Enamel thinners substitute What can I substitute for reducer as it says not to use lacquer thinner but naptha doesn't seem to want to spray well either. Amazon prices it at $28 USD. Should I thin with the thinners and clean the airbrush with whi Jun 2, 2021 · Many artists love using acrylic mediums to thin out paint because, unlike other substitutes, the mediums don’t weaken the bond strength in the polymer that makes up the paint, which means that it won’t become flaky and inconsistent when dry. Mona Lisa thinner will just give you a globby gooey mess with enamel paints. Save the lacquer thinner for thinning lacquer paint and spraying in a well ventilated spray booth wearing a respirator. Say goodbye to small bottles of stock thinners or searching for substitutes at hardware stores. But depending on the enamel thinner that you use, it can sometimes turn your paint into a globular mess. use whatever thinner/reducer from the paint manufacturer you are spraying. You don’t need, or shouldn’t mix it with enamel and it might have an adverse effect on your plastic. Jul 5, 2023 · More to the point is the question of thinners. Feb 15, 2025 · Paint thinner and mineral spirits are common solvents used in painting projects, but many people wonder if they are the same. Can’t help you with Humbrol acrylics, sorry. The main difference between thinners and reducers is in the paint type that is being applied. Jun 7, 2018 · Like Dollar Bill said, read the labelmost enamel based tractor paints use mineral spirits or enamel reducer. paint thinner and reading our blog will help you make a decision based on your requirement. I have 3 types available to me - Cellulose, White Spirit based and Isopropyl alcohol. Thinners are for lacquer-based paints. If the primer is lacquer based, you`ll need lacquer thinner, or possibly acetone; both of which are too "hot" for enamel based paints. MEK is not a suitable enamel thinner. So, depending on what you need, you can choose which type of thinner to use. 99 Sign In to order online Apr 23, 2014 · Hi Guys can anyone suggest a cheaper alternative to Humbrol Enamel thinners. It is a clear formula, made from orange peels, used to thin oil paint, clean paint off brushes and equipment, thin tung oil, and for artist oil painting effects. Feb 7, 2012 · generally speaking, paint thinner can be any number of products, but it most likely lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, xylene or m. Especislly pollycaps if you're using it to top coat. It should be noted that enamel thinner is highly flammable, so it should always be used in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames and sparks. I usually just use acetone or mineral spirits with enamels and never had an issue, but I only had urethane reducers on hand so I took the risk and used it. The Difference Between Paint Thinner and Jun 25, 2004 · The #1 site on the Internet to discuss and learn about autobody and paint. Avoid turps as it's quite harsh, White spirits, odorless thinner, lighter fluid, Tamiya x-20, other branded hobby or artists enamel thinners. Oct 19, 2023 · The right kind will thin Humbrol enamel just nicely and cost a fraction of Humbrol's own thinner (or anything else in the plastic model world). Testor has created a line of enamel primers, thinners, and top coats giving modelers that extra edge to craft the paint to the right effect needed for that project. 120 VOC Thinner offers stronger solvent properties and a slower Achieve the perfect consistency for your solvent based urethane coatings and paints with POR-15 Reducer Solvent. White Spirit is sold (In the UK anyway) as 'Turpentine Substitute'. If you want to learn how to paint your own car, this is the place! May 10, 2025 · Here are a few ways to thinning acrylic paint that is too thick, including using a couple of acrylic paint thinner substitutes that I teach my students Aug 31, 2011 · Re: Xylene substitute ? by Lance-W » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:13 am Ben Dover wrote: Go to an auto Paint Store and buy some Enamel Reducer, if there is a Sherwin Williams or PPG Industrial Paintsupplier, the Enamel Reducer will be a bit cheaper. however, from what i can see in the photo, it looks as if the paint is rather heavy (possibly due to the pigment separation, possibly under thinned), and has been sprayed at either too high a May 4, 2020 · The Testor's thinner is very similar to mineral spirits. Jul 24, 2010 · I have recently gotten back into painting and wanted to get a 250 ml bottle of Tamiya X-20A thinner. Being 'hotter' this can potentially cause two problems. A “denatured alcohol / shellac thinner”, or an “enamel thinner” or “lacquer thinner” or one of the original ingredients “xylol” or something else? Also what ratio of paint to thinner would you recommend