which is better to spray with - laquer thinner or mineral spirits..

When I used enamels, I used mineral spirits and T.R.P.S.( a turpentine substitute).  They both work very well for enamels.  Laquer thinner is, as others have already mentnioned- too aggressive and can contribute to poor results in the final paint film on the model's surface.  Laquer thinner is best for laquer-based finishes and ofcourse, cleaning your tools.  For more info on the *T.R.P.S, do a search in this forum catagory.

MikeV wrote:

It depends on what works for you. I find that lacquer thinner is too "hot" and does not dry the way I like it so I prefer mineral spirits for enamels if I use them.

If I may add a little to Mike's post:

Lacquer thinner will not only attack the plastic (you do get terrific bond ) it also may dry so fast you get a grainy or pebbled texture and very poor bond . On top of that, although it may look like it is dissolving the paint, it may be incompatible with some of the binder in some paints and give you very strange results, including color changes.

Mineral spirits is the way to go for any enamel that does not specifically say it can be used with lacquer thinner. If you need faster drying or better paint dispersion, using small amounts of xylol or toluol as a cosolvent works better. However, these two chemicals are more hazardous than mineral spirits. Using cosolvents is definitely  an "advanced" technique.

I prefer low odor mineral spirits, they are cheap, and for me they work really well. My main consideration for what to use is the odor, and let me tell ya, lacquer thinner has one!

MikeV wrote:

It depends on what works for you. I find that lacquer thinner is too "hot" and does not dry the way I like it so I prefer mineral spirits for enamels if I use them.

  Thanks!! Yeah, it is way to hot im finding out more now, after just using mineral spirits.
The MS doesnt dry before it hits what your painting too! LOL

It depends on what works for you.
I find that lacquer thinner is too "hot" and does not dry the way I like it so I prefer mineral spirits for enamels if I use them.