What solvent to clean gun after clearcoat?

[Scott Gardner]

What's the appropriate solvent for cleaning a spray gun after spraying a clearcoat? For the primer and basecoat steps, I just used whatever the thinner was for that step (e.g. lacquer thinner after priming, and reducer after the basecoat.) After the clearcoat, I tried to clean the gun with the hardener, but it obviously was the wrong stuff to use, as it left the gun sticky. I ended up cleaning it with reducer, but was wondering if there was a better chemical to use after spraying clear?</cr>

Thanks,</cr>
Scott

 

[Motornoggin]

I have always used laquer thinner for gun cleanup. Much cheaper than the reducers and cleans better IMO. I have had no problems with it. I usually buy it by the five gallon pail at Sherwin Williams (house paint store, not auto paint) when they have it on sale. I always clean my guns IMEADIATLY after use as to not let the paints harden in the gun.

 

[TAZ]

Scott
I do the same as Motornoggin. I purchase 5 of "wash" thinner for about $25. It's the cheapest way to go.

 

[Scott Gardner]

Thanks for the tip. I wasn't sure if lacquer thinner was appropriate for cleaning the gun after the basecoats and clearcoats as well.</cr>

Scott

 

[flowb417]

Laquer thinner is what Ive always used and nothin else.

 

[Stretch]

Is it just me or is lacquer thinner lethal? It about knocks me out to smell the stuff even when I've got the exhaust fans running. On top of that it just eats through gloves. Any recommendations? Is regular paint thinner just too weak for most? Looking for advice to keep brain cells intact and skin on my fingers.

Thanks-Stretch

 

[rex]

If the smell gets you keep your mask on to help.I guess I'm used to it because I can hardly smell the stuff when other people are complaining.I don't remember the brand of gloves we have at work but they're blue Nitrile or something like that.They swell up like crazy while I'm using the gun cleaner but they stay together until you're done.Back on topic lacquer thinner is the only thing worth using unless you want to throw away money on your paint reducers.