for painting as well as weathering? Majic 1 pt. With lacquer thinner you will have much better results, with air brushing especially, & the paint will dry almost as fast as lacquer. Moderators: DasPhule, Moderators Apr 2, 2001 · Does anybody know what solvent/solvents to use to thin that stuff and clean it up? The can says to use their thinner at $11/quart (plus shipping), but it seems like I should be able to buy something at the hardware store for half that that would do the job. Jun 1, 2009 · No, it's OK Wojtek. I know to only use regular lacquer thinner to thin the paint, but I saw some stuff at Home Depot called Kwik Strip Green. There are other thinners to employ for acrylic artist paints. Enamel Reducer is a proprietary blend of exempt solvents. May 1, 2021 · The 8800 enamel was excellent paint. You can still use the new thinner for old paint for brushing, but it eventually breaks apart if left together. mineral spirits. 00 per ounce for my paint thinner/brush cleaner when I could buy it for $3. (methyl ethyl ketone) reducers are usually enamel reducers or urethane reducers. I have 2 1 oz jars that I bought in 2011. Jul 16, 2012 · Rather then spending a lot for a little bottle of thinner from the manufacturer, I would rather buy a quart at the hardware store for a little more. once told me that tamiya thinner is mainly a mix of IPA and water, with probably some retarder in it. Tamiya do produce their own acrylic retarder, but it isn’t available in Enamel thinners are used as paint thinners to reduce the viscosity of enamel paints and make them easier to apply. It keeps the paint non-toxic and easy to clean. Apr 23, 2023 · Lacquer Thinner Lacquer thinner is a powerful solvent blend specifically designed to thin and clean up lacquer-based paints. Learn more about your options. Cheaper Airbrush Enamel thinner substitute? This is the place to get answers about painting, weathering and other aspects of finishing a model. To create a vegetable oil-based homemade paint thinner, combine one part vegetable oil (e. It came with a small bottle of thinner. Each has different qualities. Different paint thinner types include lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, water, denatured alcohol, naphtha, and xylene. Clear up any confusion before your paint project with this guide on mineral spirits vs. It is a petroleum distillate and closely resembles paint thinner in its intended uses, but it is less toxic and has a lower odor. I'm unable to buy any actual thinner right Jun 23, 2023 · In the neat future I will need to get some new thinners for both my acrylic and enamel paints. It can act as a substitute for mineral spirits, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, toluene, xylene, glycol ethers, and fluorinated or chlorinated organic solvents. Easy to use and high-quality! Paint thinners are solvent types used to reduce the viscosity or thickness of water-based and oil-based paints, sealers, or wood stains. In surfing the web, I found a lot of military and railroad modelers that use a variety Can be used to thin single stage enamel, would not recommend to thin catalyzed urethane or epoxy. I also have acetone, mineral spirits, xylene, naphtha and automotive paint red Feb 11, 2025 · Nail polish thinners are supposed to restore the condition of our favorite nail polishes. Did you mix paints before putting in the airbrush cup? Oct 1, 2005 · Just checking to see if anyone knows if Testors enamel thinner (comes in 1/4 oz. The stuff’s been expensive all along, but now with only small containers available, the problem has increased, and I’m ready to entertain a good substitute. So if I were to use Humbrol enamels in your part of the world, I'd have to check the local home improvement / paint stores and read a lot of lables (to find my "Reinigungsbenzin"). I think there would be a reaction with the thinner you're using, causing separation of the pigment. BUT DOES USUALLY CLEAN BRUSHES ARE YOU SURE YOU WEREN'T USING DENATURED WHITE SPIRIT LANGLOW FOR INSTANCE THAT CLEANS BRUSHES BUT DOES NOT THIN PAINT OR ENAMEL IT IS A GREENER BRUSH CLEANER IN THE PAST I HAVE ADDED A small AMOUNT OF CELLULOSE THINNER TO ENAMEL BUT YOU THEN HAVE Not sure about the thinner you used but in America the hardware store lacquer thinner is stronger than hobby thinners. Water: For water-based paints, adding water can thin the paint without altering its properties significantly. This would explain why IPA works so well with Tamiya. Learn about the differences between oil-based and water-based enamels, discover effective thinning techniques using solvents and thinners, and uncover practical tips to achieve stunning VMS Thinners 2. Also know as white spirits in the UK, mineral turpentine (AU/NZ), turpentine substitute, petroleum spirits, solvent