Thinners and Degreasers for Automotive Refinishing

What is a thinner?

A thinner is a liquid added to a thicker product, such as paint, in order to:

• Reduce its viscosity
• Facilitate its application with a brush, roller, or spray gun
• Improve the quality of the finish

There are different types of paint thinners: turpentine, acetone, naphtha, toluene, xylene... These powerful solvents can also be used for cleaning tools or stripping painted surfaces.

Thinner in automotive paint

In bodywork, paint thinner plays an essential role in adjusting the fluidity of the product to the application conditions. It can also facilitate the removal of old coatings or glue residues. It is important to always test the thinner on a small area before use to check its compatibility with the substrate and avoid damaging existing finishes.

What is lacquer thinner?

Lacquer thinner is a very powerful solvent designed to thin thick lacquers. It prevents undesirable effects such as orange peel or surface irregularities.

When to use it?

• To adjust the viscosity of lacquers before application
• To clean lacquers, tools, or sprayers
• To dissolve certain adhesives

Precautions to take

• Wear glasses and eye protection
• Use appropriate gloves
• Respiratory mask against chemical vapors

Paint thinner: definition and uses

Paint thinner is a liquid intended to thin oil-based paints, clears, or stains. It is often composed of mineral spirits, with or without additives such as benzene.

When to use a paint thinner?

• To thin oil-based paints or clears
• To improve fluidity in spraying
• To clean brushes, tools, or oily equipment
• To wipe greasy surfaces

⚠️ Paint thinner is not used to remove already dry paint: for that, use a stripper or a mechanical stripping tool.

Precautions to take

• Read the instructions and follow the dosages
• Do not use in an unventilated space
• Do not apply on fresh or poorly primed paint

Our different brands of cleaning thinners

We offer a wide range of professional thinners suitable for all your needs:

• Cromax: fast-drying thinners, transparent color
• Glasurit: 14 references available
• Ixell: 15 different products
• Lechler: slow, standard, fast thinners
• Lesonal: formats available in 400 ml, 1 L, 5 L, etc.
• Nexa Aquabase: 9 specific thinners
• Max Meyer: UHS additive thinner, universal fast, spray connection...
• PPG: 8 varied thinners
• RM: 22 references, including catalysts, connections, and sprays
• Sikkens: about twenty references depending on the type of drying
• Spies Hecker: normal, fast thinners, clears additives...
• Spralac: solvent-based anti-silicone degreaser 5 L
• Standox: VOC thinners, classic and smart connections
• Upol: standard thinners, spray connections, other specialized products

Feel free to browse all the categories on our site or contact us for more information on the thinners best suited to your use.