Whether the problem is with the wood or finish, the best solution is to start from scratch. An airless sprayer would be better, or you could thin the primer with some mineral spirits. I have tried mineral spirits with steel wool but it is not helping. MSA Solvent assures clear, clean, even application time after time. It is also best to work with gloves and a mask so no chemicals enter your skin or lungs. Golden MSA (Mineral Spirit Acrylic) Solvent is the ideal solvent for thinning Golden MSA Varnishes, which must be thinned before use. Any of these common finishes may need to be thinned, depending on the conditions in your workshop and the final look that you want for your project. A cut is the ratio of shellac dissolved in alcohol which determines the strength or, more accurately, the thickness of the finish. Klean-Strip® Turpentine is artists’ traditional favorite for cleaning and thinning art paints. Mineral spirits, also known as Stoddard solvent, petroleum spirit, or white spirit, are a petroleum-based single solvent that are sometimes used as a substitute for turpentine in thinning paint and cleaning surfaces and paintbrushes. Glass Bottles that seal completely. Instead of steel wool, try using a coarse scrub pad with the mineral spirits. There are many different kinds of mineral spirits so they are divided into types and classes. These are not easy calculations so most folks either estimate or use a chart or calculator. Apply a Re-touch varnish – Re-touch varnish is a standard Dammar varnish that has been diluted with Turpentine by the manufacturer. If you were using rags, it’s best to throw those away, after letting them dry thoroughly (far from any possible sources of spark, flame, or high heat). Create sealer by combining 1 part mineral spirits and 2 parts polyurethane. Good luck! You'll probably also have to thin the Emerald urethane too if you use the HVLP. Sure, you will be applying thinner coats, and they may appear to dry faster, but you will also have to apply more coats. Mineral spirits are more expensive then paint thinner at Lowe’s and my local mom-and-pop hardware stores. If you are wondering how to thin polyurethane, look no further; we have all the necessary information to help you get started with thinning out your finish and achieving the look you want for your wood project. The good news is that if it was previously white, it should only take a couple of coats of paint to get good coverage. cut simply means 2 pounds of dry shellac flakes were dissolved in one gallon of alcohol.) You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. While a lot weaker and less toxic than these stains, you still need to be careful with mineral spirits – don’t breathe in for too long. Not for sale in California. However, you can go as far as half mineral spirits and half poly. Now, I had hardly any of those problems when using the white color, but the saturated color of Salsa was a whole entire different story. Where to Buy Shellac is often sold in dry form because once it is mixed or turned into a liquid, it will only be viable for a year or so . However, although it is still hazardous, mineral spirits are considered one of the safer solvents for finishing and refinishing furniture. They are excellent for sealing over problematic woods, such as cedar. Gel Stain hardens faster than other products. Paint thinners and mineral spirits can be used in practically the same things but paint thinners are a tad more specific on the things that they can be used on. The traditional finishes include lacquer, shellac, oil-based polyurethane, and oil-based varnish. So you are not actually moving your project along any faster by thinning polyurethane. thinning water-based polyurethane is not usually necessary, How to Thin Water Based Polyurethane for Spraying. Keep out of reach of children. Try your solution on some extra scraps of wood first, to make sure that is yielding the look you want to have for your project. But all polyurethanes can be made to level perfectly by adding mineral spirits. ... Water is used to thinning… Remove the finish with mineral spirits and wipe it clean with fresh lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol. Although this is not entirely true, it would not be advisable to choose paint thinners over mineral spirits if you are on a tight budget. These types of finishes are supposed to be applied using a rag or brushed on in a series of thin coats. This is because it often contains alcohol that can clean away the sheen or gloss on surfaces which in turn removes the aniline dyes and shellac. In fact, many would say that paint thinners are just a fancier version of mineral spirits. But I’m afraid you might need to repaint the dresser white. You may choose to thin oil-based polyurethanes with mineral spirits or naphtha, but for most applications, this is not necessary; check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label. If it still seems too thick, add up to 10 percent mineral spirits if allowed in your area. Some lacquer thinners are sold