Lets talk solvents

[ctruss53]

I did some searching through the forums. This topic has probably been discussed, but I can't find the answers I am looking for.

Solvents.

I mainly paint parts with acrylics, and bodies with lacquers. I am trying to find a good place to look at what I can use to clean up paints, without damaging what is underneath.

 

Example: If I paint a car body with lacquer. And I weather it. What can I use to clean up or thin what I am using to weather the paint without damaging the lacquer base coat.  Or more specifically, I am looking at using oil paint and mineral spirits. Will mineral spirits eat lacquer paint?

I thought that mineral spirits would not eat lacquer paints, but I read about people combining lacquer thinner and mineral spirits, but this was on wood.

So, is there a quick reference chat maybe for what paints can be put on other paints. What paints can't be put on other paints. And what solvents can or can't be used on certain paints?

This would be great.

[ctruss53]

Hi

[Dpate]

Yeah i wouldn't use oil paint and mineral spirits on lacquer unless you did a flat clear coat.   I know oil paints thinned down as a wash works great on acrylics.  In my situation a good example even though it's different from yours - would be like lets say a rim? In the picture below what i would do in that situation would be paint the rim silver lacquer basecoat, and than an acrylic black like tamiya on top.  Once dry you would take acrylic thinner on a q-tip, and slowly remove the black on the edges leaving just the silver.  Is this bout the same idea you're asking about with compatibility? I know enamel thinner doesn't hurt lacquer long as you're easy with it.  If i was that unsure I'd do a test spoon done in lacquer, and start doing little bit of weathering on it with the oil paint n spirits.  Sorry I'm just not to sure about all the compatibilities there are when it comes to weathering. 

 

Edited March 13, 2023 by Dpate

[ctruss53]

6 minutes ago, Dpate said:

Yeah i wouldn't use oil paint and mineral spirits on lacquer unless you did a flat clear coat.   I know oil paints thinned down as a wash works great on acrylics.  In my situation a good example even though it's different from yours - would be like lets say a rim? In the picture below what i would do in that situation would be paint the rim silver lacquer basecoat, and than an acrylic black like tamiya on top.  Once dry you would take acrylic thinner on a q-tip, and slowly remove the black on the edges leaving just the silver.  Is this bout the same idea you're asking about with compatibility?

 

The example I am thinking of is I saw on youtube where someone thinned down oil paints with mineral spirits and then brushed it on as a wash to bring out details and add a little weathering. But in this video he was not specific about what type of paint he was doing this over.

So I was asking about compatability so I would know what type of paint I can do this on top of.  Based on your post, it sounds like this would work on acrylics, but not on lacquers? Mineral spirits would dissolve the lacquer paints I'm assuming?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Mineral spirits should have no effect on fully dried lacquer.

70% isopropyl should be safe to use as a cleaning wipe on fully cured enamel or lacquer as well.

But as always when using unfamiliar materials, TEST FIRST before committing to doing something on a model you care about.

NOTE: I have zero knowledge or experience with modeling products labeled "acrylic" or "water based".

 

Edited March 13, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[Dpate]

31 minutes ago, ctruss53 said:

The example I am thinking of is I saw on youtube where someone thinned down oil paints with mineral spirits and then brushed it on as a wash to bring out details and add a little weathering. But in this video he was not specific about what type of paint he was doing this over.

So I was asking about compatability so I would know what type of paint I can do this on top of.  Based on your post, it sounds like this would work on acrylics, but not on lacquers? Mineral spirits would dissolve the lacquer paints I'm assuming?

Yes I've seen it done on a plane propeller doing a wood grain finish with acrylics, and than took and made a oil paint wash, and used that over the propeller.  I would be in the same boat as you as i only use automotive lacquers for car bodies.  I'm not sure how fast it would dissolve, but it would damage the finish for sure.  Most of the weathering i see done on lacquer is using either enamel or acrylic based washes etc.  You can't use try other products or you just prefer oil paint weathering? I think the only way mineral spirits would be safe on lacquer is if it's done over a clear coat.  You could try turpentine to thin the oil paint because turpentine wont dissolve lacquer, but i would test on something first. It's safer on lacquer than spirits, and would soften it a little, but i wouldn't dissolve it like spirits would.  

Edited March 13, 2023 by Dpate

[StevenGuthmiller]

I just use cheap acrylic craft paint for a grimy or oily wash for engine and chassis detailing.

No worries about what’s compatible with what.

Just mix the color you want and thin it with water.

You can use it over anything, whether it’s lacquer, enamel, or whatever, and it’s cheap, easy, and no mess.

 

 

 

 

Steve

[Belugawrx]

7 minutes ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

I just use cheap acrylic craft paint for a grimy or oily wash for engine and chassis detailing.

No worries about what’s compatible with what.

Just mix the color you want and thin it with water.

You can use it over anything, whether it’s lacquer, enamel, or whatever, and it’s cheap, easy, and no mess.

Steve

I was just about to say that same thing..cruise around your local art supply store..Michaels..Hobby Lobby..anywhere that sells paints and canvases..

You'll find lot's of cool stuff like Liquitex Matte Medium, Flow aid, water colours, chalks, dyes....all of these can be mixed into an acrylic thinner or water (use a drop of dish soap as a surfactant) and can't possibly hurt enamels or laquers.

It is always good to coat your base colours with a flat or gloss clear, before you start any weathering. And as Bill said...

'But as always when using unfamiliar materials, TEST FIRST before committing to doing something on a model you care about.

Good luck and have fun

[Bills72sj]

I concur with most all of the above. Acrylics are generally chemically inert when applied to cured solvent based paints. If you want to practice seeing what affects what, get some dollar store acetone, drug store alcohol, auto parts store window washer fluid and hardware store lacquer thinner and mineral spirits. Spray some spoons and let them cure for a couple of weeks. You will figure it out.