4 Effective Uses for Lacquer Thinner - Hi-Tek Products

Lacquer thinner is a particularly strong solvent that is designed to dissolve or thin out lacquers and other durable coatings. It’s a powerful solvent blend, typically composed of two chemicals like amyl or ethyl acetate and is often described as a stronger version of a standard paint thinner.

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But, while durable, lacquer thinner can ruin oil paints, surfaces, and fabrics, and should only be used in the right circumstances after thorough testing. Below, we explore four effective uses of lacquer thinner with additional tips on its use.

Cleaning surfaces & paintbrushes

Lacquer thinner can easily soften and thin away paints or varnishes that are difficult to remove when they have turned solid and flaky on smooth surfaces, as well as to eliminate leftover residue from cements and plastics. These thinners can also be used on clothing made of natural fibres to remove varnish stains and paint spots. Due to their superiority in removing paints, they can be very effective in cleaning painting brushes, but it is important to remember to avoid using a nylon brush as potent lacquer thinners can weaken synthetic bristles.

Cleaning tools, engines and machinery

In industrial environments, tools, auto parts and other machinery can quickly accumulate oil, resins and grease. Lacquer thinner is very effective at cleaning these. Paint thinners are often ineffective against these tough stains, but the chemicals in lacquer thinners can dissolve these much more effectively. Due to its toxicity and flammability, you must make sure the area is properly ventilated, and safety measures are taken to avoid ignition.

Removing tar and tree sap

Lacquer thinner’s strong solvent capabilities make it perfect for dissolving thick substances like tar and tree sap from surfaces. While lacquer thinner is effective, you should be cautious of the amount needed to completely remove the substance, as it can release unpleasant and toxic vapours. Other products are also available for cleaning large amounts of thick substances that pose fewer health hazards.

Thinning lacquers

Due to their strength, lacquer thinners are very effective in diluting and changing the viscosity of lacquer, allowing for precise control over the consistency and enhancing the application process. They are very versatile thinners, helping lacquers resist sagging and achieve a smooth, even finish on vertical surfaces.

When working with specific products like a Miccromask masking lacquer, only a Miccromask thinner should be used to adjust the viscosity to maintain the product’s integrity and performance. Similarly, if a Miccropeel product needs thinning, especially for a spray application, using a Miccropeel thinner is essential.

Hi-Tek Products – metal masking lacquers & thinners

At Hi-Tek Products, we specialise in supplying a range of masking thinners and masking lacquers for metal finishing, electroplating and anodising. Our quality liquid masking ranges include trusted brands like Miccrostop, Miccroshield, and Micro Super XP- lacquer wax.

We are the sole British distributors for the “Miccro” range of Tolber masking lacquers, a brand specified by leading aerospace and defence companies.

Mineral spirits and paint thinners are two of the most popular solvents used for thinning oil paint, varnishes, and paints. Similarly, they can also be used to clean different types of paint equipment and oily materials.

Nonetheless, it is important to understand the differences between mineral spirits and paint thinners so that you can contact professional industrial cleaners in Edmonton and buy the best type of cleaning chemicals per your requirements.

Keep reading to understand the differences between mineral spirits and paint thinners.

What Are Mineral Spirits?

Mineral spirits are made up of 100% petroleum distillates. They have no additives to ensure maximum quality. A major reason behind the popularity of mineral spirits is that they are clean products that provide reliable results in thinning oil-based paint. The major usage of mineral spirits is their application in cleaning stains and varnishes.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Thinning Cleaning Agent. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Also Read: Top Mineral Spirits Uses In Your Home

Pros Of Mineral Spirits

You can expect the following benefits by using mineral spirits:

• High effectiveness with oil-based products.
• Mineral spirit products are affordable, so they can be used for thinning and cleaning purposes on various types of projects.
• They are clean and have low to minimum odour.
• Mineral spirits can be applied on wood as well for thorough cleaning to get rid of stubborn stains without damaging the wood. This kind of benefit is not possible with most types of paint thinners.

What Is A Paint Thinner?

Paint thinners are essentially mineral spirits that are not pure petroleum distillates and have additives in them, such as benzene. However, inexperienced individuals and even sellers sometimes use the terms paint thinner and mineral spirits interchangeably, so there is a chance that a paint thinner may not have any additives.

Keep in mind that the term ‘paint thinner’ is used to represent the function of the product. It does not necessarily reflect the makeup or composition of the product. In other words, the function of paint thinners is to thin paints.

A wide range of products, such as citrus-based products, can also be considered paint thinners. Water is often used to thin out water-based latex paints, so you can consider water to be a paint thinner in some situations as well.

Mineral Spirits VS Paint Thinners

Let’s elaborate on the differences between mineral spirits and paint thinners by going through their composition, odor, and safety.

Composition

Mineral spirits are derived from petroleum. They don’t have any additives. In contrast, paint thinners are a broad category that has a large list of cleaning agents. Pure mineral spirits are considered to be only one particular type of paint thinner.

The composition of paint thinners can greatly vary on the basis of their specific types. For instance, they can blend mineral spirits, acetone, or turpentine. Generally, paint thinner means the products are less refined forms of mineral spirits.

Safety

Both mineral spirits and paint thinners are equally toxic, so a lot of care is needed to handle such products. The ingredients of such products, such as benzene, can cause drowsiness when inhaled in a large amount.

Since long-term exposure to such dangerous chemicals can take a toll on your health, it is important to rely on experienced industrial cleaners and buy quality cleaning products to get the best results with maximum safety.

Odour

Both mineral spirits and paint thinners have an easily recognizable smell. It is similar to the smell of kerosene. Typically, the smell of a paint thinner is stronger than pure mineral spirits due to the presence of benzene.

Key Distinguishing Attributes Between Mineral Spirits And Paint Thinners

The following are the main differences between mineral spirits and paint thinners:

• Mineral spirits refer to the product’s composition, while paint thinner is a broad, generalized term that refers to the product’s function.
• Paint thinner and mineral spirits can be considered interchangeable products as paint thinners refer to both pure and impure mineral spirits.
• The odor of paint thinners is significantly stronger than that of mineral spirits.
• The cost of mineral spirits is typically a little higher than that of paint thinners as they are 100% pure, but the reliable result of using mineral spirits justifies its cost.

About Sunrise Industrial Cleaners

Sunrise Industrial Cleaners is a reliable company in Edmonton that provides a wide range of industrial cleaning products. We specialize in various industrial cleaning chemicals and offer high-quality products to help our clients fulfill their cleaning requirements.

Are you interested in learning more about High Purity Chemicals? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!