Alcohol and Tamiya paints

[JohnG]

I've been using rubbing alcohol to thin and clean tamiya acrylics. It was 70% isopropyl. Now I've just come across 99% isoporpanol, and am wondering if that would be any better for painting. Any input?

[toadwbg]

I would think the only problem is that using 99% would dry paint quicker, sometimes a problem clogging up the airbrush tips.

[volzj]

I agree with Toad.

I've used 70% isopropyl cut with about 50% distilled water for years to thin acrylics, including Tamiya. The 99% will dry much faster.

Tamiya's own thinner is actually very good too.

[Edgar]

When Tamiya paints first arrived in the U.K., we read the label, on the thinners, and realised it was 50/50 water to iso-propyl-alcohol. We thought it was a bit cheeky, charging us for water.

Edgar

[AnthonyWan]

I actually like it better when paint dries faster ;) (I use the 91% alcohol)

The faster drying IMHO, reduces the risk of some little stray piece of dust landing on a wet finish. Any little particles are blown off with a computer CO2 duster spray.

EDIT: On what Toad said earlier on clogging tips, i usually keep a small container of lacquer thinner or Aztek airbrush cleaner nearby, along with cotton swabs. If a clog occurs, simply dip in to the cleaning solution, take a quick swipe at the tip, and 99% of the time, the paint is flowing again. (Just remember to spray on another surface first, because 100% of the time there is a little 'paint goo' that will shoot out)

Edited May 8, 2006 by AnthonyWan