The Distinction Between Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner

Lacquer thinner and paint thinner are strong solvents and thinners designed for use with oil-based paints, lacquers, stains, and varnishes. Although they have some similarities, these two products are distinct and cater to different requirements.

What is a thinner?

A thinner is a type of liquid that is mixed with a denser liquid, like paint, to reduce its viscosity, allowing for smoother application through rolling, spraying, or brushing.

What is Lacquer Thinner?

Lacquer thinner is a potent solvent and thinner in liquid form. It is composed of as many as 10 different components, and the proportions of these ingredients can differ among various manufacturers.

Lacquer can occasionally be overly viscous for application by brush or spray. When a thick layer of lacquer is used, it can lead to a finish that appears uneven, pitted, or exhibits an orange-peel texture. Just as water dilutes the components in water-soluble products, lacquer thinner possesses the appropriate chemical characteristics to break down (or dilute) the molecules in lacquer.

With a price tag of $20 or higher per gallon, lacquer thinner is a costly solvent that should be utilized with caution. It is crucial to avoid pouring lacquer thinner down the drain, as it is classified as a household hazardous waste and can harm the local environment if not disposed of correctly. Look into safe disposal methods available in your community.

When to Utilize

• Remove impurities from lacquers.
• Enhance the thickness of viscous lacquers.
• Sanitize equipment
• Clean the paint sprayer.
• Remove inks and adhesives.

What exactly is paint thinner?

Paint thinner refers to any liquid substance that reduces the viscosity of oil-based paints and serves as a solvent for various coatings.

The phrase “paint thinner” refers to the purpose of the product rather than its components. Consequently, even environmentally friendly options made from citrus, soy, pine (such as turpentine), or other natural substances are classified as paint thinners.

Typically, paint thinner is primarily composed of pure mineral spirits. Alternatively, it can be formulated from mineral spirits combined with additives like benzene. This solvent is usually transparent and has little to no scent.

Paint thinner is classified as a hazardous waste and should not be disposed of down any drains. Instead, take thinner and any rags soaked in it to your local hazardous waste collection facility for proper disposal.

When to Utilize

• Dilute oil-based paints, varnishes, or stains to reduce their viscosity.
• Assistance enhances the fluidity of paints when used with spray guns.
• Sanitize brushes
• Clean greasy surfaces.
• Remove grease from tools.
• Flush paint sprayers to cleanse the hoses and internal components.

Tip

Paint thinner is ineffective for eliminating dried or cured paint. Instead, opt for a liquid paint remover or a paint stripper, and combine it with manual techniques for paint removal.

Similarities and Differences Between Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner

• Works well with oil-based finishes.
• Made up of various components.
• Extremely powerful
• Approximately $20 for each gallon.
• Quick to respond, assertive.
• Highly combustible
• Pungent scent
• Lower levels of VOCs compared to paint thinner.
• Cleans tools that are greasy.
• Regarded as dangerous waste

• Works well with oil-based formulations.
• Frequently, only a couple of components are needed.
• Not as potent as lacquer thinner.
• Approximately $10 for each gallon.
• Less aggressive and takes longer to take effect.
• Combustible, though not as much as lacquer thinner.
• Minimal or no scent
• Cleans tools that are greasy.
• Regarded as dangerous waste

Are Lacquer Thinner and Paint Thinner Identical?

Lacquer thinner and paint thinner differ significantly in their composition, as they contain no overlapping ingredients. A comparison of the ingredients that constitute over 5 percent in each product reveals a clear distinction.

Lacquer thinner and paint thinner are both effective for cleaning oily surfaces and tools. However, lacquer thinner is particularly advantageous for removing stubborn materials such as inks and adhesives.

In general, it’s advisable not to interchange lacquer thinner with paint thinner, as they serve different purposes. Manufacturers typically do not endorse the use of lacquer thinner as a paint thinner or solvent. Similarly, paint thinner is not formulated to dissolve lacquers, as its chemical makeup is not suitable for that function.

Lacquer Thinner vs. Paint Thinner: Comparing Potency

Lacquer thinner is a stronger solvent compared to paint thinner. Its potency is such that it can even soften hardened and dried lacquers, as well as other oil-based finishes. Caution is advised, as lacquer thinner can harm plastic and rubber materials, and it has the potential to remove paint from vehicles. This solvent works rapidly and effectively to break down lacquers.

Mineral spirits-based paint thinner is generally less aggressive and works more gradually, making it primarily effective on wet paint. While it can harm dried coatings, it does so more gently and at a slower pace compared to lacquer thinner.

Safety and Environmental Issues

Both lacquer thinner and paint thinner are classified as hazardous substances. It is essential to wear goggles and gloves that are resistant to chemicals, as well as respiratory protection, when handling either of these products. Always use them in areas that are well-ventilated.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases released by various chemicals, such as lacquer thinner and paint thinner. These compounds can have detrimental effects on health, both in the short and long term. While both lacquer thinner and paint thinner emit VOCs, lacquer thinner generates a smaller amount compared to paint thinner.