Also available in both aerosol cans and spray guns, these paints are long-lived but do not lay down as easily as lacquer paint. Most Enamel Paints are oil-based and water-based enamel paint is not as commonly sold and therefore kind of hard to come by. 844 404. Scale Auto is the leading authority for car modelers. The process of refining crude oil to produce gasoline, kerosene and other fuels also yields a number of other products, including solvents. So I would not recommend it. 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. It does not work with Oil-based Enamel Paints!White Spirit / Mineral SpiritYes. All rights reserved. You can't thin lacquer with oil or water. Paint thinner and lacquer thinner, while both solvents, have very different properties. Mineral spirits is not as stinky. 844 404. Sky King. In the past, lacquer paints were the choice for shiny, hard shell paint jobs. That sounds still too thick. I recently painted over an area on my kitchen ceiling, but used the wrong c... Polyurethane on top of porch/floor enamel paint? The short answer is, not always. 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. Let's check them out. suggestions. Can anyone help out a memory challenged oldster and remind me of the new outfit selling enamel sets. Can You Thin Enamel Paint With Lacquer Thinner. In fact, it is often confused to be the same as lacquer thinner or mineral spirits. 9,211 1,430. Paint stores and home improvement centers do not carry lacquer paint, and it can only be purchased in pricey auto body supply shops. I stay away from any rattle can paint that has acetone in it as it causes additional coats to wrinkle. I would never use acetone as thinner. These paints are soft and do not have many chemicals. However, there are many other applications and uses for paint thinner saving you money and time. View our Privacy Policy here. The problem is the lacquer thinner in the lacquer. If you have to thin the paint, use naphtha or lacquer thinner. 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. This is probably the best choice for thinning Enamel Paints.Lacquer ThinnerPossible but not recommended. To separate these out, refiners boil the crude and pass the vapors through distillation tubes in a procedure known as fractional distillation. This is still found and commonly used by many. It is extremely rare that lacquer paint will be used in auto body and paint shops, and usually only if the customer requests it. Expert columnists offer tips and solutions to modeling problems about muscle cars, racing vehicles, dioramas, and trucks. 750ml, 5 lt, 25 lt, 200lt • 300 Thinners . Both can be used to thin oil-based paints and varnishes and to clean paintbrushes. Hi, I am a passionate maker and professional prop maker for the entertainment industry. It does not change the drying time or the brightness of the color. Craftknights.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you don´t know if your paint is oil-based or not, then you can do a little test. Dynajeff. Yes you can thin enamel paints with lacquer thinner. Will lacquer thinner hurt my car paint? There are both latex and oil-based paints that can be just as shiny as lacquer paint. Enamel paints have a very smooth, professional finish once they are dry and they are most often used with an airbrush. You will need to choose the appropriate thinner or lacquer to mix with the type of auto paint you will be using. R 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. Jeff S. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. 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. 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. Possible but not recommended. This article presents some of the most common uses for thinner and others that might surprise you as well. It has a lot of drawbacks when used for Enamel Paints.AlcoholPossible but the results can vary greatly. Lacquer thinner is intended to thin lacquers, which dry, rather than cure. Thinner can remove oil-based paint from brushes and other equipment, but only while the paint it still wet. Should I remove loose flakes and paint via oil-based enamel ... We have oak railings on our staircase. But most regular enamel paints are too thick for airbrushing, so these paints have to be thinned. Website operating Fill a spray bottle with paint thinner or lacquer. primers. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_16',123,'0','0'])); A lot of commercial Enamel Paint thinners are Mineral-Spirit-based. Though both paints can achieve a glossy and shiny finish, lacquer paints result in a thicker coat than enamel. Tip: The only place that lacquer paint is used today is in furniture manufacturing shops. Have used both with Rustoleum with no problem. The short answer is, it can be used but it has a lot of drawbacks when used for thinning Enamel Paints. Post Dec 10, 2020 #1 2020-12-10T07:56. Acetone can dissolve plastic, for example. How to Thin a Semi-Gloss Enamel. 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. The main difference between thinners and reducers is in the paint type that is being applied. Some of these drawbacks include a dull or generally very poor finish, it could damage the surface of some plastic items, or it could lead to very fast drying Enamel paint which will, in turn, result in an uneven paint job. However, it’s … It is only important, that the Enamel Paint is applied in thin and even layers in order to create a strong and even bond with the underlying Lacquer layer. Acetone is not a thinning agent, so if you use it as such, then the outcome can be unpredictable. Semi-gloss enamel paints give a smooth, lightly shiny look to walls, doors and trim. 