Paint solvent

[Jürgen M.]

Hi everyone,

I've got a question:

What kind of paint do you use for your models, enamel or water based and what do you use for thinning enamels?

I'm just curious because I use enamels and it took me till today to find a thinner and solvent that doesn't smell but does the job well.

I've made the experience that water based paints don't really work very well without using an enamel primer. Also you need to apply more layers.

And what I find very strange is that water based paints e.g. Revell are tougher to get out of the airbrush than enamels.

Only the water based clear coat works pretty well and I like using it because it doesn't smell.

Anyway, I found an aromatics free solvent which really cleans brush and airbrush perfectly and doesn't smell at all.

What are your experiences?

[NOBLNG]

I am certainly no paint expert, but I know enamels can be thinned with lacquer thinner…but it smells!I use mostly lacquer, but am getting more into acrylics lately. I am using Vallejo airbrush cleaner for cleanup after spraying acrylics. It works nicely. Others may have their own concoctions?

Edited February 22, 2024 by NOBLNG

[Bainford]

 I paint primarily with Lacquers and enamels. I used to thin them both with cheap hardware store lacquer thinner, which worked well, but it has very strong smelling fumes. A couple years ago I switched to Mr Color Levelling Thinner, which is not as strong smelling, and it's a great thinner, though still has a definite industrial solvent smell. And of course, so do the lacquer and enamel paints themselves. I still clean my airbrush with the hardware store lacquer thinner. Proper breathing protection is always used; in my case, a 3M half-mask with filters for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and a pre-filter to catch paint particles, which will extend the life of the primary filter. With the mask on, I can't smell anything at all.

I do use alcohol-based acrylics occasionally, mainly Tamiya, but not for painting bodies. I used to thin these with 91% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), but have now switched to using Tamiya's own acrylic thinner. Though less dangerous to health, I still find the fumes from these paints to be strong.

What is the aromatics-free solvent you have discovered?

[Jürgen M.]

Wow, thanks for so much informative input! 

What I discovered is an aromatics free hardware store solvent which doesn't smell at all and works great!

I'll take a picture of it when I get home. Don't know If it helps though since it's from a German hardware store and therefore written in German!

Of course I also use a mask while painting. Got enough left from Corona times! 

Oh yes, I usually use Revell enamels. Tried some others too but didn't get good results with those.

Must have been Herbol if I remember correctly!

 

[Jürgen M.]

Hi,

I promised to take a picture of the solvent can I bought.

It's from a German hardware store chain called "Bauhaus".

I searched the whole Isle of cleaners, detergents and solvents till I discovered that can saying aromatics free.

I'm not a chemist but I know that aromatics are highly poisonous and are known to cause cancer!

I've had my share of that so I always was careful with the solvents I had been using!

Anyway, I saw the can but of course I couldn't just open it to smell the contents.

So I took a small can just in case it wouldn't work the way it should. But it did. I was really surprised.

And that performance with no smell is just perfect!

I recommend it truly. Try anything without aromatics. Should work out! But first try the smallest container Just in case.

OK, I talked a lot, now here's the product:

 

It says "thinner, free of aromatics. For thinning and cleaning".

Tomorrow I'll get more! ?

Have a good night!

[peteski]

Are the ingredients listed on the label?  Usually chemical bottles have those listed.

It is probably what we call Odorless Paint Thinner. It is petroleum based and still has a slight odor. Can likely be used for solvent based enamels (like Humbrol and Testors PLA enamel).

 

I don't airbrush acrylic water-based paints because they are difficult to clean out of the airbrush.

[redneckrigger]

I use regular automotive enamels with the regular enamel reducer. I don't find the odor to be too bad, though I am VERY used to it. I use lacquer thinner to clean everything, and have never used acrylic paints. Since most of what I do is build trucks and equipment, I don't hardly ever use clear, and many times I use a flattening agent for the colors to achieve a better scale finish. I do not use hardeners. I usually use MR. Surfacer primers/fillers. I've been painting full size cars, trucks, equipment, and about every vehicle type you can think of for my whole life, and just get my paints now at the local auto parts store, in 1/2 pint sizes, and have found everything I need right there.

Edited February 23, 2024 by redneckrigger

[karbuildr]

I used to use lacquer thinner when I paint with enamels. Mainly, I use Testors enamels. Lacquer thinner works well, but I discovered Enamel Reducer works a heck of a lot better, along with Enamel Catalyst/Hardener. I thin my enamels with the Reducer just like I would with any other thinner. To the consistency of milk. I leave a little room though, in the airbrush bottle and add an eyedropper full of the Catalyst/Hardener. Instead of a month wait for the enamel to gas out and harden, it's ready to go in 7 days or less. The Catalyst/Hardener increases gloss, increases hardness and considerably reduces dry time. I find that I have less need for a clear coat using this process. I clean the airbrush using cheap lacquer thinner. The products mentioned are Tractor Supply house brand called "Majic". I also use lacquer paints and my thinner of choice is Dupont #3602S. I've never used acrylics to paint a body so I can't offer anything for that medium.

 

[Jürgen M.]

Interesting stuff! Thanks!

I don't always use clear coat but depending on the base coat color I use sometimes it's better to use the flat type because it's better in spreading, surface and covering. You mostly only need one layer. Except for white, I always put two layers at least. And when I use decals I prefer covering them with clear coat to prevent them from peeling off later.

I'll see If I can find a catalyst-hardener. Sounds like good stuff! 

Concerning the ingredients of the odorless thinner, I'll have to look. Be back soon with the answer.

Edited February 24, 2024 by Jürgen M.

[Jürgen M.]

Here's the back side of the can. It says isoprafine and  aliphatic hydro carbons.

(I looked that one up).?

 

And this is the water based clear coat I use! Never had a better one!

Edited February 24, 2024 by Jürgen M.

[karbuildr]

I've heard good things about Createx products, both paint and clear coat. Odorless thinner I've never used. I'm not familiar with those chemicals in it but I'm sure someone with greater knowledge will hopefully chime in. If you can't locate a catalyst/hardener locally, you should be able to order it online at any number of vendors. It's great stuff if you like to use enamels.