If you are painting something and suddenly you see that the paint also splashed on the thing which you don’t want to get paint. At that time, the paint thinner can help to remove the paint. The paint or enamel thinner is widely used for cleaning the paint spots or splashes. But there is also much other application of thinner. One has to be cautious before using the thinner because thinner is tricky to use. You have to use the right type of thinner and in the right quantity to make it work. Mostly thinner are best to clean paintbrush or spray applicator.
As after paint job, you can see that the paintbrush will contain residue of the last paint done by the same brush. That residue makes the brush useless the residual paint will not be removed. Because if you will use a different colour of paint with the same brush then it can ruin your paint job. So it is always recommended to clean the brush with thinner before using new paint colour. The use of thinner is more crucial for a spray applicator. Because spray applicator has more paint residue which can’t be seen with the naked eye. But when you will clean it with thinner, it will help to remove any residue and you will be able to use the same applicator for future paints.
The enamel thinner is also used to thin the paint enamel. As the paint enamel is an oil-based mixture which needs softening. Due to hardening catalyst, if the paint is left in the open air for long they can get hard. After getting hard, they will be not suitable for any paint job but mixing the enamel thinner will make them thin, which can help to apply the paint on your required surface.
Before mixing the thinner with paint in Australia, one should be well aware of the quantity that should be mix in the right proportion. Most of the paint manufacturer share the required mix of thinner to be mixed according to their paint type. Every paint type has different mix quantity and method for thinner.
Thinner should be used with caution, as thinner will release fumes. They are flammable and need to be stored properly. Also, ensure the presence of fire extinguisher where the thinner is stored. Also always wear PPE gloves when you are working with thinner as these fumes can also be absorbed by the skin which can cause an allergic reaction. Because of the fumes, it is always suggested to store thinner in the open air, as in closed space the saturation of this fumes can irritate eyes and skin.