"Morgans" wrote in message
...

"Bill Denton" wrote in message
...
Maybe I'm just getting confused by the global nature of the discussion,
but
I'm seeing a few things that are so obvious on their face that I felt I
should jump in...

Here in the US, paint thinner is not a product, it's a type of product.
It's
purpose is just as you would surmise from it's name: it is used to thin
paint to provide the proper viscosity for spraying or brushing. And it's
also used for cleaning brushes, spray nozzles, paint cups and similar
items
after use. It does a really dandy job of removing paint! And you use
different paint thinners for different paint types. So you can't really
make
too many generic comments about whether it will remove paint or it's
flammability.

Now, here is the obvious: here in the states we clean automobile engines
with a product called "Gunk Engine Cleaner" which comes in an aerosol
can.
You spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then hose it off with a
moderate stream. I imagine this is the type of product your mechanic was
referring to. And if Gunk is not available worldwide, I'm sure your
local
auto parts and supplies dealer carries something similar.

Sorry to but in, but when I saw a reference to paint thinner not
removing
paint I just couldn't stay out of the chat...


You still need to get your facts straight. I challenge you to go into any
retail outlet, and find anything labeled paint thinner, that is not pure
mineral spirits. It won't happen.

MINERAL SPIRITS WILL NOT REMOVE CURED PAINT! It will remove WET (not
cured) enamels, oils, alkalydes, and a few other types.Do not confuse
paint
thinner with paint stripper, or remover. They have things like toluene,
MEK, and various other nasties.

Since you are so sure about this, and had to jump into the chat, perhaps
you
would like to share your credentials, so we will all know how you are
qualified to refute what is being shared.

I, by the way, have held a general contracting license, and paint much of
what I build. I also spray many types of finish on cabinet work, have
sprayed automobiles, with paint as nasty as to need constant forced fresh
air supply for the painter (me).

Your turn.

Tell us where you can get this paint thinner that removes paint, also.
--
Jim in NC

Hi Jim, I think you were referring to Bill, but I'll jump in if I may.
I'm a panel beater and spray painter licensed with the Motor Vehicle Repair
Industry Council, here in Australia
and am also a member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers -
Spray Painting Division, so I guess by saying that I'm saying I have a bit
of an idea about painting.

If I was getting some paint for, let's say an aircraft, I wouldn't go into
any retail outlet now would I? And walking into an automotive paint supplier
to get some paint for your aircraft, (they may or may not have zinc chromate
primer, depending on location) and asking for some thinner will not get you
mineral spirits.
Of course you would have to stipulate the type of thinner you wanted, be it
2Pak, acrylic lacquer etc but being an aircraft and wanting a nice gloss off
the gun I would be asking for 2Pak, which would be the nasty paint you were
referring to. It contains icocyanites (SP?) which are readily absorbed by
the skin.
The point I am trying to make here Jim is, when you are talking shop, people
generally think along the lines of the products that are used in that
industry and to me saying you were cleaning your aircraft engine down with
thinner is a bad thing and brings up thoughts of badly damaged paint, not to
mention any rubber or plastics that have been affected.

The fact that you have a general contracting contracting license says to me
that you expertise lies within an area that would use paints that require
mineral turps as a thinner and would therefore refer to mineral turps when
discussing thinners. On the same token Jim, I bet you know more about
mineral turps, it's uses and applications than what I would.

Scet