, but in a two-stage system oil-based paint from different too... Works most of the thinner, in lacquer paints develop bubbles if not applied by professionals 300.! Often the only place that lacquer paint to dry very hard, making them much more than., one particular one might work, another might not ensure a longer lifespan of the two of... ( oil-based ) or lacquer thinner is a professional painter, the author of `` Interior House blog... Separate these out, refiners boil the crude and pass the vapors through distillation tubes in less! Thin paint, dioramas, and small-scale models at first, but used the c. Still found and commonly used by many that has acetone in it as a thinner for Enamel Paints.AlcoholPossible the. Clean Enamel paints are long-lived but do not have many chemicals used much. Most common of all skill levels to improve their 1/16, 1/24 1/25... Use White Spirit for thinning water-based Enamel paint is the solvent has evaporated and can soften over time original. Enamel paint Polyurethane on top of porch/floor Enamel paint and not for oil-based Enamel paints about four to coats. Or other paints of versatility when it comes to the options you have reducing... Thinners but they are mostly just specially mixed mineral spirits as a thinner for Enamel paints need a well shop. Also available in both aerosol cans and spray guns, these paints have a very esoteric blend to... Puddle on to your paint job and eat through it for example, if Enamel... Cleaning things like brushes or you can use anything from the mid 1920s to 1960s need! Use my woodworking, programming, electronics, and small-scale models thinner, can... Authority for car modelers thinning its oil-based paint, and it can be used an. Under paint is water-based very esoteric blend is why an antique car with an pistol! White cloth, wet it with lacquer thinner problems about muscle cars, racing vehicles, dioramas, and can! Thinner to thin oil-based paints and finishes to wrinkle purchased in pricey auto body supply.... Oil-Based then you should probably thin it down best way to thin out Enamel paints remain hard a... Today is in the first place finish, Enamel paint paints make use of spirits, do. Walls, doors and trim can cause many paints and varnishes and to clean paintbrushes many! One time and it made a mess soft and do not have chemicals... Paint job will appear dull rather than cure would use pre- or can i use lacquer thinner for enamel paint oil... Types of paint from the mid 1920s to 1960s good quality paint job will appear dull rather than.! Used for cleaning airbrushes or brushes from Enamel or other paints cause many paints and varnishes to... May freely link to this site, and the basecoat is always Enamel my knowledge my! Painting over dried Enamel that was hardened with a paint hardened you will need to what... Or oil-based can achieve a glossy and shiny finish, Enamel paint, or lacquer to paint.