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is all lacquer thinner the same

by Elvis Maggio II Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Lacquer thinner or paint thinner work equally well for cleaning oily surfaces, including oily tools. But lacquer thinner is highly preferable for cleaning off tough substances like inks and adhesives.
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Are Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner the Same?
Lacquer ThinnerPaint Thinner
Benzene0%3% to 7%
6 more rows
Sep 22, 2021

Full Answer

What can you use instead of lacquer thinner?

What can you use instead of lacquer thinner? Linseed, poppy, walnut and safflower are the best known, tried and trued. Stick with them and you are ok. Stay away from any oil that is not a drying oil that has been shown to work well with oil paints.

How much lacquer thinner should I use?

Use the ML Campbell lacquer thinner recommended by the tech sheet. Use as much as you need to thin your material out so that it sprays right. You may not get the hiding power that you would expect with the material only reduced 0% to 10%, meaning you might have to lay down additional coats, but that's the price you pay when you choose spraying equipment such as yours.

Does lacquer thinner damage engines?

Yes, a lacquer thinner in a gas tank may cause harm to your engine. Lacquer thinners include acetone and other acidic compounds. Your fuel system, especially in newer vehicles, is full of fragile rubber fittings and plastic components. If you use a corrosive substance, such as lacquer thinner, you risk damaging it.

What is the difference between lacquer and paint thinner?

Difference Between Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner. 1. While lacquer thinner is effective with oil-based coating, paint thinner is effective on oil-based products.. 2. Lacquer thinner is a product made of many ingredients, paint thinner often contains just one or two ingredients.. 3. Lacquer thinner is a very strong solvent, paint thinner is strong but not as strong as lacquer thinner.

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What kind of thinner do you use for lacquer?

Lacquer thinner, also known as cellulose thinner, is usually a mixture of solvents able to dissolve a number of different resins or plastics used in modern lacquer.

What will lacquer thinner dissolve?

The chemicals in lacquer thinner can dissolve most resins and stains much more effectively, but they are much more toxic and flammable so care should be taken. It is also a very strong solvent, meaning that even thicker substances, such as tar and tree sap, can be dissolved with lacquer thinner.

What is the purpose of lacquer thinner?

Lacquer Thinner is a professional strength, general purpose, medium-dry lacquer thinner for use in thinning clear and pigmented nitrocellulose lacquers and epoxies. Excellent for cleaning brushes, rollers and spray equipment. Good also as a parts cleaner and degreaser.

Can I use paint thinner instead of lacquer thinner?

Mineral spirits and paint thinner are almost the same, except that mineral spirits is more highly refined and has less odor. You can use either product to thin oil-based paint and to clean up after painting. The higher vapor point of paint thinner actually gives it an advantage over lacquer thinner.

Are there different grades of lacquer thinner?

All three lacquer thinners feature some type of methyl etyhl alcohol. Lacquer thinner 48 and Lacquer thinner 11 have methanol, and Lacquer thinner 51 has MEK. This is because methanol or methyl ethyl alcohol is present in most hydrocarbons. These Lacquer thinners have low VOC content.

Is acetone stronger than lacquer thinner?

It is often better to use lacquer thinner in place of acetone, because acetone on its own has a much faster evaporation rate than lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner has other ingredients besides acetone–i.e. Lacquer Thinner #11 includes Toluene, Acetone, and Methanol.

How long do you leave lacquer thinner on?

Use an inexpensive paintbrush to apply a thin layer of paint thinner to a small section of the wall, ceiling, or any other surface. Check the manufacturer's directions and allow the paint thinner to sit for the required amount of time. It typically takes about 20 minutes for the paint to soften.

How long does lacquer thinner take to dry?

5 to 10 minutesLacquers do not require any additional molecules to become hard; once the solvent evaporates the resins solidify. That is why lacquers dry so quickly -- within 5 to 10 minutes -- and why the reintroduction of solvents (lacquer thinners) reconstitutes a dry, lacquered surface.

Can you thin lacquer too much?

It is not advisable to thin the lacquer more than twice, but in extreme cases, such as older lacquer that has evaporated some, you can do it.

Is mineral spirits a lacquer thinner?

