Lacquer thinner

[Triarius]

Lacquer thinner is not a single solvent. It does not have a uniform composition. Different manufactures produce lacquer thinners of widely different compostions. In other words, "Brand A" does not equal "Brand B," which is completely different from "Brand C."

Originally, lacquer thinner was alcohol, usually methyl, ethyl, or denatured ethyl. As other lacquer compositions were developedâ€â€especially synthetic lacquers, other organic solvents began to be added so that one solvent blend would dissolve them, as well. Modern lacquer thinners vary from nearly pure alcohol to blends of most of the common organic solvents. Some contain very little alcohol. Commonly, modern lacquer thinners are blends of one or more alcohols and one or more of the common solvents such as toluene, xylene, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyl cellosolve, mineral spirits, and others. Most of these will dissolve most enamels as well as one or more synthetic lacquers. This is why some regard lacquer thinner as a universal solvent.

Alcohol is generally not aggressive to styrene plastics, but will dissolve many acrylic hobby paints. Most of the other solvents mentioned above, except mineral spirits, are highly aggressive to styrene. Some may be highly aggressive to one or more of the binders (polymers) that form the film of enamel and acrylic paints. When this happens, and that coating is applied to styrene, what is happening is not truly film forming or painting. It's no longer a coating, but rather has been partially or completely fuzed to the plastic surfaceâ€â€essentially melted in the same way solvent cement welds two pieces of styrene together.

[tempestwulf]

Lacquer thinner is not a single solvent. It does not have a uniform composition. Different manufactures produce lacquer thinners of widely different compostions. In other words, "Brand A" does not equal "Brand B," which is completely different from "Brand C."

Originally, lacquer thinner was alcohol, usually methyl, ethyl, or denatured ethyl. As other lacquer compositions were developed—especially synthetic lacquers, other organic solvents began to be added so that one solvent blend would dissolve them, as well. Modern lacquer thinners vary from nearly pure alcohol to blends of most of the common organic solvents. Some contain very little alcohol. Commonly, modern lacquer thinners are blends of one or more alcohols and one or more of the common solvents such as toluene, xylene, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyl cellosolve, mineral spirits, and others. Most of these will dissolve most enamels as well as one or more synthetic lacquers. This is why some regard lacquer thinner as a universal solvent.

Alcohol is generally not aggressive to styrene plastics, but will dissolve many acrylic hobby paints. Most of the other solvents mentioned above, except mineral spirits, are highly aggressive to styrene. Some may be highly aggressive to one or more of the binders (polymers) that form the film of enamel and acrylic paints. When this happens, and that coating is applied to styrene, what is happening is not truly film forming or painting. It's no longer a coating, but rather has been partially or completely fuzed to the plastic surface—essentially melted in the same way solvent cement welds two pieces of styrene together.

I hear that. i use lacquers and the thinners are very caustic to the plastic so am careful when painting. But it must be added lacquers do make a very good "thin" cement. A good replacement for Tamiya thin if you use lacquers and the Tamiya cement.

[Bails]

The realities of lacquer-thinned paints lead me to be cautious with the airbrush to avoid etching the plastic. The key......super-light first coat, followed by moderately heavier coats....to a total of about 3. Also, good to follow the advice of other hobby paint sages: acrylic over enamel, enamel over lacquer.....never the revearse.

Bails