Mr Thinner Alternatives

[PetrolGator]

All,

I love Mr Surfacer and probably go through more than anything else in my chemical stash. Still, getting my hands on Mr Thinner is not only expensive, but a total pain when all the supplier seem to be in Hong Kong. I hate waiting on a build simply for a chemical that I simply run out of. Stocking up on bottles of the stuff usually results in a pissed off wife, sadly.

Let me explain how I like to use it:
1) Apply Mr. Surfacer 1000 to a gap. Let dry.
2) With cotton ball/Q-Tip, remove excess around gap using Mr Thinner. This prevents a LOT of sanding and preserves detail.
3) Repeat. Lightly sand. Profit.

I hate gaps. With Trumpeter looking to release a ton of ship kits that I want, well, this becomes a huge, frustrating issue. I hate spending 80% of my build time repairing sloppy engineering. I do that at work enough as it is.

Anyway. If anyone knows of a good chemical to use that will remove Mr Surfacer and not destroy plastic, I'm all ears.


Chris

[Jon]

Nail polish remover. More specifically acetone, use gloves, toxic stuff.

[Jon]

I use one of these dispensers, which works well:



It has a push down top which squeezes out just enough. This allows you to do it one handed, so you can hold the model and not have to tip the bottle.

[PetrolGator]

Thanks, Jon.

Now, here's a question: If the stuff is so toxic to the hands, WHY do our women use it on their fingers?

[Jon]

Thanks, Jon.

Now, here's a question: If the stuff is so toxic to the hands, WHY do our women use it on their fingers?

It has long been speculated that this is where crazy cat ladies come from.

All kidding aside. There are odorless alternatives that I've never explored. Odorless does not mean less toxic. Prolonged exposure to the stuff is hazardous. Seems like it absorbs into the skin pretty easy. But here is what I found out...

This site is helpful:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemical ... etone.html

critical data taken from the site:

What are the most important things to know about acetone in an emergency?
Emergency Overview: Clear colourless volatile liquid. Sweet odour. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe eye irritation.


What are the potential health effects of acetone?Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact. Eye contact.

�Inhalation: Can irritate the nose and throat. At high concentrations: can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.
�Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation. Can be absorbed through the skin, but harmful effects are not expected.
�Eye Contact: EYE IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include sore, red eyes, and tearing. The vapour also irritates the eyes.
�Ingestion: Not harmful. If large amounts are ingested: Can cause effects as described for inhalation.
�Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. May harm the nervous system. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the limited studies available.
�Carcinogenicity: Not known to cause cancer.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not specifically evaluated.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): A4 - Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

�Teratogenicity / Embryotoxicity: Not known to harm the unborn child.
�Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to be a reproductive hazard.
�Mutagenicity: Not known to be a mutagen.

What are first aid measures for acetone?
Inhalation:Take precautions to prevent a fire (e.g. remove sources of ignition). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.

Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Thoroughly clean clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely.

Eye Contact: Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.

Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.

First Aid Comments: All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.


What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for acetone?
Flammable Properties: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air. Can be ignited by static discharge. Even dilute solutions in water may be flammable.

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates. Use water to keep non-leaking, fire-exposed containers cool.

Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents.In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; very toxic, flammable formaldehyde; corrosive acetic acid; and other chemicals.

[GTDEATH13]

There are plenty acetone free nail polish removers that will do the job just fine. Try using one that does not include oil or essences.

You can also try lacquer thinner.

[Jon]

There are plenty acetone free nail polish removers that will do the job just fine. Try using one that does not include oil or essences.

You can also try lacquer thinner.

Thanks, didn't know if the acetone free nail polish removers worked.

[djandj]

How about getting rid of the Mr. surfacer? I use good old Elmer's indoor/outdoor wood putty. You can slather it into the gaps and cracks and then simply wipe off with a wet cloth or Q-tip. No odor, no chemicals, and it is fully sandable etc.

[Hallis]

How about getting rid of the Mr. surfacer? I use good old Elmer's indoor/outdoor wood putty. You can slather it into the gaps and cracks and then simply wipe off with a wet cloth or Q-tip. No odor, no chemicals, and it is fully sandable etc.

