While it is true that lacquer thinner can be harmful to your paint, remember that the damage comes from using too much of it—or using it for the wrong purpose. For example, if you use lacquer thinner to wash your car, you could be damaging its paint by removing too much of its clear coat. However, if you use it carefully and sparingly (as directed), then lacquer thinner will not harm your car’s paint.
What is lacquer thinner?
Lacquer thinner is a combination of chemicals formulated to dissolve nitrocellulose lacquers. Depending on the manufacturer, lacquer thinners may also contain one or more solvents (e.g., acetone, toluene), amines, ketones, esters and glycol ethers.
In general, lacquer thinner is not recommended for cleaning paint brushes or rollers because it may leave an oily film on the surface. According to U.S.-based paint company Sherwin-Williams, however, using a rag dampened with some lacquer thinner can help clean up any drips while you’re painting.
When to use lacquer thinner
Automotive technicians will usually use lacquer thinners to clean and remove paint. You can also use it to clean brushes, spray guns and even to remove grease and oil stains. As mentioned before, it is generally not recommended that you use this product on car surfaces or any other painted surface. Lacquer thinner may be used as a solvent for some paints, but only under special circumstances. It is most commonly used as an additive in enamel paints that are applied over metal surfaces. If you are using lacquer thinner for cleaning purposes, always make sure the area is well ventilated and that there’s no fire nearby.
When not to use lacquer thinner
While lacquer thinner is a very effective cleaning solvent, it’s also a very harsh one. That means that you need to be careful how it is used. It shouldn’t be used on any part of the car’s paintwork which is finished. That includes both the clear coat and any kind of basecoat or color layer.
If you just want to clean some equipment then there are better solvents out there than lacquer thinners that could do the job without causing damage. Soap and water will always remove most types of lacquer, but if you have some specialized parts which require something stronger, there are plenty of alternatives available for you to use instead. Lacquer thinners should never be used to clean up brushes or spray guns even if they were only used for lacquering, because they’ll roughen up the surface which can cause problems when applying paint next time round.
How to use lacquer thinner safely
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to apply the lacquer thinner. This will prevent scratches caused by dirt and debris on rougher cloths.
- Do not let the lacquer thinner sit on your car’s paint for too long. A good rule of thumb is to use only as much as you need: if you find yourself having trouble getting all of the thinning solution off with a clean rag, you’ve likely used too much! Once you’ve removed any excess, use another clean rag to buff out any leftover residue or changes in sheen that could be caused by using too much thinner.
- Handle the lacquer thinner carefully! It’s considered volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means it can cause issues like water contamination or air pollution when not disposed of properly—and that can affect our planet negatively over time if we’re not careful about how we handle it!.
- Dispose of the thinning solution according to local laws and regulations regarding its handling; check with your city or county for disposal guidelines before throwing away any containers full of lacquer thinner near your home or workspace! Some communities may require specific handling procedures or have special facilities available nearby where you can recycle old thinners safely without harming the environment at large. (And consider donating them instead!)
- Lacquer Thinner works best in warm weather, so be careful when using it during colder months because it might take longer than usual to do its job!
Is lacquer thinner bad for car paint? The verdict
So, is lacquer thinner bad for car paint? While it certainly has its uses, the answer to this question is a resounding yes—it can be very bad for car paint. You’ll have to use your best judgement when it comes to using lacquer thinner on your car’s paint. And while some car owners have claimed that they’ve used lacquer thinner with no ill effects, you should exercise caution before doing the same. Lacquer thinner is extremely powerful, so if you do decide to go ahead and use it on your vehicle’s paint, make sure that you’re fully equipped with gloves and eye protection, and that you’re not wearing clothes that could come into contact with the solvent. If you spill any on yourself or your surroundings, be sure to wash them thoroughly as soon as possible.
