Can regular mineral spirits thinner be used in place of hobby brands?

[Mr. Show]

I've been buying the 1 3/4 ounce Testors thinner but it goes pretty fast when you have to thin paint and clean an airbrush. Large bottles of mineral spirits paint thinner are about the same price and contain 20 times more product. Can it be used with enamels, or at least to clean an airbrush?

Edited October 12, 2010 by Mr. Show

[charlie8575]

I personally prefer lacquer thinner for cleaning an airbrush. It gets everything out.

As to the paint thinner/mineral spirits, I'd be a little careful in mixing it with the paints; always test a little first to make sure it's not too strong for the plastic.

Charlie Larkin

[Harry P.]

Get a gallon of it at any home center. It'll cost you a tiny fraction per ounce of what you'd pay for a "hobby brand."

[george 53]

James, Of course brother you can use regular thinners and mineral spirits, Unless of course your particular airbrush can't be cleaned with mineral spirits do to some problem. But yeah, Daddy-o, you's spendin ALOT of money for nothing. Good luck!

[Mr. Show]

James, Of course brother you can use regular thinners and mineral spirits, Unless of course your particular airbrush can't be cleaned with mineral spirits do to some problem.

Well I thought it might affect the plastic tube or some of the other parts it touches since I assume it's stronger than the testors stuff. It certainly smells worse.

[charlie8575]

Well I thought it might affect the plastic tube or some of the other parts it touches since I assume it's stronger than the testors stuff. It certainly smells worse.

Find the low-odor stuff. It has a milder solvent.

Charlie Larkin