naphtha, Varsol or Stoddard solvents. These products work very well in thinning our enamel paints for use in an airbrush. Nov 29, 2007 · Hi, just getting back to building Campbell wood kits and will be using Floquil Enamals. when using lacquer thinner, they spray really thin and translucent, building up color slowly. I have been reading more and more about people using old fashioned turpentine instead of paint thinner ( in forum posts they differentiate the two) for thier washes. You can use all sorts of household crap to thin enamels, but you'll get to enjoy stronger smells, breakdown of the paint at higher thinning ratios, slower evaporation rate and resultant (much) longer drying times as the main Mar 29, 2007 · For enamel paints I've had success thinning with using lighter fluid in a pinch, as for Lacquer Paints I've heard of folks using brake-fluid to strip Lacquer based paints off of kits - but that stuff is pretty toxic so I wouldn't suggest trying to use it as a thinner. Nov 24, 2017 · I routinely thin flat enamels with either enamel thinner or lacquer thinner. 00 per gallon. note: Product image is a representative image and may not show actual product labeling. I tried denatured alcohol but it wouldn't congeal with the black paint I was using. In fact Humbrol Enamels with that thinner is my primary choice. May 30, 2017 · For airbrushing enamels, I only use the Testors Universal Enamel Thinner. Synthetic turps (Turps substitute) is normally OK, but it's best to use either Humbrol thinners, which is finely refined, or We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Using car paint thinners helps you achieve a smooth finish because it reduces the paint’s thickness and minimizes brush strokes and spray inconsistencies. Home Depot, Hardware Stores, and Autozone Jul 19, 2022 · Solvents can be incredibly confusing and the most common point of confusion is paint thinner vs. These thinners provide a smooth finish. Oct 25, 2023 · The main difference between xylene and paint thinner is that xylene is a clear, colorless liquid that belongs to a group of chemicals known. Ace Hardware's paint solvent selection includes all the products you need, including acetone solvents, denatured alcohol, mineral spirits and more. Oct 12, 2020 · Note, you were recommended lighter fuel, it very volatile, but will thin enamel. Vallejo are also incredible paints, but can be finniky in terms of thinning for airbrush (just use the ModelAir line) or handbrushing. Trying not to pay $5 for 1. It's stronger than paint thinner and can be used to remove a variety of paint types, including oil-based paints. I have experience with turpentine from my HS art days; smelly, gummy, nasty stuff. This wide-spectrum, high-purity thinner is perfect for all enamel paints on the market, solving common enamel-related problems like orange peel, paint running, and the Jan 7, 2004 · I use Humbrol’s own enamel thinners for thinning paint, but use cheap turps substitute from the local hardware shop @ 40p/litre for cleaning brushes. Understanding […] Paint thinners affect your lungs and other internal organs while Eco-friendly paint thinners don’t! Check here for few best options that can work for you. Just remember that Tamiya’s acrylic thinner also contains a retarder so if using rubbing alcohol to replace it consider using an acrylic retarder with it. Get the Testors Enamel Thinner, 1. paint thinner. Don't flood the model with thinner or wash, as enough thinner can still cause damage to acrylic paints. . These terms might be different in th US. DO NOT try to use acrylic thinner with enamel paints. I am based in the UK so there may be some need to translate the terms used for different types of thinners. Those both are slow-drying thinners. The result is a hideous mess should you attempt to. Fast-Drying Enamel Paint: Acetone is the best choice. Any ideas? Hopfully a Jun 14, 2025 · Turpentine and paint thinner have a lot in common, but they also have key differences that everyone should know about: What Are the Differences between Paint Thinner and Turpentine? Paint thinner is a liquid used for thinning the consistency of another liquid. Was wondering what everyone is using these days to substitute for Dio-Sol. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. However, it’s essential to note that acetone is a hazardous solvent that emits dangerous fumes. often people just use what ever they think will work, and wind up with a disaster, then complain the 120 VOC THINNER 120 VOC Thinner is a VOC-Free general-purpose thinner that can be used in place of Pettit’s standard 120 Brushing Thinner in Pettit antifouling paints, varnishes, and topside paints. All are different names for the same thing…more or less. May 22, 2008 · On the IPA /tamiya thinner subjects, a friend who works in a lab. With Gunzes I used IPA with no problems. May 25, 2021 · While similar, these solvents aren't synonymous. Hardware store thinner is "hot" and will etch styrene, forming a molecular bond, lacquer thinners like Mr. Reducers are used for urethane-based paints. You might get a grainy finish if you hold the airbrush too far back and the paint dries as it’s propelled through the air onto the model. IT IS BETTER AS PAINT AND ENAMEL THINNER. You can also get naptha, mineral spirit, paint thinner, lacquer thinner from any home hardware store. If you want to learn how to paint your own car, this is the place! Jan 9, 2009 · Hi everyone. Artists oil paint thinners should work as well, as should turpentine, the classic thinner for oil paint. Can you use turpentine or any off the shelf thinners? Thanks for the advice Proprietary enamel thinners based upon naptha have significant practical advantages over turpentine or white spirit. Moving back to Humbrol enamels for the present and wondering what to thin with. Jul 26, 2015 · Painting with John Deere Classic paint. Lacquer thinner (used by many modelers as airbrush thinner) also works and it dries much quicker. Or if you miss a spot while primering, any paint could damage the kit. e. Nov 26, 2019 · I've been using Humbrol enamels for as long as I can remember but have finally come to the end of the road with them due to variable quality control. A turpentine substitute can also be used as a substitute for paint thinners. Jul 21, 2022 · Citrus Solvent is an all-natural alternative to harsh paint thinners. I've used white spirit before and that stuff stinks to high heaven, so I'd definitely like something that doesn't smell, but I don't know what'll get the job done. I the. Substitute for more expensive stock thinners but just as good. However, you can use the alternative materials in the table below as Enamel thinner and Acrylic thinner because these products are more expensive than alternative thinners in the market or are not always available. I Oct 27, 2024 · Lacquer Thinner: Primarily for thinning lacquer-based paints, it evaporates quickly and provides a fast-drying solution. Nov 26, 2024 · Lacquer thinner and paint thinner are powerful thinners and solvents for oil-based paints, lacquers, stains, and varnishes. Jan 3, 2009 · Wurger is right on both counts. I can't imagine anything on a tractor needing a better shine. 1) If used to thin primer it could damage the plastic of the kit. Tamiya thinners are isopropyl alcohol with some acrylic retarder / flow aid added, you can get acrylic retarder from many artist shops, but the quantity to add & the exact spec are a bit of a mystery. Now you don't have to limit yourself to tiny bottles of stock thinners or try to to find substitutes in hardware shop. Or are you actually referring to X-20A thinner? Aug 2, 2022 · I do not have an airbrush and do all of my model painting with rattle cans and brush. Up until now I've tended to use branded thinners for both, mainly humbrol. So, considering that its smelly, nasty Jan 20, 2006 · Test different brands, some seem better than others, at least I prefer some over others. I happen to have quite a large stash of Model Master enamel bottles that I would love to continue using. This thinner is wide spectrum, high purity product that works great with all enamels currently on the market. Jun 19, 2010 · I would be tempted to stay away from vodka of perfume, you are just asking for trouble by putting unknowns into the mix. Not so ideal for thinning enamels & should never be used as a thinner for washes. Are you looking to “THIN the paint” or just remove it like a cleaning solvent? Mineral spirits is like a thinner, but for oil paints. Feb 7, 2010 · Tried spraying Humbrol acrylics but not getting on at all. Not long been back into modelling. Xylene could also be used as a thinner but the 8832 was suited for warmer climates. May 13, 2013 · Posted May 14, 2013 Hang on, X-20 is enamel thinner, so you don't want to use IPA for enamels. The odorless or low odor Aug 17, 2013 · Logically speaking: If you are using enamel paints then you would want to use an enamel thinner. The two solvents are not interchangeable. Dec 7, 2010 · Here are the two CIH / JD thinners that I have used. It's an oil based thinners, basically enamel thinners! It's clear, like water, and has that typical thinners smell. It produces an even flow out and smooth layout for easy application. Nov 18, 2024 · I assume you are referring Mr Hobby's Mr Color Thinner and MRP refers to Mr Color paints? If so, yes Mr Color Thinner could be used as a substitute for Mr Color Levelling Thinner. Again, there's Mig's brand of 'odorless enamel thinner', but that'll definitely be a generic product marked up for hobby purposes. That would work as well, but it tends to be potentially dangerous and very fume laden. I have white spirit, turps substitute and also model enamel thinners from my local hobby shop. You should use paint thinner to reduce the paint viscosity, get a smoother finish, clean painting tools, and remove small paint stains Jun 24, 2025 · Deciding between paint thinner and reducer can be confusing. If you can’t find Humbrol’s enamel thinner, mineral spirits are a safe substitute. 