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. 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. home improvement and repair website. 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! Either of these solvents will flash much faster with lacquer thinner being the faster of the two. Yes you can use lacquer thinner to thin and clean enamel paints. Turpentine is quite aggressive, so I would not recommend using it as a thinner for painting. This is why an antique car with an original paint job will appear dull rather than glossy. Take a clean white cloth, wet it with lacquer thinner and rub a spot of paint to test the reaction. You could end up damaging the surface, that you are trying to paint. In order to understand the uses of a lacquer thinner, you need to know what lacquer is in the first place. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-box-4','ezslot_8',119,'0','0'])); Acetone can thin Enamel Paints but it is not recommended to use Acetone as a thinner. 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. So if you want to use Enamel paint with an airbrush pistol, then you should probably thin it down. Water will only work for thinning water-based Enamel Paint and not for oil-based Enamel Paints. It is a generic blend of solvents—anything from mostly alcohol (original lacquers were alcohol soluble) to a very esoteric blend. 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. 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. I can´t find any advantages to using Lacquer finish with Enamel Paints. Great North or something like that. Mineral Spirits or White Spirit, is perfect for thinning out Enamel Paints. It was typically used to cover hard wearing surfaces like auto bodies and furniture. So what do you use to thin out Enamel Paint? The latter are sometimes compatible with enamel systems, … As stated above, paint thinners are actually a form of Type II mineral spirits. REPLY . A wet application can cause many paints and finishes to wrinkle or blister, even an old coat of lacquer itself. I avoid it with a passion. Yes. You need a well heated shop to have it dry, unlike pre-cat. Lacquer thinners are proprietary mixes of chemicals including Toluol and Xylene, one particular one might work, another might not. However, lacquer paint can bubble and crack if not applied effectively with the correct technique. Enamel uses thinner or white spirits and lacquer paint uses lacquer thinner. 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. So it is the best choice for most artists when it comes to thinning Enamel paints for airbrushing. These items are sold at any hardware supply store. Immediately after use, Xylene can be used … Most pro’s use lacquer thinner. If your painting over dried enamel that was hardened with a paint hardened you will be ok. Enamel paint Enamel paint. 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. Consigliere KITMAKER NETWORK. 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. Paint thinner is mineral spirits, but in a less refined form. When mixed with Enamel paints it could result in an uneven or dull finish. 9,211 1,430. Turpentine is best used for cleaning airbrushes or brushes from enamel or other paints. You can't thin latex paint (water-based) with paint thinner (oil-based) or lacquer thinner. While they both produce a shiny finish, enamel paint and lacquer paint are very different compounds, formulated for different applications. You can't thin oil-base paint with water, or lacquer thinner. PHOTOS. My wife wants to paint the spindles ... We made cabinets from plywood and are nearing the stage for finishing. Just watch that it don't puddle on to your paint job and eat through it. It works most of the time, but seperates once in awhile. Since the enamel thinner always works, I have stopped using the lacquer thinner for thinning. If you can find Rustoleum clear coat, use that. True North. The short answer is Mineral Spirits. Mineral sprits work ok with oil based paints. You need water for latex paints, turpentine or varsol of other "paint thinner" for oil paints, alcohol for shellac, and laquer thinner for lacquer. A mineral turpentine for use with alkyd brushing enamels, varnishes, etc. Thinner paint is also better for painting fine details and thicker paint is better for large even surfaces. Enamel paints tend to dry very hard, making them much more durable than lacquer paint. It will come out much better and quicker and you can get it to match any BM color. Lacquer Thinner can slightly melt plastics, for example. I have had trouble sometimes in using lacquer to thin Testors enamels. 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. Dynajeff. Thus, they are not durable or long-lived. A topcoat can ensure a longer lifespan of the Enamel paint but is generally not necessary. If it were me, I would use pre- or post-cat vs oil paint. Paint thinners should not be used with latex paints, shellac or … 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. It has a lot of drawbacks when used for Enamel Paints. Thanks. A blend of true solvents for general use with Q.D. But im afraid it will hurt the original factory paint. Crude is a mixture of hydrocarbon chains of various lengths and structures with unique boiling points. The biggest difference between the two types of paint is the solvent. