No. Do not use lacquer thinner to thin RustSeal. It is incompatible with the coating and can cause performance and curing problems. Use KBS #1 Thinner, or Xylene (Xylol) if #1 Thinner is not available. Lacquer thinner is fine for one job only: cleaning up, before the coating cures.
Thinning is not generally required. RustSeal sprays well as supplied. Thin only if your equipment needs it, and 5 to 10 percent is normally adequate.
Why Not Lacquer Thinner
RustSeal is a single-component, moisture-cured coating. It needs a slow-evaporating solvent so the film has time to flow out and cure properly. Lacquer thinner flashes off far too fast, which is why it is listed as a clean-up solvent for RustSeal and never as a reducer. KBS #1 Thinner and Xylene are both slow-evaporating and compatible.
Spraying Notes
- After thinning, stir well and strain through a 100 micron filter.
- Use an air line dryer filter to keep moisture out of the air line.
- Clean the spray gun immediately after use. Once RustSeal cures, no solvent will remove it.
- Always wear an air-supplied, NIOSH or MSHA approved organic vapor particulate respirator when spraying.
Frequently Asked Questions: Thinning RustSeal
No. We do not recommend lacquer thinner for thinning RustSeal. It is incompatible and may cause performance or curing issues. Lacquer thinner can be used for clean-up purposes only.
Use KBS #1 Thinner. If KBS #1 Thinner is not available, Xylene (Xylol) is also compatible and works well. Both are slow-evaporating solvents, which is what RustSeal needs.
Thinning is not generally required. If it is needed for your spray equipment, 5 to 10 percent with KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene is normally adequate.
Yes. For a more matte result you can reduce RustSeal up to 20 percent with KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene. Reducing also improves flow and leveling, which helps produce a uniform surface on large or complex parts.
Use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner for immediate clean up, including the spray gun. RustSeal must be cleaned up before it dries, because it cannot be removed by any solvent once cured. If RustSeal contacts skin, remove it immediately with #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.
Setting up a spray gun for RustSeal? The directions page lists pressures and tip sizes for each spray method, or contact us.