specifically for clean up while others can be solely for thinning. It’s best to use them on paints and varnishes that dry quickly. They are designed to momentarily change paint’s chemical structures and then evaporate when the paint dries. You can either create a weak dye and apply it straight onto the wood or you can actually add the tint to the poly. Like the other two mentioned above, lacquer thinners are petroleum-based solvents that are used to dissolve, dilute, and clean surfaces and paintbrushes. One type, called Type II, is odorless and fairly common as paint thinner. They can even be used in many of the things that mineral spirits are used in. The usual ratio is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the mineral spirits. In this case, you may need to thin out the poly a little bit, so it is easier to spray. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Oil-based primers require mineral spirits for thinning and cleanup. Mineral spirits, also known as Stoddard solvent, petroleum spirit, or white spirit, are a petroleum-based single solvent that are sometimes used as a substitute for turpentine in thinning paint and cleaning surfaces and paintbrushes. The Problems. It is also used for thinning both interior and exterior oil-based varnishes, oil-based paint and can be used in wiping wood stains. Lacquer thinner is a generic name made up of many different solvents. I take a different approach. When oil-based polyurethane is drying, the thinner evaporates first, and then there’s a slow crosslinking process, a kind of chemical reaction between the polyurethane and the molecules of oxygen in the air. Clean any tools, brushes, or other equipment you were using while thinning polyurethane or applying it to your project. First of all, if you have a large surface that you want to varnish, and you are using water-based poly as a protectant, you might want to speed up the process by spraying the water-based polyurethane rather than wiping or brushing it on. It can refer to anything used to thin paint. By thinning it down with ethanol, you can bring it down to a 2 lb or a 1 lb cut. As a general cleaner, lacquer thinner can do the job as well like for cleaning of the rust stains. One of the excellent oil-based furniture primers is the Zinsser Cover Stain. Mineral spirits (paint thinner): only to be used for thinning polyurethane and thining oil based stain and varnish. Then I do a damp/wet sand using anywhere from a 320g to 1000g. Both clear and amber shellac may be used at container consistency. He also holds a bachelor's degree in English from Iowa University. All in all, the basics of thinning polyurethane are fairly simple. This post is the opposite from everything I have read. Helpful Tips: Do not use as a general purpose cleaner. Most finishes that have a water base are already thin enough. By thinning these finishes you can achieve more attractive results. Turpentine (which is also called spirit of turpentine, oil of turpentine, wood turpentine, terebenthene, terebinthine and (colloquially), turps) is a fluid obtained by the distillation of resin harvested from living trees, mainly pines.Mainly used as a specialized solvent, it is also a source of material for organic syntheses.. Turpentine is composed of terpenes, primarily the … In fact, paint thinners are actually made out of mineral spirits and other chemicals. Shellac is easy to apply and with just a little practice you can get professional looking results quickly and easily. In fact, it is often confused to be the same as lacquer thinner or mineral spirits. This means that you should choose the brand carefully before buying one. Lacquer thinner is a very strong solvent that is very effective in diluting, dissolving, and cleaning lacquer products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Do not store oil-based products in plastic bottles. Paint thinners can be used to remove oil-based paints and clean various things but unlike mineral spirits, they can’t be mixed with painting mediums. They are typically rendered thinner and liquid using either water or a commercial retardant that may contain ingredients such as propylene glycol. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Be sure to don eye protection such as goggles, wear gloves, and wear a respirator that is effective against these kinds of toxic fumes. It’s always important to have a nice clean finish on a project you have been working on. For certain applications, however, best results can be obtained if the shellac is thinned with alcohol. Thinned Arm-R-Seal will be diluted but can be stored without risk of separation. And it is true that a thinner polyurethane permits a bit more control for the woodworker as it is applied. The barrier coat also creates distinct, well-defined layers that really add depth and beauty. Thinning can help the finish flow into fine details and nooks and crannies with less buildup. They can also be used in dissolving resins, cleaning up, and making mediums. You may also need to use a solvent or extender if you are working in very dry or hot weather and temperature conditions. In short, here are the advantages of using paint thinners over mineral spirits and lacquer thinners: –          Some harmful aromatic solvents have been removed, –          Moderate evaporation rate, –          Stronger than mineral spirits, –          Safe to use for wood, metal, and concrete. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Refer to the label for thinning directions. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. In some cases, you might find it helpful to thin out the type of finish you are using, such as polyurethane finish. Be sure to purchase a high-quality type of polyurethane with good ratings and reviews. Allow the poly to dry thoroughly between coats, and be sure to add enough coats to provide the coverage and protection that you want for your project. MINIMAL OVERSPRAY Minimize overspray and a softer spray pattern for professional results. Stir gently with a wooden wand to combine the ingredients. We would suggest doing a bit of practice using it – thinning it with the MSA Solvent as needed, trying different brushes, etc – to minimize any potential issues. Lacquer thinner is also a very strong solvent that can ruin oil paints, surfaces, and fabrics. Just because you add more thinner doesn’t mean that this second stage will go any faster. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Although this may be the case, they are still very much different from each other. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You should allow the coats to dry thoroughly in between, and depending on the type of poly or varnish, you may also need to sand just a bit. Most people thin polyurethane because they like the way it applies in that state, and they prefer to gradually build up a durable coat of poly in slow, thin layers. You can use a ten percent additive of mineral spirits, but be sure that you are operating within the rules for safe usage for your local area. Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. A finish film that turns yellow with age will be noticeable with unstained, light-colored woods, such as maple or birch. E.g. Your email address will not be published. If your water-based polyurethane is a little older and has a thin skin formed over its surface, you may need to treat it to make it usable again. The chemicals can also be highly flammable if left in the sun too long. When working with mineral spirits make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid prolonged exposure. In general, water-based poly goes on much better when it is applied in an environment where the temperature lies between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That could mean open doors and windows, and it could mean having fans going to move the air. If you want to make paint thinner, try using mineral spirits or acetone, which you can purchase from a hardware store. It is based on the weight of the shellac flakes in a volume of ethanol. I usually thin my poly 60poly wipe-satin:40 mineral spirits, first 3 coats are applied this way. cut. The more coats you apply, the more durable the finish will be once it’s cured. Typically, when you are thinning out oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, you will be working with mineral spirits. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. My favorite method to apply oil-based polyurethane is to thin the finish 50% with mineral spirits and wipe it on. You may already know about the risks from breathing in the fumes from varnishes and thinners; however, it bears repeating that these products can not only cause temporary respiratory distress but can also have an adverse effect on your health over time. And you may find that certain levels of humidity or heat in your work area can also make it necessary to thin out the finish. Required fields are marked *. Some may also prefer the look that it yields. Some experts recommend thinning down your oil-based poly varnish with mineral spirits to keep that plastic-like surface from occurring. Although mineral spirits, paint thinners and lacquer thinners are all considered solvents, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. A few states forbid people from adding any kind of solvent to polyurethane purchased in a sealed can at a store. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Oil primer is really thick. Although Arm-R-Seal rarely needs thinning because of its low viscosity, it can be thinned with up to 10% mineral spirits - more than that may thin the solids content too much. Shellac-based primers are designed to cover the most challenging surfaces, including smoke stains, crayon, and oil-based adhesives. Mineral spirits and lacquer thinners can be used as degreaser as well. Even so, you should not use paint thinners for plastic, foam, or painted surfaces because they may soften them. 2. The use of paint thinners is best on wood, metal, and concrete. However, they only work for lacquer products. Video demonstration of Oiling out an oil painting using Galkyd and Gamsol – Gamblin. Require using paint thinners or mineral spirits ; a plastic substance commonly used as a general cleaner... Above, paint thinners or mineral spirits, and cleaning lacquer products alcohol mixing... Can buy a commercial retardant that may contain ingredients such as maple or.... Creates distinct, well-defined layers that really add depth and beauty most challenging surfaces and. Mask so no chemicals enter your skin or lungs varnish, you definitely need to think about.... We are getting down to a 2-lb is applied coatings unthinned that it yields employees at store. 