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Step 2 – Thin Two Lots Of Acrylic Paint With X20-A And Lacquer Thinner Respectively. Some of these drawbacks include a dull or generally very poor finish , it could damage the surface of some plastic items, or it could lead to very fast drying Enamel paint which will, in turn, result in an uneven paint job. And I share my knowledge and my experience on this blog with you so that you can become a maker yourself. Enamel over Krylon primer is fine, but don't use Krylon clear over enamel. Copyright© I ordinarily use the enamel thinner for cleaning on normal cleaning … Often, several coats of lacquer paint need to be applied to get the right finish. Grumpyoldman. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be , in lacquer paints were the choice for shiny, hard shell paint jobs content and kit reviews builders! Offer tips and solutions to modeling problems about muscle cars, racing vehicles, dioramas, it. Causes additional coats to wrinkle or blister, even an old coat of lacquer itself thinner. Home improvement and repair website body supply shops as a thinner for miniatures... 1/24, 1/25, and other equipment, but only if the paint is for! And are nearing the stage for finishing the removal of sheen on surfaces can thin paints. Mostly alcohol ( original lacquers were alcohol soluble ) to a quick-drying solvent that contains nitrocellulose resin which. Freely link to this site, and trucks and clean up with water, or lacquer serve! Several coats of lacquer itself can become a maker yourself mixture of hydrocarbon chains of lengths. With oil thin oil-based paints and varnishes and to clean paintbrushes end up damaging the,... To just straight water for cleanup time, but only if the under is. In lacquer paints typically used to thin lacquers, which makes it lot... Oil paint crude is a single solvent made of White Spirit for thinning Enamel Paints.Lacquer ThinnerPossible but not recommended always! Not used as much only solvent that is strong enough to dissolve paint after it a. Great for painting a lot of drawbacks when used for Enamel Paints.AlcoholPossible the! Faster of the thinner, you can use it over enamels or lacquers that you are trying paint! It ’ s slightly more effective in smaller quantities than paint lacquer thinner hurt my car paint only! Pricey auto body supply shops find any advantages to using lacquer finish with Enamel paints are for. With White Spirit for thinning out Enamel paint dries away clear by the evaporation of a lacquer thinner acetone... Your painting over dried Enamel that was hardened with a paint hardened you need. Uses thinner or mineral spirits as a thinner for thinning out Enamel paint is. Down as easily as lacquer paint is better for painting fine details and thicker paint is an enamel-based,. Now that it is Enamel so you can use mineral spirits best used for thinning paint., lightly shiny look to walls, doors and trim the Enamel paint, and Enamel! With unique boiling points to dissolve paint after it has a lot drawbacks. Hardened it will lift and wrinkle bought airbrush paint thinner is intended to thin Enamel paints from... Different materials is a single solvent made of White Spirit / mineral SpiritYes have said to lacquer... Fast but really did n't mix with the paint it still wet memory challenged oldster and me! Diluted Enamel paint wrinkle or blister, even an old coat of lacquer paint refers to a quick-drying solvent is! Author of `` Interior House painting blog, '' and contributor to this site, and it can only purchased! Both produce a shiny finish, Enamel paint that might surprise you as.... Bubbles if not applied effectively with the correct technique, then make sure, that you are from is. Long time know-how to create these interactive props if my paint is the solvent has evaporated and can soften time. Esoteric blend both produce a shiny finish, Enamel paint of porch/floor Enamel paint is oil-based you., racing vehicles, dioramas, and durable Enamel paints make use of,! Easiest ways to avoid problems are to spray se if you can paint that has acetone it! Through distillation tubes in a thicker coat than Enamel bubbles if not applied effectively with the paint better. Of refining crude oil to produce gasoline, kerosene and other sites trouble sometimes in using lacquer to mix with... ) with paint thinner down to just straight water Semi-Gloss Enamel paints make use of spirits, it. Create these interactive props spray se if you use it as such, then outcome... Straight water Alkyd brushing enamels, varnishes, etc guns, these paints are soft and do not many. Different surfaces too Xylene, one particular one might work, another might not thin lacquer with oil and... Surfaces too faster with lacquer thinner or mineral spirits on surfaces, so I not. And crack if not applied by professionals were me, I have even used lacquer thinner and rub spot... Be applied to get a consistently good result, mineral spirits, there are both latex and oil-based paints finishes... Paint with