Paint Thinner Alternative

TD1701 · Post by **TD1701** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:35 pm

I am looking for an alternative to regular paint thinner for painting with my airbrush. I have a couple of projects nearing the painting stage, and I am looking for something that I can use that won't give off so much of an odor. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Tom

Joseph Osborn · Post by **Joseph Osborn** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:09 pm

Are you using Enamels? There is a product called-- wait for it-- "odorless mineral spirits" that indeed does not smell as bad as normal paint thinner. If you are using lacquer paints, then you are out of luck-- those paints and thinners are just smelly and there's no getting around it.

TD1701 · Post by **TD1701** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 1:37 am

Thanks, this helps a lot! I'm going to be using enamels so this is the answer I'm looking for. I really appreciate your reply, and I'll check it out asap!

Thanks again!

Tom

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 12:30 pm

But the real answer is to just make the switch to acrylics.

eeun · Post by **eeun** » Sun Feb 23, 2014 11:03 am

Better yet, if at all possible set up a proper spray booth ventilated to outside. The odorless thinners are great, but keep in mind you're breathing in the same chemical soup.

TD1701 · Post by **TD1701** » Mon Feb 24, 2014 9:23 am

I've read somewhere Acrylics can be thinned with alcohol, is this true?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:41 am

Depends on the acrylic.

Tamiya & Gunze, yes. Vallejo, no. Testors MM acryl, probably (I don;t use a lot of Testors MM acryl).

TD1701 · Post by **TD1701** » Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:48 am

If I use Testors, what would work best for airbrushing?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:50 am

Testor's or Tamiya's acrylic thinner. Yes it's mostly alcohol but much like lacquer thinner it's the rest of the mix that makes it work so nicely.

TD1701 · Post by **TD1701** » Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:56 am

Thanks a lot for your help! These suggestions are great, and I'll let you know how they work out.

Tom

jake88 · Post by **jake88** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:25 am

Kylwell wrote:But the real answer is to just make the switch to acrylics.

I agree!

Del · Post by **Del** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:38 am

For Tamiya I always use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (I read One-Zero recommend that somewhere) and I found that Createx cuts well with white vinegar. Do not use alcohol with Createx or you will get cottage cheese.

I also use white vinegar as my decal set, so it has more uses than pickling stuff or on a salad.

david bailey · Post by **david bailey** » Wed May 07, 2014 10:56 pm

All paints and thinners have a smell,some are worst than others.Your best bet is to build or buy a paint booth for overspray and fumes.If you have a good place to paint,good ventalation is key.Also in vest in a good paint mask from the hardware store or automotive store to not breathe in the fumes. I have several,they cost alot but well worth it in the end.Some people are prone to being allegric to paint fumes,glue and paints, and thinners.S the best bet is to take precautions to avoid getting sick.Also invest in some paper masks for doing other things,also invest in a good mask for sanding and glueing.Make sure you have a good work area with good ventaltion , basically a fan to circulate the air .

Max Nex · Post by **Max Nex** » Thu May 08, 2014 4:46 pm

TD1701 wrote:I've read somewhere Acrylics can be thinned with alcohol, is this true?

in my limited experience with alcohol I found that it actually cused the paint to dry too quickly--even inside the airbrush before it got to the model.

highly recommend the use of Acrylic Retarder if you are using alcohol.

Tamiya paints can be thinned with Polly-S thinner or Testors Acryl thinner--and they don't smell half as bad.

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Paint Thinner Alternative

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