Model Railroading > Thinning Floquil paint

I have some Floquil paint that is starting to get thicker in the bottle. I do not have any Floquil thinner, so what would be a good substitute to thin the paint that I could use? I have Testors Lacquer Thinner, but i do not think it is compatible.
David Correia



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/22/20 13:46 by dcorreia.

Scalecoat I thinner will work.

Laquer thinner from the hardware store.

Elizabeth

I agree with Betsy... Lacquer Thinner

Elizabeth would know best, however, that's what I use as well.

Joe Fugate from Model Railroad Hobbyist recommended Ethyl Acetate for almost anything laquer thinner can be used for.
It is much less risky to one's health and has a milder odor.
It is reportedly a natural decomposition product in our digestive systems, in trace amounts.
I bought a pint on line and have begun using it to thin Scalecoat and Tru Color, clean the airbrush, and bristle brushes.
Have not tried Floquil yet.

Back in the '70s when I was painting engines, I used to mix Floquil with clear lacquer, thinned with lacquer thinner and had great results with it.  I think the formula has changed several times since then.  I stopped using Floquil a long time ago.

They had Diosol back then too IIRC.

IIRC, the MSDS for Diosol (Floquil's thinner) said it contained Xylene and Toluene. I've used both (Klean Strip brand offers both). I don't think the ratio matters, other than, perhaps, the drying rate. These both flash off fairly quickly, so if there's a difference, it's going to be subtle.

Like many, I've used Lacquer Thinner from the hardware store. Ace Hardware or Klean Strip brands. Also a good cleaner for your airbrush or touch up (bristle) brushes.

Ethyl Acetate is commonly available outside of California as "M.E.K. Substitute" by Klean Strip. The Klean Strip website indicates it's not available in California. I'm not sure how Ethyl Acetate is available there.

I'm not affiliated with Klean Strip. My only familiarity is because they're available at Home Depot, less than 2 miles from my home. They are incredibly easy for me to get, so I've become familiar with their producs. By comparison, nearest Ace Hardware store is 5 miles away, and I have no idea where a Tru-Value hardware store might be around me.

Arved Grass
Fleming Island, FL



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/20 07:23 by Arved.

Yup.

Betsy Wrote:
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> Laquer thinner from the hardware store.
>
> Elizabeth

Betsy Wrote:
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> Laquer thinner from the hardware store.
>
> Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

What ratio do you use?  Is it 50 / 50?