I was wondering if it's ok to use regular hardware store lacquer thinner to clean my airbrush? I have an Iwata Neo airbrush.

You shouldn't have any problems using hardware-store LT cleaning your airbrush. I use it from time to time, but only for the REALLY bad stuff. I normally just use 91% rubbing alcohol because I use acrylics.

Eric,
I use generic lacquer thinner from Lowes, Home Depot and Ace hardware for cleaning my Peak C5, Badger, and Paasche airbrushes. The Peak is comparable to the Iwata line. I also thin my Testors Model Master paints and other enamels with lacquer thinner. They dry faster, and there is no need to prime most polystyrene plastics when lacquer thinner is used. I'd experiment with it first to get the hang of it. be aware, lacquer thinner(really all hobby paints)should be sprayed with plenty of ventilation, and preferably with an MSA approved mask. As for cleaning, lacquer thinner is my thinner of choice for acrylics, enamels and of course, lacquers. I buy it by the gallon and pour it into smaller bottles on my workbench. I use acrylic thinner from Tamiya, and Mr. Hobby to thin my Tamiya Mr. Hobby acrylics, but not for cleaning due to the cost (although in a pinch I've used lacquer thinner to thin Tamiya and Mr. Hobby paints). I would not thin Humbrol, Vallejo or MiG paints with lacquer thinner, take it from me-- it does strange things to those brands. A gallon of lacquer thinner will last a long time, and I've saved a bundle using it to clean with rather than expensive hobby thinners.
Very Respectfully, Russ

Thanks for the information!

+1 on what Russ said.

I use the Kleen Strip brand from Wally-world because it's cheap and convenient to buy. I use this for everything from cleaning to thinning (Tamiya and original formula Floquil) in two different kinds of airbrushes - a Badger 200 and a Rich Pen 231c. I've had this particular Badger since about 1980 and have shot lots and lots of lacquers through it with no ill effects. The Rich Pen seems just as immune to lacquer thinner as the Badger.

Remember, model builders are not the only people in the world who use airbrushes. The exact same AB's we use are used everyday by guys shooting automotive lacquers doing custom work on cars, vans and motorcycles.

Mr. Mike Roof, I have an OFF-TOPIC question for you and for this, I offer my excuses to the OP. Hopefully, he won't be mad and send some tough guys after me.

I ask publicly because it might answer the same question someone ask himself: in your sig Mike, there's one of many (very beautifully weathered) tank/APC. I clicked on the picture when it appeared and it took me to a website where I used the capture tool from Win7, here's the result and please answer my question. I think it looks like a Bradley, but the main gun reminds me of the one on the British Scorpion, so I am inclined to think it's from England's origin?



Thank you in advance Mr Roof

Hi Marc,

Hopefully Erik will indulge this reply!

The signature that I use is a small automated photomontage of models built by many members of our local AMPS chapter. Actually, just about all of our members who also patronize Armorama use this same signature, and it also works as a hot-link to our club's website.

I appreciate the kind words about the models, but I can't take credit for most of those builds.

The model you've snipped from that signature block is a Warrior WRAP 2 built by one our members, Keith F. He's also very active here on Armorama, with the call sign "Keef1648."

You can find a full build blog of that particular model here:

Armorama::Build Blogs::Warrior WRAP 2

Keith is a really nice guy, a very talented model builder, who is also a wealth of knowledge, especially on contemporary British armor (having served in and retired from the British Forces).

If you have any questions about his Warrior WRAP 2 build, all you need to do is post them up on the build blog or shoot him a PM. I'm sure he'll be happy to reply.

Hope this answers your question.

Now, back to Erik!

Well, sounds like it's safe to use the cheap, hardware store lacquer thinner. Thanks for the input everyone!!

I use the same brand that Mike listed with no problems.