What kind of paint thinner for CC paints?

[thenrie]

Ok, folks. I apologize for asking a question that I'm sure has been answered a hundred times, but have you tried searching for anything related to paint on this forum before? I've been reading for more than an hour and haven't found what I need yet.

Suggestion: When you start a thread, rather than putting some catchy title on it, why not just put what you're going to talk about? Then numbskulls like me would be able to find what we're looking for.

Anyway, can anybody tell me what they have successfully used to thin the CC paints? The cans have absolutely no information on them except for Cub Cadet and the part number. I don't even know for sure whether they are enamels or lacquers.

I already have the paint, so advice to use another brand won't help me any. Thanks.

[Matt G.]

Originally Posted by thenrie

Suggestion: When you start a thread, rather than putting some catchy title on it, why not just put what you're going to talk about? Then numbskulls like me would be able to find what we're looking for.

That is a FANTASTIC idea! That would also help people decide what threads to read...when I don't have time to read them all, I read the ones with descriptive titles.

Does your paint have any cleanup instructions? If it says what it cleans up with, i.e. lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, naptha, etc, then thin it with whatever it cleans up with. If it doesn't say, one of those three will likely work; I'd try either naptha or lacquer thinner, and probably in that order. You can take a small sample and try to mix something in and see what happens. If it does nothing or reacts, you've got the wrong thinner.

[LarryW]

Matt, If you had the wrong thinner, would it be like oil and water? Is that what you mean by it wont react? Thanks

thenrie, I have also had problems searching. I always look first but eventual just post the question. I agree with your title thing too. I also wish there was a way to edit the title after you post it. I tried that once on one I didnt really title right and I never figured that out either.

[Matt G.]

It could be like oil and water (no reaction) or turn into a gooey mess or something equally unpredictable. I've not experienced the latter but I have read about similar strange things.

[westofb]

Sometimes when you try to cut paint with the wrong thinner it will look light clabbered milk and other times as you are stirring it around it will start gathering in long thick strings, looks like someone tossed a hand full of horse tail/ mane hair in the paint. If it were me doing it, I would try laquer thinner first, if that will work it has much better flash over than using naphtha, allowing additional coats to be applied quicker....watching paint dry is about as interesting as watching grass grow!

[jlampe94]

All i use is IH paint so far and i thin it with vm&p naptha and also i add hardener from valspar you can get it from farm and fleet and tsc. Ive had good luck with this combo. You really need the hardener too it holds up alot better and longer and shines nicer. but vm&p naptha is the way i go. hope this helps.