can you thin acrylic-paint w/ denatured alchohol?

[fiatboy]

I bought a gallon and it does not strip acrylic paint very good,  so I am hoping I can use it to thin acrylic paint.  Thanks

[SfanGoch]

If it's a water-based acrylic, I would recommend isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. It does decrease drying time; but, you need to adjust the pressure and flow from your airbrush so that the paint doesn't dry as it is sprayed and you end up with a rough, pebbly finish. For a lacquer-based acrylic, use a good automotive lacquer thinner. 

Edited April 9, 2018 by SfanGoch

[High octane]

Tamiya has acrylic thinner in jars. I use it when I use acrylics to paint parts by brush.

[peteski]

Typical hobbyist language...

When you say acrylic, do you mean water-based paints?  (Because there are plenty of organic-solvent-based acrylics).  If you mean "water-based acrylics" then some of those paints will curdle when mixed with alcohol, while others will be fine.

But regardless, denatured alcohol is a good cleaner/degreaser for parts (metal and plastic) before painting.

[fiatboy]

Thank you.

[Snake45]

15 hours ago, peteski said:

 If you mean "water-based acrylics" then some of those paints will curdle when mixed with alcohol, while others will be fine.

And some will instantly turn to Jello when mixed with lacquer thinner. Lost a whole bottle of Poly S Panzer Yellow that way in two seconds once.

[SfanGoch]

Only if you use lacquer thinner to thin water-based acrylic paints. I use lacquer thinner with AKAN lacquer acrylic paints with no problems. 

Rich, just use IPA for Polly S, Pollyscale, Vallejo, Model Master Acryl, Revell Acrylics (if you can get a hold of them), Humbrol and even Tamiya. I use 91% IPA. I found that using IPA makes it easy to cross-mix different brands too. 

[fiatboy]

I think I've got the info I need.  Thanks.  This thread can be closed.

[fiatboy]

Thanks Peteski for pointing out that denatured alchohol is an excellent de-greaser.

[vintagerpm]

My recommendation is to buy the same brand thinner as the paint you use. You will have no problems this way.