I only use acryilcs mainly because of the smell. Anything else and I get a headache and my wife doesn't like the strong smell. When I airbrush I thin with water, or window clearner. I do use the Testors airbrush cleaner to clean the airbrush, but I do that out doors because it's so strong. About the only thing I still use thinner for is for washes, along with oil paints. I have some thinner that the can says is "odor free" but it's still got a pretty strong smell. The can also says it's a mineral spirit. I suspect that's because they want to make sure people don't mistake it for something harmless. Even this stuff gives me a headache and gets SWMBOs rath. Does anybody know a thinner that I could use to clean the airbrush, and use with oil paints for washes, that is really ordor free? Or at least has a very mild odor?

Rodger,
Not sure which brand of paint you use, but I have used isopropyl alcohol for thinning Tamyia acrylics.. Almost no odour there... And I have to agree with rodders, get yourself a good mask.. Itll go a long way...

Dave

Rodger,

I use both enamels and acrylics. I have found that Simple Green works for me to clean the airbrush after spraying either. It will work for cleaning but no good for doing a wash etc.
Best thing is the stuff doesnt smell bad at all.

see if your local art store carries this-

Grumbacher Pre-Tested Odorless Thinner - Size: 2-1/2 oz. (74ml)
GRU565-2
$5.15 $3.86 At Rex! Save 25%


This is a mild select thinner for oil colors and mediums. It improves flow and is excellent for cleaning brushes. It is less toxic than turpentine, dries less rapidly and works well with Damar and alkyd resins.

there is also Winsor & Newton Sansodor - very low odor!

Dave,

The thinner you use has to be handled with an awful lot of caution and you need a specific respirator that deals with this type of chemical.
I mention this because foolishly taking shortcuts a number of years ago, used the mask I felt would work without checking and found myself to be anaesthetised and it taking six weeks to fully clear my system. I have to admit I now go to the expense of buying Tamiya thinners.

John

Real simple solution: Turpenoid I use the stuff called odorless turpenoid by weber its in a blue/white can a little expensive put well worth it. I get mine at AC Moore or Michaels arts and crafts and if you ask for a coupon its almost a guaranteed 40% off


Z.

Thanks to all. My biggest issue is my wife. I swear her nose is so sensitive she would give a bloodhound a run for it's money. I can be in our bedroom, with the window wide open, fan on blowing to the outside, and she can walk in the front door and smell anything I'm working with.

I just discovered I have some low oder brush cleaner for oil pants, I think it might be windsor and newton, that isn't bad at all, though a bit pricey.

I'm going to print this thread out and check out the stores, long as I can open something up before I buy it to see what it smells like.