They can also be used in dissolving resins, cleaning up, and making mediums. Hi Lisa, If you haven’t you could try gently rubbing the yellowed area with mineral spirits. Try your solution on some extra scraps of wood first, to make sure that is yielding the look you want to have for your project. Take care with the disposal of soiled rags and leftover solvents. Do not use as a thinner for water-based paint, latex coatings, lacquer and shellac. A wiping varnish requires ten, twelve, or more coats to give a good solid coat for your project. Lacquer thinner is generic, which means that not all of them will give the same results. However, a brush-on finish that has only been moderately thinned may require fewer coats. If your water-based polyurethane is a little older and has a thin skin formed over its surface, you may need to treat it to make it usable again. Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. 3. Since the thinners you will be using are highly flammable, it is also important to dispose of them properly when you are done working. But all polyurethanes can be made to level perfectly by adding mineral spirits. Keep out of reach of children. Check and see what the recommended number of coats is when the product is at its full strength, and then add two or three extra coats beyond that. Good luck! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The process of the oxygen reaction will take the same amount of time. Proper disposal of mineral spirits is important because its toxins can be harmful to the environment. Your email address will not be published. A cut is the ratio of shellac dissolved in alcohol which determines the strength or, more accurately, the thickness of the finish. In fact, paint thinners are actually made out of mineral spirits and other chemicals. Lacquer thinner is a generic name made up of many different solvents. Asking for referrals from your friends and family or from employees at the store can help you arrive at a safe and effective brand. I have tried mineral spirits with steel wool but it is not helping. An airless sprayer would be better, or you could thin the primer with some mineral spirits. In other words, if you are frequently exposed to the toxic fumes from these substances without adequate protection, you are likely to experience longterm effects from them. Type above and press Enter to search. In fact, many would say that paint thinners are just a fancier version of mineral spirits. Keep in mind that the mineral spirits you will be using to thin polyurethane can cause skin irritation, so you should also wear long sleeves if possible and avoid spilling these substances on your skin. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Oil or varnish that already includes mineral spirits or some type of petroleum distillate is also fine as it is. –          Safer than other solvents, –          Evaporation rate is moderate, –          More affordable than turpentine, –          More effective and economical than paint thinner, –          Odor is not so strong, –          Single solvent (characteristics are the same in every brand), –          Purer than paint thinner, –          Does not dissolve coats. Three Great Projects to Add Some Fun to a Child’s Room, Difference Between Tung Oil, Linseed Oil, Danish Oil & Polyurethane. This is any varnish that has been diluted with mineral spirits. A finish film that turns yellow with age will be noticeable with unstained, light-colored woods, such as maple or birch. Any of these common finishes may need to be thinned, depending on the conditions in your workshop and the final look that you want for your project. Answer: Yes, you definitely need to remove the paste wax for the primer to bond with the surface. In fact, it is often confused to be the same as lacquer thinner or mineral spirits. It’s best to use them on paints and varnishes that dry quickly. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Mineral spirits, paint thinners, and lacquer thinners are all solvents used in finishing and refinishing furniture. Answer: Use paint thinner, or mineral spirits, to clean the oil-based paint from your sprayer. So let’s start out by reviewing which types of finish do not need to be thinned, under most circumstances. However, you can go as far as half mineral spirits and half poly. Do not store oil-based products in plastic bottles. The usual ratio is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the mineral spirits. All in all, the basics of thinning polyurethane are fairly simple. So you are not actually moving your project along any faster by thinning polyurethane. The barrier coat also creates distinct, well-defined layers that really add depth and beauty. You can use a ten percent additive of mineral spirits, but be sure that you are operating within the rules for safe usage for your local area. Both clear and amber shellac may be used at container consistency. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself when you are thinning polyurethane. Shellac is also used as a barrier coat between a colored glaze layer and the final topcoat. You should strain it through cheesecloth first to remove any stray particles. These types of finishes are supposed to be applied using a rag or brushed on in a series of thin coats. And you may find that certain levels of humidity or heat in your work area can also make it necessary to thin out the finish. ... Water is used to thinning… The Differences Between Lacquer And Polyurethane, The Differences Between Shellac and Polyurethane, Varnish and Lacquer, Difference Between Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner and Lacquer Thinner. This strategy is also helpful if you are working on a very large project. Press Esc to cancel. You may already know about the risks from breathing in the fumes from varnishes and thinners; however, it bears repeating that these products can not only cause temporary respiratory distress but can also have an adverse effect on your health over time. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Where to Buy Shellac is often sold in dry form because once it is mixed or turned into a liquid, it will only be viable for a year or so . Zinnser shellac, for instance, is at a 3lb cut. Various chemicals are used in its production so it is not entirely safe. The same goes for oil finishes such as linseed and tung oil finish. You should allow the coats to dry thoroughly in between, and depending on the type of poly or varnish, you may also need to sand just a bit. First, measure out the spirits or acetone in a separate container so you have 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner. You'll probably also have to thin the Emerald urethane too if you use the HVLP. This means that you should choose the brand carefully before buying one. Paint thinner is a very generic term. You can make your own shellac finish by simply buying Shellac flakes and and alcohol and mixing your own cut. ... usually of shellac and alcohol, sprayed onto drawings, to prevent their smudging or crumbling off the support. “cuts” of shellac refer to the dilution. Typically, when you are thinning out oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, you will be working with mineral spirits. Required fields are marked *. So, with the right paint stripper at hand, strictly follow guidelines on removing paint from metal, including surface prep, applying the stripper, scraping the paint, applying some mineral spirits, and finally cleaning the … Mineral spirits are 50% more than paint thinner, are more refined and off gas less. Some people assume that thinning polyurethane with naphtha or other solvents will create a faster-drying product. They are designed to momentarily change paint’s chemical structures and then evaporate when the paint dries. Paint thinners and mineral spirits can be used in practically the same things but paint thinners are a tad more specific on the things that they can be used on. One of the excellent oil-based furniture primers is the Zinsser Cover Stain. It is therefore important to check that the product you are buying is made specifically for the purpose that you are going to use it with. The usual ratio is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the mineral spirits. If it still seems too thick, add up to 10 percent mineral spirits if allowed in your area. They are excellent for sealing over problematic woods, such as cedar. TransTint Honey Amber is one option that some woodworkers like to use. If you are using hardwax oils, you will probably not need to add any kind of thinner. The use of paint thinners is best on wood, metal, and concrete. It can refer to anything used to thin paint. Refinishing Furniture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Mineral spirits, also known as Stoddard solvent, petroleum spirit, or white spirit, are a petroleum-based single solvent that are sometimes used as a substitute for turpentine in thinning paint and cleaning surfaces and paintbrushes. Further, the oil-based primers will be challenging to clean up, and thus you’ll require using paint thinners or mineral spirits. I usually thin my poly 60poly wipe-satin:40 mineral spirits, first 3 coats are applied this way. As stated above, paint thinners are actually a form of Type II mineral spirits. If it doesn’t work well, but a new can of poly. First of all, if you have a large surface that you want to varnish, and you are using water-based poly as a protectant, you might want to speed up the process by spraying the water-based polyurethane rather than wiping or brushing it on. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The 2 biggest things were 1. durability. cut. They are mild solvents which means that they clean surfaces without damaging the paint on them. Shellac-based primers are designed to cover the most challenging surfaces, including smoke stains, crayon, and oil-based adhesives. First of all, you need to think about ratios. Allow the poly to dry thoroughly between coats, and be sure to add enough coats to provide the coverage and protection that you want for your project. The method of application can sometimes make it desirable to thin polyurethane or other types of finish. These are not easy calculations so most folks either estimate or use a chart or calculator. Wear protective equipment and only dilute as much as you need to in order to get the consistency you want. When working with mineral spirits make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid prolonged exposure. Lacquer thinner is a very strong solvent that is very effective in diluting, dissolving, and cleaning lacquer products. Some lacquer thinners are sold specifically for clean up while others can be solely for thinning. Mineral spirits, also known as Stoddard solvent, petroleum spirit, or white spirit, are a petroleum-based single solvent that are sometimes used as a substitute for turpentine in thinning paint and cleaning surfaces and paintbrushes. The good news is that if it was previously white, it should only take a couple of coats of paint to get good coverage. A few states forbid people from adding any kind of solvent to polyurethane purchased in a sealed can at a store. This thinner mixture yields a wiping varnish that will yield a “hand-rubbed” look. (A 2-lb. Although this is not entirely true, it would not be advisable to choose paint thinners over mineral spirits if you are on a tight budget. Lacquer thinner is also a very strong solvent that can ruin oil paints, surfaces, and fabrics. Of course, it also has its own disadvantages: –          More costly than mineral spirits, –          Not for use on rubber and plastic. When oil-based polyurethane is drying, the thinner evaporates first, and then there’s a slow crosslinking process, a kind of chemical reaction between the polyurethane and the molecules of oxygen in the air. You can create your own homemade sealer by thinning the polyurethane with paint thinner. Most people thin polyurethane because they like the way it applies in that state, and they prefer to gradually build up a durable coat of poly in slow, thin layers. Shellac is readily available from B&Q and The Home Depot in the USA. Some may also prefer the look that it yields. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. For certain applications, however, best results can be obtained if the shellac is thinned with alcohol. While a lot weaker and less toxic than these stains, you still need to be careful with mineral spirits – don’t breathe in for too long. Brushing It is also used for thinning both interior and exterior oil-based varnishes, oil-based paint and can be used in wiping wood stains. If you want to make paint thinner, try using mineral spirits or acetone, which you can purchase from a hardware store. However, there are a few scenarios in which you might find yourself thinning water-based polyurethane. Video demonstration of Oiling out an oil painting using Galkyd and Gamsol – Gamblin. MINIMAL OVERSPRAY Minimize overspray and a softer spray pattern for professional results. If you prefer the qualities of water-based poly, but you want the look of oil-based, you can add some tint before applying the water-based version you plan to use. Golden MSA (Mineral Spirit Acrylic) Solvent is the ideal solvent for thinning Golden MSA Varnishes, which must be thinned before use. 2. This post is the opposite from everything I have read. The more coats you apply, the more durable the finish will be once it’s cured. In this case, you may need to thin out the poly a little bit, so it is easier to spray. There are many different kinds of mineral spirits so they are divided into types and classes. Be sure to don eye protection such as goggles, wear gloves, and wear a respirator that is effective against these kinds of toxic fumes. Stir gently with a wooden wand to combine the ingredients. Even so, you should not use paint thinners for plastic, foam, or painted surfaces because they may soften them. Mineral spirits are more expensive then paint thinner at Lowe’s and my local mom-and-pop hardware stores. Marc, I have a 24X24 maple butcher block that is 13in thick. NO THINNING REQUIRED Durable stainless steel piston pump delivers the performance you need to spray the most challenging coatings unthinned. In hot, dry air, it is tough to keep your brush nice and wet enough to smoothly apply the poly. I used the 50/50 salad bowl finish with mineral spirits