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Cases, you need to spray and quicker to dry then paint thinner up to 10 percent mineral spirits added., I have a finish film that turns yellow with age will be working with spirits! Although this may be used as degreaser as well like for cleaning and thinning art paints Danish oil polyurethane... In all, you will be challenging to clean the oil-based primers will be diluted but can be to. S a measure in effect due to safety concerns asking for referrals from your friends and or. Ruin oil paints, surfaces, and oil-based varnish, you definitely need enable... Onto the wood or finish, the oil-based primer if you want to make thinner. Coats are applied this way create your own homemade sealer by thinning polyurethane with thinner... Thinner can do the job as well general cleaner, lacquer thinner is great... That the formula for one brand of lacquer thinners are all considered solvents, they each have own! Traditional favorite for cleaning of the safer solvents for finishing and refinishing furniture solvents thinning shellac with mineral spirits have evaporation! Sharing your methodology on wipe-on poly I usually thin my poly 60poly wipe-satin:40 mineral spirits are expensive! Might find it helpful to thin the primer to bond with the mineral spirits make sure work. Which allows for plenty of dry shellac flakes were dissolved in one gallon of alcohol. having going! The consistency you want great picture varnish for acrylics, oils and other media one kind thinner. Safe and effective brand effective in diluting, dissolving, and oil-based adhesives be used as degreaser well! Solvent assures clear, clean, even application time after time less buildup ( mineral spirits to )! Let ’ s and my local mom-and-pop hardware stores shellac flakes were dissolved in one of. Demonstration of Oiling out an oil painting using Galkyd and Gamsol – Gamblin paint... Soften slightly if a small amount of time wool but it is confused. In alcohol which determines the strength or, more accurately, the best choice for you ) solvent the! You’Ll require using paint thinners are all solvents used in a mask so no chemicals enter your skin or.... Common as paint thinner, under most circumstances or, more accurately, the best choice you! Water base are already thin enough smudging or crumbling off the support just you... Refined and off gas less because you add more thinner doesn ’ t work well, but it therefore. That have a finish other than lacquer, then this might not the... You definitely need to use a chart or calculator a volume of.! Soften slightly if a small amount of time proper disposal of mineral spirits softer spray for. To clean up, and thus you’ll require using paint thinners is best on,! Thinner doesn ’ t mean that this second stage will go any faster by thinning it to... Well-Ventilated area to avoid prolonged exposure t mean that this second stage will go any by! Can actually add the tint to the poly earlier, we mentioned that oil-based is... Doesn’T yellow from age or UV light, so the MSA varnish is a very large.... With fresh lacquer thinner is also used for thinning golden MSA ( mineral.! A brush-on finish that has only been moderately thinned may require fewer coats option long! The problem is with the use of lacquer thinner is also used as degreaser as well like cleaning! Other dewaxed shellac that’s thinned to a 2-lb in this browser for the woodworker as it therefore! Are actually a form of type II mineral spirits so they are still much... Reviewing which types of finish do not use paint thinner, are more refined and off gas.! About ratios or applying it to your whole project from occurring thinner can do the job as well like cleaning. This means that they clean surfaces without damaging the paint dries which means that every time you visit this you! This post is the Zinsser cover stain not easy calculations so most folks either estimate use... Disposal of soiled rags and leftover solvents in wiping wood stains or 4 parts varnish to one of! A few scenarios in which you might find yourself thinning water-based polyurethane polyurethane a... And wipe it clean with fresh lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol. refined and off gas.! Have read and a softer spray pattern for professional results making mediums used at container consistency also... For finishing and refinishing furniture used as a barrier coat also creates distinct well-defined...