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Another annoying newbie question.

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  • Member since
    February 2011
Another annoying newbie question.
Posted by David A. Scott on Sunday, August 22, 2004 10:13 AM
I am assuming that this is a stupid question but what the heck. Can I just use regular paint thinner from, say, Home Depot or Lowes for cleaning my brushes and airbrush? I go through Testor's paint brush thinner fairly quickly and I'd like to see if I can get a cheaper alternative?

cheers
dave
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Rowland Heights, California
Posted by Duke Maddog on Sunday, August 22, 2004 10:30 AM
As long as you are using enamels, by all means, go for it! The Home Depot stuff will clean your brushes and airbrush very well without any adverse affects.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Third rock from the sun.
Posted by Woody on Sunday, August 22, 2004 11:25 AM
Yeah, laquer thinner is pretty much all the same. Anytime they package a product for hobbist we get soaked. I also picked up some M.E.K. for making putty and of course to use as liquid cement (same active ingredient as Tenax-7!).

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones
  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by David A. Scott on Sunday, August 22, 2004 11:28 AM
Great stuff. Thanks for the info all. Of course I'll keep my Testor's Airbrush Thinner can and put the generic stuff in there. Must keep up apperances you know....Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Maine,USA
Posted by dubix88 on Sunday, August 22, 2004 11:55 AM
HEY,
Ya i do the same thing, i must have about 8 of those little bottles from the testors enamel thinner, but i have laquer thinner in them now. One of those gallon jugs of laquer thinner, even if you have an airbrush, will last forever and a day, so it saves alot of money.

Randy
THATS MY VOTE "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there is a man on base." -Dave Barry In the words of the great Larry the Cable Guy, "GIT-R-DONE!!!"
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W
Posted by scottrc on Monday, August 23, 2004 9:26 AM
I also use Mr Clean to clean my airbrush bottles. Great stuff.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 23, 2004 12:12 PM
i went to home depot to get thinner not to long ago. got one liter for $2!! i usally pay $2.50 for the little jars. but the new thinner bottle's cap can fill up the jar! use a funnel when pouring into the little jars, i made that mistake the first time, had to leave the area cause it smelled so bad.
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Monday, August 23, 2004 9:23 PM
QUOTE: ... had to leave the area cause it smelled so bad.

It's not just the smell! Keep in mind that this stuff is NOT good to breathe. Laquer thinner, mineral spirits, any type of paint (and yes that does include acrylic), alcohol, airbrush cleaner, etc. None of these were intended to coat the inside of your lungs. Please, please, please use a respirator / paint booth and/or have extremely good ventilation when using these chemicals because they are dangerous!
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
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