Paint Thinners & Solvents

Paint thinner is a fundamental product in automotive refinishing. Whether you are repairing a stone chip, repainting a bumper, or completing a full respray, selecting the correct paint thinner directly affects finish quality, durability, and ease of application. Repco’s range of paint thinners, lacquer thinner, acrylic thinners, enamel thinners, gun wash, acetone solvent, and wax and grease remover products supports every stage of the automotive paint process.

Understanding how and when to use thinner paint products ensures smooth application, proper adhesion, and efficient clean-up. The information below provides practical guidance for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts working in real workshop conditions.

Why is paint thinner important?

Automotive coatings are manufactured with specific solids content and viscosity. In many cases, they require reduction before spraying to achieve correct atomisation through a spray gun. Paint thinner adjusts the viscosity so the coating can be applied evenly and consistently.

Using the correct car paint thinner allows you to:

• Achieve smooth, even coverage without excessive texture
• Maintain proper film thickness across panels
• Support consistent flash-off and curing times
• Reduce the likelihood of runs, sags, or dry spray

For example, when applying acrylic lacquer to a repaired panel, adding the specified amount of acrylic thinner ensures the paint flows correctly before evaporating. When spraying synthetic enamel, enamel thinners allow the coating to level before curing begins. Using the wrong thinner for paint can result in gloss loss, surface defects, or slow drying.

Paint thinners are also critical for cleaning tools and equipment. General purpose thinners, all purpose thinners, and lacquer thinner help remove residual coatings from spray guns, mixing cups, and metal components. Repco’s paint thinners range covers both application and clean-up requirements, giving you flexibility across different paint systems.

Is Wax and Grease Remover different to Thinners?

Wax and grease remover serves a different purpose to thinners. A dedicated wax & grease remover is formulated specifically for surface preparation prior to painting.

Before applying primer or colour, panels must be free from silicone residue, polishing compounds, oil, and workshop contaminants. A grease remover spray or liquid grease remover is applied using the wipe-on, wipe-off method to safely lift and remove contamination.

Thinners, including all purpose thinners and lacquer thinner, are not designed for controlled surface preparation. For reliable adhesion and a defect-free finish, always prepare the surface with wax and grease remover before sanding and again before final paint application.

What is Gunwash?

Gunwash, also referred to as spray gun wash or gun wash thinners, is intended for cleaning spray equipment after use. It dissolves residual primers, basecoats, clear coats, and enamel products inside the gun before they cure.

After completing a paint job, flush the spray gun with gunwash thinners, then disassemble and clean key components. This prevents blockages and ensures consistent spray performance on future jobs.

What protective equipment do I need when handling paint thinners and solvents?

Paint thinners and acetone are flammable and release vapours that require careful handling. Wear nitrile gloves, eye protection, and a respirator rated for organic vapours. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep solvents stored safely away from ignition sources.

Is enamel thinners different to acrylic thinners?

Acrylic thinners are suited to lacquer systems and promote faster evaporation, while enamel thinners are formulated for synthetic enamel coatings that require controlled levelling before curing. Matching the correct thinner to the paint type ensures proper drying behaviour and long-term durability.

Repco’s comprehensive range of paint thinner, wax grease remover, acetone solvent, spray gun wash, acrylic thinner, and general purpose thinners allows you to complete automotive paint work with confidence and control. To support your refinishing project, consider complementary categories such as automotive primers and clear coats, spray guns and air compressors, and sanding abrasives and panel preparation supplies available through Repco.