0 offers an affordable alternative to expensive stock thinners, while delivering the same high-quality performance. Oct 9, 2017 · Can mineral spirits or enamel thinner be used as a substitute for lacquer thinner? Oct 20, 2022 · Substitute for Testors Universal Enamel Thinner My local hobby shop will not carry the Testors Enamel Thinner 8oz tin-can anymore arguing supply and distribution issues. g. com May 11, 2025 · I have played around with a few paint thinner substitutes, and I would like to talk about what I have learned here today. bottle) and Testors enamel brush cleaner is the same thing? Thanks, Dave One great option for thinning oil-based paint is mineral spirits. k. A couple of years ago I was judging armor and several of the models REEEKED of turpentine. Crown Extra Strength Paint Thinner Substitute Save 10% Every Day with PaintPerks ® List Price: $29. Xylene is a commonly used industrial paint thinner and solvent and is available at any industrial paint supply place. I am well practiced in using MM enamels thinned with Testors thinner. , sunflower oil) with two parts mineral turpentine, which is an inexpensive petroleum-derived solvent typically used for thinning enamel paints. Instead it basically just floated on it. If you really want to use white spirit on oily paint materials, you should mix this with other thinning solutions like mineral spirits in order for it to be effective. Is there a garden-variety product on the market that serves as a good mixer May 18, 2020 · Ok stupid question of the day. But it’s a good cleaner/wipe away for regular acrylic messups I’d assume because it eats the acrylic pigment (chemistry wins) There’s a video from “goobertown hobby’s” that he tests several different products Sherwin-Williams offers a variety of paint thinners for homeowners. Remedies most common problems with enamels such as orange peel, paint running, and "sandpaper effect We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. However, Mr Color Levelling Thinner contains retarders which slow it's drying time producing the self levelling. They can also be used to clean paint brushes and other surfaces. I decided to spray my daily driver so I could make a little money off of it and used an acrylic enamel that I had laying around. Whatever the case, here are some dos and don’ts you should know about them. Otherwise, I heard you can use walnut oil as a substitute for thinner, but it is a bit more viscous, so it will affect your paint differently than thinner. Cellulose thinners is fine for enamels though. Turpentine is used primarily with artists oils, not good for thinning enamels for airbrushing, but can be used for washes. Hope that helps some. Mart3406 Enamel thinner is for thinning enamels - It might have the chemical makeup on the side, but iirc its some ethanol mix. It would be interesting to compare the PCC 135 Gloss Black to see if it's match. Has anybody ever combined the two? When tackling a DIY project and you need a solvent or paint thinner, you might wonder what does it matter if you use mineral spirits vs acetone? Each product has it’s strong points, but why choose one over the other? Is acetone and mineral spirits the same thing? We explore the difference between mineral spirits vs acetone and which one would be best for your next project. This reducer thinner enhances paint application and finish quality in every stroke. Is paint thinner (100% Mineral Spirits) the same stuff? If not, anyone know a store where I can get the right stuff. It works great with Humbrol, no excessive drying time in all the years I’ve used it. Mix well before using it as you would with commercial paint thinner. Nov 25, 2007 · Personally, I would be extremely reluctant to use lacquer thinner to mix with any moisture cure urethane product, including POR-15. Both serve to thin paint, but they aren’t the same. I've been using it for at least 30 years! Of course, it won't work with acrylics, but is fine with all modelling enamels, and household 'decorating' paints, as that's what it's designed for. The mixing ratio was 4 parts hardner to 8 parts acrylic enamel. Mineral Spirits is a good thinner for enamels, both airbrushing & washes, & is The generic thinners don't seem as high quality as MM airbrush thinner (black label), which IMHO is the best of the spirit-based thinners for enamel model paints. Sep 