Does anyone know what Testors Model Master Airbrush thinner Is made of? Looking for a cheaper alternate that is compatable..the stuff almost smells like lighter fluid to me. Mineral spirits seems too oilly and not sure about Lacquer Thinner..might be too hot for plastic?
Thanks,

Juggler

I don't know what's in it, but I use Model Master enamels exclusively with my airbrush, and I thin it with regular, everyday laquer thinner, bought at Ace Hardware or Wal-mart. Ratio of 70% paint, 30% thinner. Haven't had a problem with it yet.

Cheers,
Mike

I also use lacquer thinner to cut my Model Master enamels for airbrushing and it makes an excellent airbrush cleaning agent. I have never had problems with plastic melting, but I have also never dumped raw lacquer thinner on a model.

Putting Model Master paint thinned with lacquer thinner back in the bottle may cause the remaining paint to go south more quickly. I have no empirical evidence for this, just a hunch based on experience. Storing bottles upside down helps prevent this, as does thinning thick paints with some regular Model Master airbrush thinner. More and more I thin with the Model Master thinner and clean with lacquer thinner. But thinning with lacquer thinner produces nice results so I still do that most of the time.

Keep in mind that lacquer thinner is pretty toxic, especially in aerosol form. Take proper safety measures if you use it--a good two stage mask and work in a well ventilated area. Prolonged skin contact can cause an allergic reaction.

I know Mono Lisa Odorless Mineral Spirits DOES NOT work.

There may be a less toxic, over the counter product that will thin Model Master enamels so stay tuned for more responses.

-Doug

Whenever I run out of the testors thinner, I just thin my enamels with M.E.K. (methylethylkeytone) it works pretty good and it also gives the paint a little more bite.

Here is a link to the MSDS sheet. http://www.gpmd.com/msds/TESR4589MSDS.pdf

Tamiyas acrylic thinner is also much cheaper for the amount you get!

Thanks for the input gents.

Juggler