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What is an effective 'bulk' paint thinner/cleaner for Testors enamels

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8 replies
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  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 30, 2005 12:35 PM
I agree with all these suggestions but I have one more. I normally clean with lacquer thinner but even after that every once in a while i'll shoot some carb cleaner through and it gets gunk that the lacquer thinner missed. I suppose I will get some snickers for this and I emphasize USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I don't know if it damages anything in the airbrush but it sure does clean.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Central USA
Posted by qmiester on Monday, May 30, 2005 9:40 AM
I use DuPont 3812S Enamel reducer. You can get it at a good automotive paint store (check your Yellow Pages) and comes in quarts and gallons (I buy the latter). A gallon will last me 2 or more years, even with airbrushing. Works well with Model Master, Testors (the small bottle), Hubrol and even Pactra (If you still have some). It smells bad but not as bad as laquer thinner (not a small thing when my wife is around)
Quincy
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
Posted by dariencharlie on Monday, May 30, 2005 7:42 AM
For a cleaning station, I made one with a coffee can. On the lid I cut a couple 1" square holes near one edge of the lid, and taped some folded over paper towel over them. Toward the other edge I cut a small hole to stick the air brush into for flushing it. Not a permanant deal of course, but doesn't work badly.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Southern California, USA
Posted by ABARNE on Sunday, May 29, 2005 9:53 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Kolja94
For cleaning the airbrush I use the cleaning station, maufactured by Testors (I think)...


I also use Testor's cleaning station (which was one positive holdover from my Aztek purchase) when cleaning up the Badger after painting with enamels. It does a great job of knocking down the fumes to something that my exhaust fan can deal with as well as trapping the thinner for easy recycling.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Oak Harbor, WA
Posted by Kolja94 on Sunday, May 29, 2005 8:19 PM
I use the store brand laquer thinner from Ace Hardware. For cleaning the airbrush I use the cleaning station, maufactured by Testors (I think) and avaiable form micromark. It includes a filter and knocks down the fumes considerably - still make sure there's always plenty of ventilation etc etc

Karl

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
Posted by dariencharlie on Sunday, May 29, 2005 7:38 PM
Thanks for the replies and info.

I do have and use a respirator, a must for airbrushing I would say, to anyone else who happens to read this. I'm sure there are lots of places to get them. I got mine mail order from a place called Gemplers, www.gemplers.com
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Southern California, USA
Posted by ABARNE on Sunday, May 29, 2005 4:48 PM
For really tough cleaning, like caked on paint in old bottles, I use Kleen-Strip Lacquer Thinner, and for general cleaning and paint mixing, I use Kleen-Strip Paint Thinner (Mineral Spirits). I don't think that either product costs more than two or three dollars per quart at Home Depot.
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Sunday, May 29, 2005 4:23 PM
Laquer thinner works great. If you spray it I'd strongly recommend using a respirator as the fumes should not be breathed.
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
What is an effective 'bulk' paint thinner/cleaner for Testors enamels
Posted by dariencharlie on Sunday, May 29, 2005 2:37 PM
In using Testors enamels I of course use their airbrush thinner for airburshing, and I use their brush cleaner for that.

For cleanup of nozzel and paint cups after airbrushing, and of mixing bottles, I have been using up some paint thinner we had around the house. It does ok except for trying to get some mixing bottles and used up paint bottles really clean to be able to reuse them.

Can someone suggest a particular brand, or particular type of paint thinner or cleaner that I can get in quarts, etc., for this purpose, when using Testors enamels?

Thanks.
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