12, 2021 · Any lacquer thinner with thin lacquer and enamel paint, but not all real lacquer thinners are equal. Water-Based Enamel Paint: Thin with water. Jun 24, 2011 · The #1 site on the Internet to discuss and learn about autobody and paint. Can says it’s a substitute for regular lacquer thinner, but that it has no petroleum distillate in it (there is a Feb 21, 2010 · Hello everybody, I was at Home Depot yesterday and I got to thinking, why pay $3. Can I use this thinner to mix with my paint when I get ready to airbrush my model? Mike Jan 31, 2025 · Humbrol’s own branded thinners are the best, whether enamel or acrylic. Avoid it for that purpose. Mixed it with metallizer thinner and all this did was make the paint particles congeal leaving the denatured alcohol and metallizer thinner separate from the paint particles. The problem is that thinners do damage plastic, so the likely culprit is the thinner, however there is thinner in the panel liner itself and since you mentioned you just sloppily slapped it on my guess is that's where the problem lays. Acetone, high flash point as it evaporates fast, has good bite and cleaning but not as strong as wash grade lacquer thinner. However the paint seems to take some time to dry totally. It Dec 30, 2024 · Can lacquer thinner be used as a reducer for airbrushing Testors enamels? I still have a lot of them. 75 ounces. It ensures quick drying and a hard finish. Normally I keep my thinner bottle filled from the Testors 8 oz. Once you get your ratios dialed in tho, they are so smooth and lovely. This article explores why thin paint is essential for smooth application and vibrant finishes. For example, if the paint is an enamel-based product, do not use a thinner, but rather a reducer. While they do share some properties, lacquer thinner and paint thinner are different products that address mostly different needs. There are also paint thinners for latex paints, which includes water, since that can be used to clean them Crown Extra Strength Paint Thinner Substitute Sign In to order online Learn More Compare Acrylic paint is a fine art paint. Gamsol is an odorless paint thinner that is the least toxic thinner, made by Gamblin. can, but it appears that Testors now only offers the dinky 1/4 oz The other standard alternative is the commercial enamel reducers which contain mineral spirits. Although they are similar, there are key differences in their composition, effectiveness, and applications. Nov 22, 2022 · The thinner appropriate for your project can simply be just plain water from your tap or a specific product you need to buy at a hardware store. But for the primer I bought I need either acrylic or synthetic reducer. Some have additives. Dec 16, 2024 · Thinners offer several advantages, including improved paint flow and easier application. To many, mineral spirits and paint thinner are interchangeable—both in function and […] Sep 8, 2010 · ' John Deere paint thinner ' is probably just Xylene. Our Thinners for Coach Enamel and Synthetic Primers 2611/2612 has been specially developed and manufactured to the highest standards to be completely compatible with our Synthetic Primers and Undercoats. Mineral spirits Paint thinner White spirit Mineral turpentine Stoddard solvent Petroleum spirits Varsol Solvent naphtha (petroleum) Turpentine substitute Naptha And “Enamel Thinner”, though it can have other things in it too. Lacquer-Based Enamel Paint: Use lacquer thinner. Why does it make such a difference? It caused the high points to show up. Other Household Alternatives to Paint Thinner If you are wondering whether there are other substitutes that can be used instead of thinner, turpentine, and kerosene, there might be a few options. Becareful using lacquer thinner. Also worth asking in DIY paint places, if you can find Alkyd paint (oil based house paint) that is pretty much the same as enamel. Acrylic enamel paint reducer substitutes There are various other paint reducer substitutes available today, and they include the following: Acetone Acetone is one of the popular substitutes that can be used to thin acrylic enamel paint. 