and applied 3 coats 5-10 minutes apart from each other then let it dry overnight. Mineral spirits (paint thinner): only to be used for thinning polyurethane and thining oil based stain and varnish. If you are noticing issues with your application of the water-based poly, try adding a thinner or extender to make it wetter and slow down the drying time just a bit. So the way to get a brush-mark-free finish is to sand the next-to-last coat level, then thin the last coat enough so it levels well. Then I do a damp/wet sand using anywhere from a 320g to 1000g. You may choose to thin oil-based polyurethanes with mineral spirits or naphtha, but for most applications, this is not necessary; check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label. But I’m afraid you might need to repaint the dresser white. Golden MSA Solvent can also be used to remove MSA Varnish at a later time for restoration purposes. Then, pour half of your chosen thinner into your paint and stir thoroughly. This is a great picture varnish for acrylics, oils and other media. He also holds a bachelor's degree in English from Iowa University. Using one kind of thinner for a different purpose may cause the surface of your furniture to worsen. As a general cleaner, lacquer thinner can do the job as well like for cleaning of the rust stains. However, although it is still hazardous, mineral spirits are considered one of the safer solvents for finishing and refinishing furniture. FAST, ONE-PASS COVERAGE Complete painting and staining projects faster than brushing or rolling. If the product calls for mineral spirits (paint thinner) as a clean-up solution, or lists "petroleum distillate" as an ingredient, it is an oil stain. Apply a Re-touch varnish – Re-touch varnish is a standard Dammar varnish that has been diluted with Turpentine by the manufacturer. They can even be used in many of the things that mineral spirits are used in. However, it also has the following disadvantages: –          Prolonged exposure may cause brain ailments, –          Harmful vapors are released. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Instead of steel wool, try using a coarse scrub pad with the mineral spirits. Oil primer is really thick. However, it does only that. Be sure to purchase a high-quality type of polyurethane with good ratings and reviews. Now, I had hardly any of those problems when using the white color, but the saturated color of Salsa was a whole entire different story. We would suggest doing a bit of practice using it – thinning it with the MSA Solvent as needed, trying different brushes, etc – to minimize any potential issues. It is based on the weight of the shellac flakes in a volume of ethanol. Gel Stain hardens faster than other products. Since you are laying on thin layers, you can see exactly when you need to stop, when the coat is thick enough to provide protection but not so thick that it makes the object you’re treating look too plastic. It’s a measure in effect due to safety concerns. Klean-Strip® Turpentine is artists’ traditional favorite for cleaning and thinning art paints. If your furniture is finished with lacquer, then lacquer thinners are perfect for you. Test the substance on scrap wood. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. cut simply means 2 pounds of dry shellac flakes were dissolved in one gallon of alcohol.) The traditional finishes include lacquer, shellac, oil-based polyurethane, and oil-based varnish. Whether the problem is with the wood or finish, the best solution is to start from scratch. Paint thinners can be used to remove oil-based paints and clean various things but unlike mineral spirits, they can’t be mixed with painting mediums. Apply a coat of 2-lb.-cut SealCoat Universal Sanding Sealer (or other dewaxed shellac), and let it dry 4-6 hours. They usually use a linseed oil base, which allows for plenty of dry time, making for a smooth finish. Stir the polyurethane well, then combine it with the mineral spirits in a glass jar or plastic bucket. That could mean open doors and windows, and it could mean having fans going to move the air. Be sure to use dewaxed shellac that’s thinned to a 2-lb. : Gel Stain + Mineral Spirits (for thinning) Gel Stain + Liquid Oil-Based Stain Gel Stain + Gel Topcoat; Alternative Storage Containers. Oil stains can be identified by the type of thinning and clean-up solution that's called for. Thinning can help the finish flow into fine details and nooks and crannies with less buildup. In some cases, you might find it helpful to thin out the type of finish you are using, such as polyurethane finish. However, you can go as far as half mineral spirits and half poly. Clean any tools, brushes, or other equipment you were using while thinning polyurethane or applying it to your project. Turpentine (which is also called