Enamel Paint Brush Painting

[Davoaldo]

Just wondering cause i never used enamel paitn before......
what do i use to clean brushes when i want to change colour

cause like for acrylic i use sue a pot fo water and jsut keep using it...
but is there anythign like used for enamel??

Also ppl who have been using enamel for ages do enamal like dry out or are not usuable after like sitting there 1 year without being touched as in stored away??

Thank for help

[exhaust smoke]

It depends on what brand of enamels you're using. Humbrol, for example make their own thinners to wash brushes with. However, White spirit will remove paint just as well.

I think it is safe to store enamels for a while as long as the containers are shut properly. If not they'll just dry out. I've had my enamels for about 5 years, however, when I want to use them, I'll have to stir them as the pigments have settled at the bottom.

[freakmech]

you have to use Mineral Spirits to clean enamel. it takes a day or more to dry to touch. a couple weeks to completely set and cure.

[TheSyndicate]

Use some lighter fluid in a small cup to clean enamels.

Follow that with a thorough washing with soap and water, and you're ready to paint again.

[freakmech]

ummm... i think you should just get some mineral spirit. lighter fluid? im sure it works but really mineral spirits are cheap and effective and well... dont sound as dangerous

[TheSyndicate]

Personally I'm not too fond of the smell of mineral spirits

What I use is ronsonol ligher fluid for zippo-style lighters. I never have any to dispose of, because the fluid evaporates overnight after I'm done cleaning brushes.

[Davoaldo]

wow..... enamel cleanign stuff sound so toxic compare to acrylic...... i think i might stay with acrylic unless i need to do large areas........
cause these tamiya enamel thinner stinks.......

[CamaroSSBoy346]

for testors, you need to use Testor Enamel Thinner. Regular paint thinner wont work..

[008]

Originally posted by Davoaldo
wow..... enamel cleanign stuff sound so toxic compare to acrylic...... i think i might stay with acrylic unless i need to do large areas........
cause these tamiya enamel thinner stinks.......

I only use enamel when I'm airbrushing small items like chassis, suspension parts, etc out in the garage with a respirator. For detail painting small items while sitting at my desk acrylics are the way to go. As mentioned earlier, all you need is a cup of water and you're set for a while. The only enamels I use at my desk are the shiny stuff like silver, aluminum, etc and only if I absolutely have to.

[Davoaldo]

Well i use acrylics mostly but enamel seems to spread otu easier and more even......

[themodelkid]

I use lacquer thinner!!! 5 gallons of it. It will clean anything, paint thinner or mineral spirit's suck monkey nuts compared to lacquer thinner.