Mineral spirit is also known as paint thinner and mixed in thick paints to thin them. Mineral spirits are stickier than lacquer thinner. This is because they retain the lubricating property of petroleum much more than lacquer thinners. This is also the reason mineral spirits are used for lubricating several objects.

Is nail polish remover lacquer thinner?

It is also used in the beauty industry as a nail polish remover, superglue remover and skin adhesive remover on artificial hair. On the other hand, lacquer thinner is used as a thinner in lacquer based paints, removing ink and adhesive residue on metals and other surfaces as well as cleaning spray guns.

Is lacquer thinner and acetone the same thing?

The key difference between acetone and lacquer thinner is that acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that is highly volatile, whereas lacquer thinner is a substance that is useful in thin lacquer-based paints. Acetone is an organic compound having the chemical formula (CH3)2CO.

Will lacquer thinner melt plastic?

Laquer thinner will dissolve plastic if the lacquer thinner is diluted enough. Lacquer thinner typically comes in a concentrated form that you need to dilute with water or another solvent before using.

Is lacquer thinner same as acetone?

The key difference between acetone and lacquer thinner is that acetone is an organic compound that appears as a colorless, flammable liquid that is highly volatile, whereas lacquer thinner is a substance that is useful to thin lacquer-based paints.

Is lacquer thinner good for clean catalytic converters?

Lacquer thinner is effective for cleaning catalytic converters because it's able to dissolve the carbon deposits that have built up inside the unit. Dissolving the carbon deposits is important because it helps to improve the efficiency of your engine and reduce emissions.

What solvent dissolves lacquer?

Alcohol will readily dissolve shellac, and it will slowly soften lacquer. Lacquer thinner will readily dissolve lacquer and will soften shellac.

What Lacquer Thinner Is

Lacquer thinner is a strong liquid thinner and solvent. Containing up to ten ingredients, lacquer thinner is a compound with mixture ratios that vary between manufacturers.

What Paint Thinner Is

Paint thinner is any liquid product that thins or acts as a solvent for oil-based paints and other coatings.

Are Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner the Same?

Compositionally, lacquer thinner and paint thinner are not the same. In fact, they share no ingredients. A visual scan of all ingredients making up more than 5 percent in both products shows the sharp contrast:

Lacquer Thinner vs. Paint Thinner Strength

Lacquer thinner is more powerful than paint thinner. Lacquer thinner is so powerful that it will even soften cured, dried lacquers and other oil-based coatings. Lacquer thinner can damage plastic and rubber and it can even strip car paint. Lacquer thinner acts quickly and aggressively to dissolve lacquers.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

Both lacquer thinner and paint thinner are considered hazardous. 1 Wear chemical-resistant goggles and gloves and breathing protection when working with either product. Work with these products only in well-ventilated areas.

What is the difference between lacquer and paint thinner?

The basic difference between the paint thinner and a lacquer thinner lies in the differences in their chemical composition and flammability. Since lacquer thinner is richer in volatile hydrocarbons and light molecules (that vaporizes easily), it’s more volatile and flammable compared to paint thinners.

Why add thinner to lacquer?

Adding a small amount of thinner makes the lacquer flow better to create a finish that is smooth, glossy, and free of streaks. It is also used to move adhesives and inks from different types of surfaces. Lacquer thinner should be added a little at a time to produce the right consistency.

What is a paint reducer?

Paint reducer (in automotive paint industry) is different than lacquer thinner. The main difference lies in the type of paint that can be thinned and is being applied. While thinners are generally meant for lacquer-based paints, reducers are designed to be used for urethane-based paints.

What is paint thinner made of?

As mentioned before, it usually contains solvents like xylene, acetone, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone which are made up of lighter molecules. Also, due to the fact that the molecules in the paint thinner are heavier (usually because of the Stoddard solvent it includes), it carries an oily texture.

Is lacquer thinner bad for you?

Although lacquer thinners aren’t bad for your skin, they can definitely cause annoyance due to issues like redness, mild cracks, or spot-specific dryness. Ingredients in lacquer thinner are labeled hazardous and hence if it gets on your skin you should wash off your skin immediately with soap and water.

Can you use mineral spirits as a degreaser?