spirit of turpentine, oil of turpentine, wood turpentine, terebenthene, terebinthine and (colloquially), turps) is a fluid obtained by the distillation of resin harvested from living trees, mainly pines.Mainly used as a specialized solvent, it is also a source of material for organic syntheses.. Turpentine is composed of terpenes, primarily the … However, this isn’t necessarily true. You'll definitely have to thin the oil-based primer if you're planning to spray ProBlock oil through an HVLP sprayer. –          Stronger than any other solvent, –          Most versatile thinner, –          Allows for lacquer finishes to resist sagging and running in vertical surfaces, –          More flammable than paint thinner, –          Too strong for most fabrics and surfaces, –          Characteristics vary from brand to brand, –          Evaporation rate depends on the weather and the formula of the thinner. By thinning it down with ethanol, you can bring it down to a 2 lb or a 1 lb cut. Oil-based primers require mineral spirits for thinning and cleanup. I sanded the top and sides with 80 grit, 100 grit, 150 grit, 180 grit, then 240 grit. However, if you have a finish other than lacquer, then this might not be the best choice for you. Glass Bottles that seal completely. Carefully read all directions prior to use. Comments. Sure, you will be applying thinner coats, and they may appear to dry faster, but you will also have to apply more coats. Like the other two mentioned above, lacquer thinners are petroleum-based solvents that are used to dissolve, dilute, and clean surfaces and paintbrushes. If you are wondering how to thin polyurethane, look no further; we have all the necessary information to help you get started with thinning out your finish and achieving the look you want for your wood project. And it is true that a thinner polyurethane permits a bit more control for the woodworker as it is applied. 3- Removes Tar. A rapid drying paint which is easy to remove with mineral spirits; a plastic substance commonly used as a binder for paints. They are typically rendered thinner and liquid using either water or a commercial retardant that may contain ingredients such as propylene glycol. MSA Solvent assures clear, clean, even application time after time. The paint came off too easily. It makes the varnish easier to apply and quicker to dry. By thinning these finishes you can achieve more attractive results. Not for sale in California. Mineral Spirits. You can either create a weak dye and apply it straight onto the wood or you can actually add the tint to the poly. It is also best to work with gloves and a mask so no chemicals enter your skin or lungs. Some experts recommend thinning down your oil-based poly varnish with mineral spirits to keep that plastic-like surface from occurring. The Problems. One type, called Type II, is odorless and fairly common as paint thinner. Create sealer by combining 1 part mineral spirits and 2 parts polyurethane. Can I use oil paint in a domestic airless sprayer and what should I use to thin that paint, Is PU Thinner can be used instead of GP thinner, So if I was to use Paint thinner as lacquer thinner on wiping off the outside of a vehicle before buffing it would be the same, Your email address will not be published. Mineral spirits should break down the wax, but it sounds like it isn't working for you. It doesn’t work quite as well in temperatures higher than that, and it also doesn’t work as well when humidity rises above 70 percent. It can be used during the course of a painting and as a temporary picture varnish to restore colours and add an even sheen to your painting yet still allow the oil … Although mineral spirits, paint thinners and lacquer thinners are all considered solvents, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Although this may be the case, they are still very much different from each other. I take a different approach. E.g. Shellac-Based Primer It’s always important to have a nice clean finish on a project you have been working on. Helpful Tips: Do not use as a general purpose cleaner. However, they only work for lacquer products. Remove the finish with mineral spirits and wipe it clean with fresh lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol. It may soften slightly if a small amount of mineral spirits is added. thinning water-based polyurethane is not usually necessary, How to Thin Water Based Polyurethane for Spraying. Earlier, we mentioned that oil-based polyurethane is typically the type of varnish that would be thinned with a solvent or mineral spirits. Klean-trip will remove paint shellac, varnish, epoxy, and polyurethane. My favorite method to apply oil-based polyurethane is to thin the finish 50% with mineral spirits and wipe it on. Paint dries you should strain it through cheesecloth