Lacquer thinner in Phoenix, AX

[Pete J.]

To anyone who is headed out to Phoenix for IPMS Nationals next week, I have a tip.  You can still get the real deal PPG DLT105 automotive Lacquer thinner in Phoenix!  It's not cheap at $98 a gallon, but if you need the good stuff it is still available.  I was able to order it for pickup next week, but you do have to order ahead.  Transportation is an issue as you absolutely can not fly with is.  UPS will ship it, but there are a ton of regulations you have to meet shipping flammable liquids so it probably isn't worth it, but if you are driving, it is reasonable.  

I know that we have had a lot of discussions about lacquer thinners and what is worth it on this forum, and I really don't want to get into that.  My experience and history is that the good stuff is different from generic Klean Strip and worth it to me to use.  Strictly my opinion and I am not trying to resurrect that discussion.  Only inform those headed out to Nat's next week.  If you are going, I will see you there.

[BubbaBrown]

this might be somewhat related. needed lacquer thinner for clean up and etc. went to a parts store and bought a gallon, when I got home and read the very small print it read pure acetone. it works but seems a little strong. if I wanted acetone I would of bought it. anyone know of why they are selling acetone for lacquer thinner ?

[Pete J.]

39 minutes ago, BubbaBrown said:

this might be somewhat related. needed lacquer thinner for clean up and etc. went to a parts store and bought a gallon, when I got home and read the very small print it read pure acetone. it works but seems a little strong. if I wanted acetone I would of bought it. anyone know of why they are selling acetone for lacquer thinner ?

That is exactly why I am willing to drop $100 a gallon on the real deal.  True lacquer thinner is a cocktail of chemicals that is designed to actually dissolve the solids in lacquer paints. Pure acetone will not completely dissolve the solids use in old style auto lacquer.  Those added chemicals are quite expensive and in some cases lead to banning in certain states. Lacquer paints use to be very common but they are actually rare now days and so the making of high quality thinners has been displaced by urethanes and other waterborne paints.  The specialty market for true lacquer paints is generally limited to aircraft, furniture and automotive restoration shops in a limited number of states.   Lacquer thinner is now mostly used for brush cleaner and acetone is really all that is needed for that.  The only difference in lacquer thinner ment for cleanup like this and acetone  is that lacquer thinner may have some chemicals that slow the evaporation somewhat.  As to cleaning out an airbrush, six of one, half a dozen of the other. 

[Dave Ambrose]

Some air quality regulations require it. Acetone is not considered a Volitile Organic Compound as they do not want to make enemies of the female population. In point of fact it is. 

People around here seem to buy theirs in Nevada where it consists mostly of toluene and xylene. 

[BubbaBrown]

Thanks for the info guys. I do remember an old painter who we just recently lost once told me acetone would cut anything ( make it sprayable ). And yes those nail shops probably use alot of it. I hate the smell.