Gus

Member since
May 2009

Over-the-counter 90% alcohol vs. Tamiya X-20 Thinner

Posted by Gus on Thursday, May 14, 2009 7:27 PM

Is there any advantage to using the Tamiya Thinner? The price is about 4x...more if you buy at Costco.

Thanks!

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Triarius

Member since
January 2003
From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois

Posted by Triarius on Thursday, May 14, 2009 8:01 PM

Tamiya thinner contains an acrylic retarder. If you use 90+% isopropyl alcohol, you have to add your own.

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

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styrene

Member since
May 2003
From: The flat lands of the Southeast

Posted by styrene on Thursday, May 14, 2009 8:47 PM

Triarius wrote:
Tamiya thinner contains an acrylic retarder. If you use 90+% isopropyl alcohol, you have to add your own.

Ross,

Does it matter if one is already retarded?

Gip

1882: "God is dead"--F. Nietzsche

1900: "Nietzsche is dead"--God

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Bgrigg

Member since
May 2005
From: Left forever

Posted by Bgrigg on Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:08 PM

No, but it helps!

So long folks!

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Triarius

Member since
January 2003
From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois

Posted by Triarius on Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:33 PM

styrene wrote:
Triarius wrote:
Tamiya thinner contains an acrylic retarder. If you use 90+% isopropyl alcohol, you have to add your own.

Ross,
Does it matter if one is already retarded?
Gip

Only if they call you "Snake-eye"…

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

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eatthis

Member since
October 2008

Posted by eatthis on Friday, May 15, 2009 1:32 AM

im using water is that retarded?

snow + 4wd + escessive hp = :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7egUIS70YM

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Hans von Hammer

Member since
June 2008
From: Iowa

Posted by Hans von Hammer on Friday, May 15, 2009 7:25 AM

Water retards the drying, that's for sure..

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acmodeler01

Member since
January 2008
From: Tulsa, OK

Posted by acmodeler01 on Friday, May 15, 2009 7:41 AM

I use straight 91% to thin mine. It works great IMO, but it does dry fast. For cleaning brushes, 91% is awesome.

Jon.
http://public.fotki.com/dawgfighter/

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Gus

Member since
May 2009

Posted by Gus on Friday, May 15, 2009 10:56 AM

So I guess it doesn't matter if you don't add too much then.

Thanks!

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Triarius

Member since
January 2003
From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois

Posted by Triarius on Friday, May 15, 2009 11:11 AM

Gus wrote:
So I guess it doesn't matter if you don't add too much then.
Thanks!

Adding too much retarder can cause serious problems with your paint. Up to a certain amount, retarders slow the drying and curing of the paint. Beyond that amount and they do one of two things:

The paint never cures.
The paint cures instantly, curdling in your airbrush.

That is why you always mix the retarder with your reducing solvent, then add the solvent to the paint. Adding some retarders directly to some paints will cause instant flocculation (a $5 word for clumping—$6 Canadian/Canadien

) In short, your paint will be all flocked up…

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

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STFD637

Member since
June 2009
From: Florida

Posted by STFD637 on Friday, June 5, 2009 7:11 PM

I have to use 91% alcohol here in Florida. The humidity doesn't allow for fast drying unless you do. I have found it works well and helps keep the spray in thin even coats. Plus the cost is way cheaper.

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

make an avatar

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M1 A1 A2 Tanker

Member since
August 2006
From: Amherst, MA

Posted by M1 A1 A2 Tanker on Sunday, June 7, 2009 5:41 AM

I use either 70% or 91% alcohol for cleaning brushes and the air brush. But stick with the brand thinner (Tamiya ..ect). When thinning the paint to air brush.

My 2 cents..........