99 Sign In to order online Might be a dumb question, but is there much difference in these three thinners? These little bottles get expensive Model car hobbyists discuss alternatives to expensive Testors thinner for cleaning Apr 14, 2021 · What’s a good substitute for tamiya x-20 enamel thinner to clean up my panel lines? Also has it been discontinued? I can only find it for $25 a bottle on Amazon. For example, you can use Gesso as a thinning medium. If you are using latex or acrylic, you can simply make a homemade paint thinner with some water. See full list on thecreativefolk. In certain situations, thinning enamel paint becomes necessary to optimize its viscosity and ensure smooth, even coverage. Does anyone know what thinners are used in the list below? Maybe correcting or adding to the list I have already started? Testors enamel = Paint thi Oct 22, 2025 · Alternatives to paint thinner offer a non-toxic way of thinning your paint and cleaning up your painting tools. When you have two young kids that want new school s Are you stuck in the midst of a painting project, running dry on paint thinner to get through it? No need to put your creative flow on hold or leave an unfinished masterpiece! Here are some Dec 27, 2021 · The article talks about mineral spirits vs. I'm sure somebody in this community knows what I could use as a replacement for the more expensive Testors Enamel Paint Thinne Nov 10, 2025 · Acetone is a popular substitute for acrylic enamel reducer as it can effectively thin the paint and clean the surface. It dries clear for discreet use. Turpentine is a volatile oil primarily used as a solvent in paint. Jan 22, 2025 · Oil-Based Enamel Paint: Use mineral spirits or turpentine. Oct 8, 2025 · In the middle of a project but missing paint thinner? We've got the solution! Learn about the 9 best paint thinner substitutes. They dilute paints and lacquers for easier application, prepare surfaces for painting, and clean up brushes and rollers when finished. I found that the turps substitute tended to make the applied paint “greasy” when used as a thinner (more like oil paints) and took forever to dry. If you’re using enamel paints (which I hope you are with X-20), then use simple mineral spirits. Mr Hobby does have a Mr Retarder (mild) which can be used with Mr Color Thinner to provide similar I've got this Dulux Metalshield Epoxy Enamel and it directs us to Dulux Metalshield Brush Thinner or Metalshield Spray Thinner for thinning and cleanup. Commonly found in most spray paints in a blend of other solvents such as Xylene and Toulene. We know which ones are the best to use and why you should buy them. Mineral spirits one specific kind of paint thinner, and that list also includes well-known solvents like acetone, turpentine, etc. Uses: Thinning lacquer-based paints Cleaning brushes and equipment used with lacquer paint Paint thinners and solvents are essential for many renovation tasks. Won't compromise the VOC limitsEnamel reducer is specially formulated to provide spray consistency when Mar 21, 2012 · Tamiya paints can be thinned with alcohol and lacquer thinner as mentioned. PAINT THINNED WITH WHITE SPIRIT TAKES LONGER TO DRY . Enamel Reducer: Designed for enamel paints, it helps maintain the integrity of the paint while adjusting the thickness. Color will not. I used acetone to thin. Lacquer thinner is commonly available and can effectively thin acrylic enamel paint for application on your car's gas tank. I am thinking of moving to Tamiya paint and wondered if they are best used with Tamiya's own brand of thinner or is there a cheaper alternative tha I need a substitute for enamel paint thinner. Jul 18, 2017 · I am trying to find out what is the correct thinners for Testors/Floquil Railroad Colors paint. I'm about to get to the point where Nov 15, 2005 · TRY TURPS SUBSTITUTE. It works great with oils for washes over a cured enamel base, but Jul 8, 2016 · So what is the difference between white spirits, enamel thinner (I know to use it with enamel product, but they seem to have they use with oil paints), odorless thinner and turpentine ? I currently have white spirit, turpentine and enamel thinner. 2) It will more easily Apr 1, 2016 · Hope you can help. If you are using lacquer paint (which you would not use on styrene as it crazes the surface of the plastic, then you would use a lacquer thinner. Thank you. Jul 12, 2012 · I want to broaden my painting arsenal by using lacquer sometimes (I usually use acrylics, and sometimes enamel), mainly to get into Alclad and metallizers. I will discuss the best four alternatives to paint thinner, and how to use them properly. When paints and varnishes are stored for an extended time prior to use, they can increase in viscosity and should be thinned. Xylene also makes a great octane booster by the way too! (1 gallon of Xylene mixed with 10 gallons of 93 octane unleaded pump premium will raise the octane rating about four or five points to the 97-98 octane range. 3. This synthetic enamel reducer is specially formulated to provide a perfect spray consistency when added to Majic Tractor Truck & Implement Enamels and Primers, and Majic Rust Kill Enamel. I typically airbrush a 50-50 mix of enamel and thinner. Dec 4, 2017 · How old is your bottle of thinners? Old Humbrol enamel is better with white spirit/lighter fluid. Just add the x20a thinner to the inner lip of the jar and you're good to go! Not had much luck with hand brushing tho. May 1, 2021 · Trekhans In the absence of acrylic enamel reducer specifically designed for automotive paint, you can use lacquer thinner as a substitute. 