When I think of paint thinners, I think of smelly chemicals used to thin old paint that has been sitting in my cellar for years. I had no idea of the many uses and types of paint thinner that there are. Here are a few of the types that we carry in the store and some examples of their uses.
Acetone is the only solvent that can completely remove paint after it has dried. It is effective at removing epoxy resins, ink, adhesives, and lacquers. It thins and cleans fiberglass resins. Acetone evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is great for removing ink, adhesives and contact cement. It also can be used as a thinner in epoxies, lacquers and adhesives. This solvent is extremely flammable so be careful!
Low Odor Mineral Spirits is great for cleaning brushes, rollers and spray painting equipment. It will also remove dirt and grease from surfaces before painting. This isn’t just good for commercial painters. It is a perfect solvent for artists who are constantly cleaning their brushes and do not like the smell of turpentine!
Specs Paint Thinner is used for thinning oil-based paints, varnishes, and enamels. It can also be used for cleaning paint off brushes, rollers, spray equipment and to clean equipment before painting.
Use Boiled Linseed Oil on your fine antiques to bring out the natural wood tones and patterns. This will seal unfinished wood and protect against scratches, nicks and watermarks. Many artists will also add it to their oil paint to give a nice gloss to their final painting, as well as to increase the thickness of their paint layers.
Pure Odorless Paint Thinner is a premium solvent that thins and blends well into oil-based paints, stains and varnishes, and has absolutely no odor. It will also remove grease and oil from most surfaces and is a great brush and equipment cleaner.
*** Exposure to vapors created by paint containing thinner or its clean up may be hazardous. Use thinners outside or in a well-ventilated area. Thinners are extremely flammable and care must always be taken when disposing of rags and waste.
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