Anyone else tried thinning acrylics with Windex?

Windex will thin some acrylics that are water based (Model Master) however I have found that windshield washer fluid works better.

Mike M

I use windex as a cleaner for my acrylics, so since that works very well, I'd assume that thinning with it would work as well. I tend to stick to tamiya thinner, but it's kind of 'iffy' with anything but tamiya acrylics.

Excuse my ignorance, but aren't all acrylics water based? or at least water-soluble?

i've used windshield washer fluid too

no, tamiya are alcohol based.

QUOTE: Originally posted by zokissima Excuse my ignorance, but aren't all acrylics water based? or at least water-soluble?

No. Believe it or not there are actually lacquer-based acrylics.

Maybe Gip can give us some additional info on this? Gip?

Mike

arn't those "acrylic lacquors" i have some enamal based acrylics

QUOTE: Believe it or not there are actually lacquer-based acrylics. Maybe Gip can give us some additional info on this? Gip?

Hi, Mike!
Acrylic lacquers have been around since the 1950's. They have often replaced the nitrocellulose lacquers that have been popular for years. The acrylics are simply plasticizers dissolved in a lacquer-based solvent. Acrylics give a better, more durable finish than the nitrocellulose products, and also are resistant to re-disolving in the presence of solvents.

Likewise with acrylic enamels. Acrylics in enamels not only give a more durable finish that is also more solvent resistant, but also provide higher gloss when using gloss colors. Acrylics have, in large part, replaced alkyd enamels (enamels based on animal fats). Acrylics also have a better molecular cross-linking chemistry which adds to their durability. Acrylic enamels, particularly in the auto industry are also solvent-based products, and are NOT water soluble.

By the way, if you're going to use Windex as a paint thinner, I think I'd stay away from the one that contains ammonia (Windex with ammonia-d), and use the one that contains isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol). Although the ammonia only makes up about 1% of the mixture, it would still have to be fairly basic (as opposed to acidic), and I would be wary of what amines could potentially do to paint pigment.

Gip Winecoff

QUOTE: Originally posted by MikeV I just tried some MM Acryl paint thinned 2:1 with straight Windex, a couple drops of Aqua Flow Retarder, and a drop of Dawn dishwashing liquid and it seemed to flow great and sprayed some of the finest lines to date with my Omni 4000. I would have to try it some more to see if I can get that good of results again but it seemed I had better results when I mixed Windex alone with Acryl then I do with my usual 50/50 mix of Isopropyl alcohol and water to thin it. Anyone else have good results with acrylics thinned with Windex? Mike

I've always used Windex for water based acrylics, I thin with it, clean with it, and even use it for washes.
It always works just fine for me.
And when your done you can...get this...wash your windows.
Amazing stuff.

Oh yea, I've even soaked my silver rings in it to remove tarnish.

I have found that a drop or two of Windex in the AB cup works wonders when applying "Future". The Windex retards the setting of the "Future" and allows it to flow better, giving you a increased chance for a smooth, glossy finish.