75 oz for all your model painting needs. Mar 18, 2013 · Hi, These days i'm obsessed about creating alternatives for X-20A thinner, because it's so expensive in my country i don't know why. Initial Hornby era and new UK is better with Humbrol thinner in glass bottle. I've heard that some guys using Dec 7, 2020 · I usually use automotive thinner, just thought I would try Testors airbrush thinner today and regretted it. The local hobby shop doesn't carry it (only the 23 ml bottles) and I wondered if there was a good substitute. I've tried %99 IPA (2:1 paint-thinner ratio, 24°C @%55RH), it dried so quick and created very dull and uneven (grainy) surface. My white spirit seems too harsh ; from the hardware store instead of one from an art store. Jan 7, 2005 · Lacquer thinner is a hot, aggressive thinner that is ideal for cleaning Airbrushes or thinning lacquer paints. Yes. Surely Jun 4, 2023 · Achieving a flawless and professional finish with enamel paint requires more than just skillful application. For your Humbrol enamel, if it is real Turps, this will probably cause separation of the pigment and oils, more so with a metallic paint, where the metal particles will 'float out'. Most commercial lacquer thinners have some vaying quantity of alcohols in them, which will react with some of the isocyanate groups and compromise the film properties. Feb 17, 2012 · What type of thinner would you use in the place of Dio-sol. Oct 21, 2024 · Mastering the art of thinning enamel paint can transform your DIY projects from frustrating to flawless. You could also use turpentine or possibly Humbrol enamel thinner. The Testors brush cleaner is a different, stronger version good for cleaning the airbrush, but not as good for a reducer. But how do you go about thinning enamel paint effectively? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of thinning enamel paint, providing you with However, it is possible to use white spirits on water-based latex paints and enamel to thin them. Depends on the actual paint you use. Alcohols or lacquer thinners (which contain polar solvents) are much better suited to Tamiya paints as a brush cleaner. But they have plenty of x-20a for Apr 19, 2023 · White Spirit (Turpentine, or paint thinner) are petroleum based thinners which work very well with organic solvent based enamel paints (like Testors or Humbrol), but not as well with alcohol-based (or water-based) acrylic hobby paints like Tamiya. May 16, 2004 · I've read that thinners and reducers are the same thing. I got a small testors paint kit that has the amber and stop light red colors. Apr 19, 2007 · According to my LHS, the largest container of thinner available from Testors/Floquil is now only a halfpint can, at (of course) a not-exactly-halfpint price. Jan 17, 2008 · Isopropyl alcohol is a good substitute for Tamiya Thinner, however keep in mind that the Tamiya product contains a retarder which prevents the paint from drying too quickly. I would like to have a hardware store substitute for Testors airbrush thinner. It's enamel, so any enamel thinner. I really liked the Valspar paint better than the Majic, but the black amazed me. It can be used as an effective substitute for thinning paint. If you look close at the JD can there is a spot of CIH 2150 red on it and the IH can has a spot of JD 'buff' colored primer/sealer on it! I would not hesitate to use the CIH thinner as shown with JD enamel paint. I have just bought Mr Hobby Aqueous water based acrylic paint and forget to get any thinners, can I use Tamiya thinners or Vallejo Air thinners? As I have those already. Jul 11, 2020 · Enamel Thinners and Acrylic Thinners The best thinners for model paints are the products prepared or recommended by the manufacturers. Aug 14, 2025 · What Is Paint Thinner? For starters, paint thinner is a general term for any kind of solvent that’s used to alter the consistency of paint or clean it up. You can get white spirit for cheap in the house painting section of walmart though if you're really hurting Dec 18, 2012 · Anyway, Humbrol enamels should be used with an enamel thinners or white spirit (Turps substitute). All will thin and clean up oil and enamel paints. I'm slowly going from moving from Humbrol enamels to Tamiya acrylics, so a alternative to X-20A thinners would be really helpful too. / The 8800 was a GLOSS Black. Unlike oil-based paint, another medium for artists, you don't thin acrylic artist colors with paint thinner. Rubbing Alcohol for Various Types of Sep 4, 2013 · I've used the gloss black and their hardener, and it came out with a killer gloss. A high-grade enamel reducer is formulated to reduce and thin out enamel top coats and primers.