Lacquer Thinner

Lacquer thinner is a very well-known mixture also referred to as cellulose thinner. This substance contains solvents that break down plastics and resins found in lacquer.

Some of the solvents in lacquer thinner are alcohol types, amyl acetate, butyl, and acetone. Other ingredients are methyl ethyl ketone and glycol cellosolves. It may contain toluene and ethers with one or all contents added together.

Lacquer thinner can be mistaken for acetone, and people usually inquire if they are the same. However, as would have seen with the ingredients mentioned earlier, acetone is one of many ingredients used to make this mixture.

Lacquer thinner comes from petroleum but doesn’t retain an oil base structure. This aspect may be due to the other added solvents, making it thinner. We will share its uses and the best practices with anyone seeking to know more about lacquer thinner.

Lacquer Thinner – How It Is Used

There are different lacquer thinner uses that you should know.

• • One of this product’s primary purposes is to cut through grease and oil. Painters use this product to help clean a job site and the lacquer paint from substance where it shouldn’t be.
  • The thinner can be added to paints if they are too thick for painting. However, it can be caustic to oil paints, and a better option would be paint thinner. This thinner helps the paint have a better look once it dries and reduces the streak marks from brushes.

  • Mechanics also uses it to remove oil and grease from vehicles and tools. Body workshops use this product to thin paints and clean their painting tools. It can also help remove ink from a metallic material, and adhesive remains on surfaces.

Lacquer Thinner Substitute

There are many lacquer thinner substitute options you can try. Keep in mind these may not work as effectively as these thinners, but let us take a look.

Some known replacements for lacquer thinners are:

• Acetone
• Linseed and lemon mixed
• Mineral spirits
• Vinegar
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Vegetable, and baby oil

How effective these products are may depend on the purpose for which they apply. They can help thin paint, but not necessarily to cleaning of paint. So be aware of the uses of these home remedies.

Acetone and mineral spirits are components found in lacquer thinner. That means these two can thin and clean paint from the surface of many areas. 

Lacquer Thinner Safety Measures

Special care should exist when using lacquer thinners. This solvent can kill or cause severe health issues. Caution should be a rule to prevent you or others from being sick.

Inhaling thinners can cause methemoglobinemia. The protein hemoglobin in the blood overproduces red blood cells, making you ill. Persons using thinners should have proper breathing gear and ventilate their workshop.

If you build your workshop away from your home, that would be best to avoid injuring your loved ones. A level of 2000 ppm can cause death or severe health issues.

If you ingest lacquer thinners or anyone you know, seek immediate medical attention. Signs of drinking thinners are vomiting, diarrhea, and burning in the stomach, throat, and mouth.

Lacquer Thinner – A Breakdown

Lacquer thinner is a potent chemical that can make jobs more manageable, but if used in the wrong way could cause death. Every care should be a priority, especially when you have children around. If you must use lacquer thinners, do your research and protect yourself and those you love.

Some thinners may have all or a few ingredients in the list we shared prior. You can expect that some lacquer thinners have different grades, with some more potent than others.

Lacquer Thinner vs Paint Thinner

Lacquer thinners versus paint thinners. There are a few differences between the two products, with paint thinner having a lesser advantage. 

Opinions on the uses of lacquer to paint thinner may vary. Some sources think lacquer may be too much for thinning paints and prefer paint thinner. It is hotter than paint thinners and considered caustic to oil-based paints.

This thinner serves a greater purpose as a cleaning solution as it cleans better than paint thinners, acetone, or mineral spirits. As mentioned earlier, these two solvents are components of lacquer thinners.

Lacquer Thinner 5 Gallon

You can buy lacquer thinner 5 gallon containers if you want large quantities of this product. Many of your local hardware stores will have them available for purchase.

Purchasing online is another option for those who prefer this method and deliver the items to their door. Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, and AceHardware are readily available options.

There are multiple brands and strengths of thinners to choose from online. For those who want to shop in-store, you can check the stores in your area. 

Lacquer Thinner Lowes

If you prefer lacquer thinners from Lowes, one option will be available. You can acquire the Jasco brand, Crown and Klean-Strip. The sizes are 32-fl oz, 119-fl oz, 128-fl oz, and 640-fl oz.

The product is suitable for blushing resistance, cleaning lacquer from tools and machines, and a strong drying thinner. Lacquer is a flammable liquid, so you should practice care and attention.

Lacquer Thinner Home Depot

The lacquer thinner selection at home depot is vast, with multiple brands. These brands include Rust-Oleum, Lean-Strip, and Klean-Strip Green. The thinners come in various sizes, which are 1 quart and 1 gallon. 

This selection of thinners allows Home Depot to be a leading seller of this product. Be sure to purchase your safety goggles and other equipment from Lowes when purchasing paint strippers.

Other Lacquer Thinner Suppliers

Amazon and Walmart are other competitors who sell lacquer thinners. Amazon has a wide range of thinners, but their lacquer thinner options are no greater than Lowes or Home Depot.

Walmart offers a similar selection which all sellers have slight differences in prices. This consistency means you can buy your lacquer thinners from whomever you choose without concern about significant savings.

Always remember that lacquer thinner is a dangerous liquid. The nonprofessional who plans to use this product needs to seek guidance. You could be putting yourself and others in danger, so learn all you can about this item.