Thinners & Degreasers

Paint Thinners & Degreasers for Automotive Refinishing

Suitable paint thinners and degreasers play an important role in automotive refinishing. Thinners are used to adjust coating materials according to the requirements of the paint system, while degreasers help remove oil, grease, silicone and other contaminants from surfaces before refinishing.

The correct product should always be selected according to the paint, primer or clear coat system being used and the type of surface being cleaned.

Paint Thinners for Correct Application

A paint thinner does more than simply reduce the viscosity of a coating. The correct thinner can influence application viscosity, flow, evaporation rate and sprayability.

Automotive refinishing products should therefore be mixed only with the thinner specified by the coating manufacturer and in the recommended ratio. Using an unsuitable thinner can affect both application and the quality of the finished coating.

Fast, Standard and Slow Thinners

Some refinishing systems offer thinners with different evaporation rates. Choosing a fast, standard or slow thinner may depend on ambient temperature, repair size and the application process.

Always follow the technical data sheet for the particular coating system, as recommended thinner types and mixing ratios vary between manufacturers and products.

Degreasers and Silicone Removers Before Painting

Degreasing is an important part of surface preparation before automotive painting. Oil, grease, wax, polishing residue and other contaminants can contribute to adhesion problems and surface defects in subsequently applied coatings.

A suitable degreaser or silicone remover helps remove these contaminants from the surface before refinishing. Always follow the product manufacturer's application instructions.

Surface Cleaning Before Automotive Painting

A clean and correctly prepared surface is essential for reliable refinishing results. Depending on the paint system and repair process, degreasing may be required before sanding, between certain preparation stages or immediately before applying the next coating.

Use suitable clean wiping materials and work in a way that prevents removed contamination from being transferred back onto the surface.

Paint Thinner and Degreaser Have Different Purposes

Although both product types may contain solvents, paint thinners and degreasers perform different functions. Thinners are primarily designed to adjust the application properties of coating materials, while degreasers are formulated for surface cleaning.

Do not automatically use general-purpose paint thinner as a panel degreaser, and do not use a degreaser to alter a paint mixing ratio unless specifically approved by the coating manufacturer.

Choosing the Correct Thinner or Degreaser

• use the thinner specified for the particular paint system,
• follow the mixing ratio stated in the technical data sheet,
• consider ambient temperature and repair size where applicable,
• use a degreaser that is compatible with the surface being cleaned,
• check the technical and safety data sheets before use.

When working with solvent-based products, provide adequate ventilation and use the personal protective equipment specified in the relevant safety data sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Thinners & Degreasers