Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: cos918 on January 24, 2017, 09:24:58 pm

Title: acrylic thinners
Post by: cos918 on January 24, 2017, 09:24:58 pm
Hello
are there any other makes for thinning acrylic paints other then Tamiya ? please


John
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: exvtop on January 24, 2017, 09:46:29 pm

Hi, JohnAre you asking if there are alternatives to thinning Tamiya Acrylic paints other than Tamiya X20a or are you asking if there are alternatives to Tamiya x20A for thinning non Tamiya acrilycs?
Two different answers to those.


Mike
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: cos918 on January 25, 2017, 05:27:41 am
Hi Mike
Looking to thin Tamiya and Humbrol Acrylic paints . Was wondering if there is a alternative to the Tamiya thinners.




John
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: HMS Invisible on January 25, 2017, 06:13:25 am
I think it is isopropanol (or isopropyl alcohol). It is cheaper but harder to come by than methylated spirit which is stocked in hardware stores.
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: exvtop on January 25, 2017, 08:42:45 am
Isopropyl Alcohol - the pure stuff not rubbing alcohol - is a very much cheaper alternative to Tamiya X20A


This sort of thing:-
[size=78%]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-LITRE-PURE-99-9-ISOPROPANOL-IPA-SOLVENT-5L-CLEANER-ISOPROPYL-ALCOHOL-/191935352021?hash=item2cb03d0cd5:g:N14AAOSwPhdVR6F3 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-LITRE-PURE-99-9-ISOPROPANOL-IPA-SOLVENT-5L-CLEANER-ISOPROPYL-ALCOHOL-/191935352021?hash=item2cb03d0cd5:g:N14AAOSwPhdVR6F3)[/size]


However for airbrushing Tamiya, Mr Color Levelling Thinners is my thinner of choice with a 50-50 mix.
http://www.modeldisplayproducts.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=79_84&product_id=525 (http://www.modeldisplayproducts.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=79_84&product_id=525)
It has a retarder built in to slow down the drying time. Gives a lovely smooth finish.
HOWEVER, it's a "hot" product like cellulose thinners so should only be used with proper ventilation or protective mask.


Afraid I don't have any recent experience of Humbrol Acrylic. Gave up on Humbrol years ago due to their poor quality control.


Mike
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: MartinL on January 25, 2017, 08:57:40 am
For what it's worth I have been thinning Tamiya paints airbrushed onto rc planes with Halfords windscreen washer pre mix, about £5 a gallon (the blue tinted stuff). Chap at local model shop suggested I tried it, apparently it has alcohol in it. Works a treat and never reacted with any underlying finish.
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: exvtop on January 25, 2017, 09:41:15 am
Martin, that sounds well worth a try. Thank you.
No loss if it doesn't work as expected - just use it in the car.
Mike
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: TailUK on January 25, 2017, 09:53:12 am
For what it's worth I have been thinning Tamiya paints airbrushed onto rc planes with Halfords windscreen washer pre mix, about £5 a gallon (the blue tinted stuff). Chap at local model shop suggested I tried it, apparently it has alcohol in it. Works a treat and never reacted with any underlying finish.

Windscreen fluid is about 33% Isopropanol but most of the modellers I've spoken too recommend it.
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: Howard on January 25, 2017, 11:23:19 am
Yes I've been told the same about  halfords screen wash and as it's been said cheap and can be used in the car if you don't like it.
              Regards Howard.
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: HMS Invisible on January 25, 2017, 12:14:08 pm

If you ever used correction fluid you'll guess water is the built in retarder. Domestic glass cleaner is a mix of water, isopropanol and surfactant (<5%). Tape head cleaning fluid or screen wipe is isopropanol (and water)
Methylated spirit is what I have been using.

Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 25, 2017, 08:40:32 pm
https://www.umpretail.com/products/ultimate-airbrush-thinner


Very good stuff and their airbrush cleaner used in an ultrasonic bath is brilliant


Also take a look at their other products
Title: Re: acrylic thinners
Post by: cos918 on January 26, 2017, 08:07:40 pm
Hello
thank you all for your input . some good ideas there


john