From what i've seen it's actually a pretty good product if you don't like diluting putty yourself.

eBay turned up a few results. I always tend to look there for stuff that I can't find anywhere else. Be mindful of shipping charges and restrictions.

[djandj]

How about getting rid of the Mr. surfacer? I use good old Elmer's indoor/outdoor wood putty. You can slather it into the gaps and cracks and then simply wipe off with a wet cloth or Q-tip. No odor, no chemicals, and it is fully sandable etc.

From what i've seen it's actually a pretty good product if you don't like diluting putty yourself.

eBay turned up a few results. I always tend to look there for stuff that I can't find anywhere else. Be mindful of shipping charges and restrictions.

Are you talking about finding Elmers wood putty? If so, go to ANY home improvement store/hardware store. Home Depot? Lowes? Ace Hardware, OSH?

[PetrolGator]

Gator Glue also functions in many of the same ways as Elmer's, only it holds a LOT better....

[Hallis]

From what i've seen it's actually a pretty good product if you don't like diluting putty yourself.

eBay turned up a few results. I always tend to look there for stuff that I can't find anywhere else. Be mindful of shipping charges and restrictions.

Are you talking about finding Elmers wood putty? If so, go to ANY home improvement store/hardware store. Home Depot? Lowes? Ace Hardware, OSH?

I'm talking about finding Mr. Surfacer/Thinner

[PetrolGator]

Shane,

I bought a number of bottles on eBay last month. They'll pop up here and there. Using Mr Thinner and Mr Surfacer 1200 is a GREAT primer.

[Admhawk]

Good Nail polish remover uses, or is, acetone. Newer stuff without acetone doesn't work as well.

Acetone is highly toxic and evaporates quickly, but works well. It also can melt plastic.

Isopropyl alcohol comes in various strengths, anything over 70% works great as a thinner or cleaner for acrylic paint. It also works good to clean enamel paint overspray or thinning tamiya putty. It would probably work well cleaning mr surfacer. It won't melt or attack plastic and is less toxic than acetone or lacquer thinner.

You can buy it at Walmart or any pharmacy.

I keep it on my bench all the time, it is great as a general cleaner for grease and oil on parts.

[Jon]

Good Nail polish remover uses, or is, acetone. Newer stuff without acetone doesn't work as well.

Acetone is highly toxic and evaporates quickly, but works well. It also can melt plastic.

Isopropyl alcohol comes in various strengths, anything over 70% works great as a thinner or cleaner for acrylic paint. It also works good to clean enamel paint overspray or thinning tamiya putty. It would probably work well cleaning mr surfacer. It won't melt or attack plastic and is less toxic than acetone or lacquer thinner.

You can buy it at Walmart or any pharmacy.

I keep it on my bench all the time, it is great as a general cleaner for grease and oil on parts.

I've never had an issue with acetone attacking the plastic. Lacquer thinner, oh yes. Wouldn't group them together.

[PetrolGator]

Good Nail polish remover uses, or is, acetone. Newer stuff without acetone doesn't work as well.

Acetone is highly toxic and evaporates quickly, but works well. It also can melt plastic.

Isopropyl alcohol comes in various strengths, anything over 70% works great as a thinner or cleaner for acrylic paint. It also works good to clean enamel paint overspray or thinning tamiya putty. It would probably work well cleaning mr surfacer. It won't melt or attack plastic and is less toxic than acetone or lacquer thinner.

You can buy it at Walmart or any pharmacy.

I keep it on my bench all the time, it is great as a general cleaner for grease and oil on parts.

I've never had an issue with acetone attacking the plastic. Lacquer thinner, oh yes. Wouldn't group them together.

Oh... learned this the hard way. See, my first attempt at modeling took place about six years ago. I picked up a DML 1/350 USS Laffey, some super glue and rattle cans. It went.. poorly. I never finished the poor ship. The hulk had been in my stash, until recently. I got sentimental and decided to try to strip off the crappy rattle can paint, pull her apart, then reassemble as a decent model.

Well, I melted her weapons and range finger. Whoops.

Now, the hull has been re purposed as the "USS Canvas" for practicing weathering and paint techniques. She, however, MAY get her chance at completion again, as DML has kindly offered to replace the parts I liquefied .