How long do you keep your thinner

[hgbben]

How long to you keep using the same bottle of thinner after you use it to clean multiple colors? I have been using the same bottle of thinner for everything i paint with a brush for 6 mos. or so. the brushes still get clean everytime, just wondering thoughts on this topic.

[JunkPile]

It can begin to smell unpleasant

[southpier]

i use mostly tamiya acrylics and the proprietary thinner.

two bottles for a first & second cleaning, and then run the brush under the faucet for a minute.

when the second jug gets dirty, it becomes the first dunk bottle.

when the first cleaning bottle becomes dirty, i either deep six it or use it for "dirty wash" on my model railroad models.

i always have a clean bottle for thinning or clean up.

when the bench gets its semi-annual cleaning, both bottles are likely to get tossed, but that's mostly a psychological boost!

Edited December 15, 2012 by southpier

[Foxer]

until it evaporates or is gone .. 20 years or more

[Jantrix]

If your thinner is getting filthy then you are using it wrong. You don't soak the brushes in it, or swirl it around until the brush is clean.

You dip the dirty brush in the cleaner and then wipe the brush on a paper towel. Repeat until the brush is clean. My bottle is half empty, but it is as clear as the day I bought it.

Edited December 15, 2012 by Jantrix

[scalenut]

I'll second that ,, don't mix the brush in the full bottle of thinner .. remove some to clean with.

[Tom Geiger]

I use laquer thinner I bought at Home Depot. I got the small can and I pour it into baby food jars for use. I just keep using it until it gets low, then add more from the can.

[raildogg]

Until the bottle's empty.