Polyurethane thinning
- Thread starter ejet9999
- Start date
Are you talking about a single polyurethane or a 2 part polyurethane? I'm an Interlux guy so I've been using Brightsides which is a single polyurethane, and the $24 a quart brushing thinner is... drum roll... pretty much plain old kerosene. I know a thing or two about jet fuel, so I know not all kerosenes are created equal. Some have lubricity additives in them, others are 'cleaner' (Jet A-1 is pretty much the 'cleanest' kerosene). Anyway, I don't feel like going down to the airfield to buy a gallon Jet A-1 in a jerry can (not sure they would let me), and I don't want to risk 'civilian grade' kerosene without knowing what additives are in it... So I've been feeling the pain in my wallet and buying the Interlux 303 brushing thinner but at least I know its 'clean'. BTW, I live in California so I can't buy 'real' mineral spirits, or MEK... Pretty sure I can get Xylene but only at the Auto-Paint store (we have some big suppliers here).
I have many relatives there, but I don't get it?
I agree with @CloudDiver , careful not to ruin a +$200 /gallon paint.
Can't you buy charcoal lighter fluid in CA? (clean mineral spirits to not pass on odor to food)
https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/do...products/kingsfordodorlesscharcoallighter.pdf
How do you repair fiberglass without MEK?
Jim...
Jim... at regular hardware stores in California there is no traditional Mineral Spirits for sale, there is only 'Mineral Sprits Substitute', and it doesn't do the job so well. I had no idea that charcoal lighter fluid was an alternative, thanks for the tip! MEK is nowhere to be found, at least at common hardware stores. If I go to a Automotive Paint Supply Store (TCP Global HQ is here in SoCal), I know they have Xylene and other thinners, I bet they'd have MEK if I asked for it. As far as fiberglass repair, I've never used MEK for that. I always use epoxy and sand to prep the surface, then clean with acetone.I have many relatives there, but I don't get it?
I agree with @CloudDiver , careful not to ruin a +$200 /gallon paint.
Can't you buy charcoal lighter fluid in CA? (clean mineral spirits to not pass on odor to food)
https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/do...products/kingsfordodorlesscharcoallighter.pdf
How do you repair fiberglass without MEK?
Jim...
eJet9999, when you get the JetA1, just test thinning a small amount of your paint first and ensure it fully cures overnight. When using a brushing thinner the ratio is usually around 10:1, adjust slightly for temperature and in any case try to avoid painting out of direct sunlight. Lots of people test their thinning ratio on a pane of glass, this gives you a good look from the top and bottom of how the paint flows back together and levels after the bristles cut it when tipping. there are videos out there on this method. Kerosene is used because it evaporates so much slower, allowing the paint much more time to self level. The draw back is that if you coat too heavily you will get sags much easier. My experience with Interlux Brightsides so far has been that I prefer to use no brushing thinner at all because I paint in-doors and in modest temps between 72 and 80 (lately). On horizontal surfaces I get great results even with a thick application of paint. I have to be careful on vertical surfaces because if I'm carless I'll get sags, but being out of direct sunlight the paint has a long time to absorb imperfections and self level, so brush strokes disappear.
Let me apologize about MEK.
My mind rushed to MEKP which is the activator for Fiberglass resins and hazardous!
I wonder why MEK is not available for you. Lowes, Home Depot, True Value, etc here.
You can use cigarette lighter fuel for Zippo's , in a pinch.
Xylene and Toluene are more inflammable than all the above and avoid breathing them.
Charcoal Lighter is a very purified mineral spirits.
Here is the MSDS for 120 thinner
http://www.pettitpaint.com/fileshare/product_sds/120-T10-pettit-thinner-brushing-11212006-sds.pdf
Just a blend of all of the above solvents.
( not turpentine)My guess is Charcoal lighter fluid would be your cheap winner.
Jim...
Helps to shop around.... $16/quart at this place. http://www.iboats.com/Brushing-Thin...10132123--session_id.373976717--view_id.20593
For most of the proprietary thinners and cleaners take a look at the MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet). The MSDS will list the main and dangerous ingredients and necessary safety precautions. The MSDS is usually available on the manufacturer's website.
Here's the link for the Pettit 120 thinner: http://www.pettitpaint.com/fileshare/product_sds/120-T10-pettit-thinner-brushing-11212006-sds.pdf
It is: Light Aromatic Petroleum Distillates, 1,2,4 Trimethylbenzene, Hydrotreated Naphtha, CUMENE, Xylene, Naphthalene and a few more.
Most thinners try to balance quick evaporating with slower evaporating solvents to control the paint flow. Quicker evaporating solvents help prevent runs, while slower evaporating solvents allow brush marks to flow out.
Here's the link for the Pettit 120 thinner: http://www.pettitpaint.com/fileshare/product_sds/120-T10-pettit-thinner-brushing-11212006-sds.pdf
It is: Light Aromatic Petroleum Distillates, 1,2,4 Trimethylbenzene, Hydrotreated Naphtha, CUMENE, Xylene, Naphthalene and a few more.
Most thinners try to balance quick evaporating with slower evaporating solvents to control the paint flow. Quicker evaporating solvents help prevent runs, while slower evaporating solvents allow brush marks to flow out.