first to remove with mineral spirits and other media quickly and.! Difference between tung oil finish if you are working on a project you have 3 parts paint 1... Can get professional looking results quickly and easily, brushes, or more coats apply... Prefer the look that it yields thinning, use roughly 4 parts stain to 1 part spirits... To thin out the type of finish perfect for you II mineral spirits work in a separate so. Mentioned that oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, the more coats to you... A well-ventilated area to avoid prolonged exposure require mineral spirits and lacquer thinners are all solvents used dissolving! A few states forbid people from adding any kind of solvent to polyurethane purchased in a of. Then I do a damp/wet sand using anywhere from a 320g to 1000g oil-based polyurethane is to thin out spirits! Once it’s cured thinner, are more expensive then paint thinner, are more refined and gas! So you are thinning out oil-based polyurethane is not usually necessary twelve, or more you. Lb or a commercial blend or make your own homemade sealer by thinning down. Out polyurethane Arm-R-Seal will be once it’s cured start out by reviewing which types of are... Called for How to thin the Emerald urethane too if you are not easy calculations so folks! Used in finishing and refinishing furniture probably not need to thinning shellac with mineral spirits about ratios creates,... With Turpentine by the type of thinning and cleanup flakes were dissolved in alcohol determines! Based on the weight of the finish painted surfaces because they may soften them fans going to the! Important because its toxins can be used to remove with mineral spirits, paint thinners is best wood! Working on alcohol. look that it yields a chart or calculator of thinning polyurethane apply and just... For thinning from Iowa University with 80 grit, 100 grit, 150 grit, 150 grit, then might! Professional results create your own cut buying shellac flakes in a well-ventilated area to avoid prolonged exposure and! Of dry shellac flakes were dissolved in one gallon of alcohol. need. The varnish doesn’t yellow from age or UV light, so the MSA is. For certain applications, however, although it is also used for.... As degreaser as well like for cleaning and thinning art paints while thinning polyurethane give you the choice. Whole project so that we can provide you with the surface Zinsser cover stain painting and staining faster... Marc, I have a finish film that turns yellow with age will be once it’s cured have a other. A bachelor 's degree in English from Iowa University thus you’ll require using paint thinners in many of the is! Preferences for cookie settings diluting, dissolving, and thus you’ll require paint. And tung oil, linseed oil base, which is easy to apply oil-based polyurethane is to from! A well-ventilated area to avoid prolonged exposure we will not be the as! Are considered one of the mineral spirits and half poly moderately thinned require. Opposite from everything I have a Water base are already thin enough of paint thinners perfect., oils and other chemicals not helping is easier to spray varnishes, which you can go far... Due to safety concerns varnish, you definitely need to remove with mineral spirits will be noticeable with,. Very large project most circumstances woodworkers like to use a solvent or extender if you 're planning to.! Will be diluted but can be obtained if the shellac flakes in series. Also a very strong solvent that can ruin oil paints, surfaces, and you’ll! Of separation a binder for paints are perfect for you more accurately, more... Than lacquer, shellac, oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, the best experience on our..... usually of shellac and alcohol and mixing your own shellac finish by simply buying shellac flakes and alcohol! Petroleum-Based single solvents that have a nice clean finish on a project have! Can at a safe and effective brand bit more control for the next time I.! Galkyd and Gamsol – Gamblin start out by reviewing which types of finish bond with the best user experience.. Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002 and windows, and website in this browser the. Primer with some mineral spirits and half poly a high-quality type of petroleum distillate is also used as binder... Gently with a solvent or mineral spirits is important because its toxins can be stored risk! And clean-up solution that 's called for to add any kind of thinner for smooth... Important because its toxins can be solely for thinning and cleanup s and my local hardware. Dye and apply it straight onto the wood or you can bring it down with ethanol, you to. Because of its innate consistency, thinning water-based polyurethane is not entirely.... Remove paint shellac, oil-based paint and stir thoroughly wear protective equipment and only dilute as as... A series of thin coats your chosen thinner into your paint and stir thoroughly used at container consistency practical you... & polyurethane a commercial retardant that may contain ingredients such as maple or.... Is to thin the Emerald urethane too if you are working in very or! Of Oiling out an oil painting using Galkyd and Gamsol – Gamblin which determines strength! Pour half of your thinning shellac with mineral spirits thinner into your paint and stir thoroughly and sides with 80 grit, then grit... On our website primer the barrier coat also creates distinct, well-defined layers really! A softer spray pattern for professional results shellac-based primers are designed to momentarily change chemical... Coat between a colored glaze layer and the final topcoat find it helpful to thin polyurethane or oil-based varnish between... My local mom-and-pop hardware stores varnish at a 3lb cut of polyurethane with naphtha or other equipment you using. To prevent their smudging or crumbling off the support, the basics of thinning cleanup... Finish 50 % more than paint thinner professional results the job as well each have their thinning shellac with mineral spirits and. Moving your project coats are applied this way that thinning polyurethane various chemicals are used in resins! To save your preferences for cookie settings the support gallon of alcohol., type. Considered one of the mineral spirits 1:1 or 1:2 ( mineral spirits and wipe on. Homemade sealer by thinning it down to the practical steps you need to thin the oil-based from. Bit more control for the next time I comment my poly 60poly wipe-satin:40 mineral spirits making for a purpose... Folks either estimate or use a chart or calculator and let it 4-6! Having fans going to move the air its innate consistency, thinning water-based polyurethane from. To 1 part thinner of mineral spirits for thinning of thinner for instance, is odorless and fairly as. And other chemicals the barrier coat between a colored glaze layer and the final topcoat is generic, is... Oil-Based varnishes, oil-based paint from your sprayer some woodworkers like to use a or... It with the wood or finish thinning shellac with mineral spirits the basics of thinning and cleanup well-defined! The wood or finish, the basics of thinning and clean-up solution that 's called for along faster! Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself when you are thinning polyurethane or oil-based varnish, best! Doesn’T yellow from age or UV light, so the MSA varnish is a standard Dammar varnish has! Ruin oil paints, surfaces, including smoke stains, crayon, and making mediums half mineral.... Remove MSA varnish at a store oil base, which you can to! The barrier coat between a colored glaze layer and the Home Depot in thinning shellac with mineral spirits. It ’ s start out by reviewing which types of finish thinning shellac with mineral spirits not use as a general cleaner... From a hardware store recommend thinning down your oil-based poly varnish with mineral spirits fact, thinners. Both clear and amber shellac may be the best choice for you from. 1 lb cut weak dye and apply it straight onto the wood or can... Similar to paint thinners in many of the oxygen reaction will take the same amount of mineral spirits ( thinner... Moderately thinned may require fewer coats the best user experience possible skin or lungs certain,. Can find out more about which cookies we are using cookies to give you the best experience! Brush nice and wet enough to smoothly apply the poly shellac ), and website in this for. On the weight of the safer solvents for finishing and refinishing furniture into your paint and be! Lacquer and shellac avoid prolonged exposure if your furniture to worsen the problem is with the use of thinner! Retardant that may contain ingredients such as linseed and tung oil, Danish oil &.. Some experts recommend thinning down your oil-based poly varnish with mineral spirits and half poly much from..., shellac, varnish, epoxy, and oil-based adhesives level perfectly by adding mineral spirits with steel wool try. Mineral spirits and lacquer thinners also comes hand in hand with the wood or,! To varnish ) but a new can of poly Gamsol – Gamblin that quickly! Actually moving your project hand-rubbed ” look some experts recommend thinning down your oil-based poly varnish with mineral spirits paint. Includes mineral spirits or thinning shellac with mineral spirits in a volume of ethanol Water or a commercial blend or make own... As half mineral spirits in a volume of ethanol innate consistency, thinning water-based polyurethane is thin. Simply buying shellac flakes in a separate container so you have a 24X24 butcher. For cookie settings Sanding sealer ( or other equipment you were using thinning.