Dainis 92 Posted February 11 Just wondering...is it possible to clean your plastic with a lacquer thinner like Tamiya or Mr.Levelling Thinner in preparation for painting and would it be effective? Enquiring minds want to know.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D Bellis 2,612 Posted February 12 Lacquer thinner will melt the plastic. Even just a quick swipe on the surface will damage it. HTH, D 1 CATCplSlade reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CATCplSlade 2,069 Posted February 12 Yes, just take a small whiff of it and ask yourself if it seems safe for plastic. 1 D Bellis reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dainis 92 Posted February 12 Umm, it is safe for plastic if one uses something like Tamiya lacquer thinner or Mr Levelling thinner. I use Mr Surfacer (other than for priming) for repairs. Then I use Levelling Thinner or Tamiya lacquer thinner to wipe off the excess once dried. It certainly does not melt plastic. Hardware lacquer thinner is hotter and will damage plastic. That is why I only use it to clean my airbrushes. So, my question remains: Are the first two thinners effective plastic cleaners? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KitmodellerNZ 427 Posted February 12 I've had no issues using Tamiya lacquer thinner to wipe down bare plastic. It definitely didn't do any damage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dainis 92 Posted February 12 Thanks. Was wondering if it was effective in removing surface grease and oils, more than say, warm soapy water and rubbing alcohol? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D Bellis 2,612 Posted February 12 39 minutes ago, KitmodellerNZ said: I've had no issues using Tamiya lacquer thinner to wipe down bare plastic. It definitely didn't do any damage. Then "Tamiya lacquer thinner" can not be actual lacquer thinner. D 1 Archer Fine Transfers reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlbertD 203 Posted February 12 The 90% alcohol seems pretty effective. It's safe and cheap. Why bother with anything else? 1 Dainis reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dainis 92 Posted February 12 2 hours ago, D Bellis said: Then "Tamiya lacquer thinner" can not be actual lacquer thinner. D Actually, it is lacquer thinner. Just not as "hot". Enamel thinners can be "hot" and less so. Time to end this thread me thinks. AlbertD is IMO right- a warm soapy water brush down with a IBA swipe. Maybe a tack cloth at the end-especially for NMF finishes. Was just curious if lacquer thinners could do a better job...If any has positive experience with it, let me know...otherwise Cheers! 1 D Bellis reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dainis 92 Posted February 12 "Inquiring" to correct the first post! Doh! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LSP_Kevin 28,185 Posted February 12 3 hours ago, Dainis said: "Inquiring" to correct the first post! Doh! Enquiring is quite correct (just not for Americans). Kev 2 Dainis and Out2gtcha reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dainis 92 Posted February 12 Funny I corrected myself for what I thought was a gaffe. As in National Enquierer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Archer Fine Transfers 537 Posted February 13 Anyone who's ever done "pasteup" or graphics before computers knows how amazing this stuff is for cleaning plastics. Do yourself a favor: 1 Dainis reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