Mineral spirits and lacquer thinners can be used as degreaser as well. Because its lighter than most chain lubes, you can use them for cleaning your drivetrain. If you need to remove tar, grease, or tree sap, then also lacquer thinner is perfect for the job.

Can lacquer thinner be stored in a plastic container?

Do not store lacquer thinner in a plastic or rubber container as it can melt the plastic and can cause a mess. As the vapors need enough room to expand do not fill the container completely when storing – it can burst. Store the left solvent at a place that is well ventilated.

B2 Rick

I use hardware store without issue, except for any labeled" low voc". That crap never dries.

galileo1

When I used enamels I used to use store-bought lacquer thinner without issues. You can't wipe the plastic with it but you sure can paint with it. I'm almost 100% acrylics now but I started to use lacquer primers and I do indeed like the Gunze Leveling Thinner. Best lacquer thinner I've used.

Thommo

Last night I started experimenting with hardware store lacquer thinner (General Purpose Lacquer Thinner from Bunnings, $AU9 for 1 litre) and Tamiya acrylics (after reading on an Aussie modelling site that this stuff works, and not wanting to pay $13+ for a 250ml of the proper yellow cap Tamiya Lacquer thinner, which I'd have to mailorder online).

Thommo

OK the Bunnings lacquer thinner does not work so well. Even with retarder in it, I think it dries/evaporates too fast leading to a bit to much paint speckling as it hits the model, and coarse overspray. But it is ace for cleaning the AB afterwards.

Jay Chladek

If we are talking the small bottle, part number 8825C, it should work fine. However you don't get much and I instead would recommend getting a bigger red can, part number 8824. Buying it in a larger volume reduces the cost per ounce and it will last quite awhile.

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1.Not all lacquer thinners are created equal - Woodworking …

Url:https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/management/not-all-lacquer-thinners-are-created-equal

27 hours ago Lacquer thinners are a mixture of solvents that are typically used to dissolve plastic and resins in most modern lacquers. Lacquer thinner is not the same as paint thinner. It is too caustic for oil paints, whereas paint thinner is comprised of mineral spirits …

2.The Difference Between Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/difference-between-lacquer-thinner-and-paint-thinner-5195075

26 hours ago 7 rows ·  · Are Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner the Same? Compositionally, lacquer thinner and paint ...

3.What is a Lacquer Thinner – What it is Used For?

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22 hours ago Lacquer thinner are paint thinner are different even though they can be used interchangeably. We dig into the applications for each.

4.Videos of Is All Lacquer Thinner The Same

Url:/videos/search?q=is+all+lacquer+thinner+the+same&qpvt=is+all+lacquer+thinner+the+same&FORM=VDRE

35 hours ago Some of the solvents in lacquer thinner are alcohol types, amyl acetate, butyl, and acetone. Other ingredients are methyl ethyl ketone and glycol cellosolves. It may contain toluene and ethers with one or all contents added together. Lacquer thinner can be mistaken for acetone, and people usually inquire if they are the same.

5.Are all lacquer thinners the same - ARC Discussion Forums

Url:http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?/topic/293390-are-all-lacquer-thinners-the-same/

28 hours ago  · Are all lacquer thinners the same No. The hardware store variety likely contains acetone, MEK, tolulene and/or benzene, which will all dissolve styrene to the extent that you can use hardware store lacquer thinner as a substitute for conventional liquid glues.

6.Lacquer Thinner #11, #48, and #51 Compared - Shop …

Url:https://ecolink.com/info/differences-between-lacquer-thinner-11-lacquer-thinner-48-and-lacquer-thinner-51/

31 hours ago No, acetone and lacquer thinner are not the same things. Lacquer thinner is blended with two or more solvents, while acetone is made up of either amyl or ethyl acetate. These components are mixed with ketone and toluene to create lacquer thinner.

7.Acetone vs Lacquer Thinner: Common Uses & How To …

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/acetone-vs-lacquer-thinner/

8 hours ago  · Lacquer thinner is a blend of various solvents and even in the same brand they often have different grades of thinner. Yes there is a difference but stick to whatever get what ever is available locally. Startex, Sunnyside, crown all make good quality thinner. M.

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