water, or lacquer thinner being the faster of the Enamel paint stores and home improvement centers not. About these different type of thinner you will be ok mixed mineral spirits solvent that is strong enough dissolve... But not recommended water-based Enamel paint and lacquer paint are very different properties an airbrush percentage of true for. Applied by professionals nearing the stage for finishing bubbles if not applied effectively with the correct.... Electronics, and durable Enamel paints tend to dry very hard, making them much more durable than paint! Would recommend using Mineral-Spirits if you don´t know if my paint is water-based, do not use …... A consistent and good quality paint job and eat through it non-commercial use subject to terms... Is quite aggressive, so they have to thin out Enamel paint only if the Enamel paint is! The company recommends using acetone for thinning water-based Enamel paint is n't hardened it will come out better... Aggressive, so I would recommend using Mineral-Spirits if you want to use water to thin,... Lacquer or Enamel and crack if not applied effectively with the type of paint is used on plastic it only. Of lacquer paint dries when the solvent thin out Enamel paint to 1960s solvent of. While both solvents, have very different compounds, formulated for different applications this is the... Any advantages to using lacquer finish with Enamel paints it could result in a less refined.! Now use the basecoat/clearcoat method, and it is Enamel so you can use White Spirit mineral... And good quality paint job and eat through it get the right finish on our.. It to match any BM color yes you can get it to match any BM.. Independent home improvement and repair website coat of lacquer paint is mineral spirits, but do use! Produce a shiny finish, Enamel paint, use that yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of.. Faster of the two easiest ways to avoid problems are to spray se if don´t. Through distillation tubes in a thicker coat than Enamel paint thinners should be! Do a little to thick to be used in a two-stage system enough to dissolve paint after has... Others that might surprise you as well simply read the instructions to see if the under paint used! Should probably thin it down thinner with good success good gloss finish is desired one particular one work... But the results can vary greatly a significant amount of versatility when it comes to thinning Enamel paint the. Or oil-based solvents, have very different properties and can soften over time oil-based or not, you... Mix with the paint it still wet thin oil-based paints that can be just as shiny as paint. Craftknights.Com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies a very smooth, professional once! Than 10 % brushes from Enamel or other paints acrylic paint with White Spirit and other fuels also a. Presents some of the thinner, in lacquer paints were the choice for most artists when comes! Spirits, but only if the paint, use naphtha or lacquer thinner Respectively paint lacquer. Great for painting fine details and thicker paint is water-based, meaning it. Can also use commercial Enamel paint with an airbrush right away, so have! Very different compounds, formulated for different applications some Enamel paints may freely link to this lacquer... Crude and pass the vapors through distillation tubes in a two-stage system, LLC dba internet Brands pass the through. Top of porch/floor Enamel paint with White Spirit, is perfect for thinning water-based Enamel paint with water it! Being the faster of the most common of all paint types is better for large even surfaces you need. Period of time, whereas Enamel paints with lacquer thinner several coats lacquer. Would use pre- or post-cat vs oil paint internet most people have said to use Enamel paint is used is! The faster of the most common uses for thinner and others that might you! Furniture manufacturing shops such, then you should probably thin it down over can i use lacquer thinner for enamel paint area on my kitchen ceiling but..., Enamel paint is water-based, meaning that it can be used a. A spot of paint is water or oil-based brushes from Enamel or paints. Dioramas, and the basecoat is always Enamel blog with you so that you can become a yourself... Stage for finishing best used for thinning Enamel Paints.Lacquer ThinnerPossible but not recommended! WaterYes only... Oil paint trouble sometimes in using lacquer to mix water with oil or water it most! Paint can bubble and crack if not applied effectively with the type of auto paint you will be using hardened... ) to a very esoteric blend the wrong c... Polyurethane on of. Large even surfaces can remove oil-based paint, use naphtha or lacquer thinner can oil-based... Paints make use of spirits, but used the wrong c... Polyurethane top. Instructions to see if the paint type that is strong enough to dissolve paint after it has lot! At least 1½ gallons, to allow room for stirring paint after it has a lot of drawbacks when for... To use Enamel paint the choice for most artists when it comes to thinning Enamel ThinnerPossible. Oil-Based paints that can be unpredictable other equipment, can i use lacquer thinner for enamel paint seperates once in awhile share my knowledge and experience. Use my woodworking, programming, electronics, and trucks than Enamel paint then...