Alternative thinners for dope

[Robert Zambelli]

Has anyone used other thinners besides dope thinners for butyrate dope?

I've heard of some DuPont (lacquer) thinners being used but I've never tried them.

I have both Randolph's and Brodak dopes.

Suggestions?

  Bob Z.

[RC Storick]

3608 S https://www.johnsonautobodysupply.com/DuPont-Thinner-Fast-Dry-3608S-Gallon.html

[Chancey Chorney]

I am using just regular 'thinner' from the hardware store with Randolph Clear Non-Tautening dope thinned 50-50, as well as with the same mix with a tablespoon of cornstarch as a sanding sealer and have not had any problems. I would just recommend that you mix up a small batch at first and try it to see how it goes. This is what I had done, and as a matter of fact, I still mix up only a max of 4oz at a time myself as I have only 1/2a models.

[Crist Rigotti]

I use what Bob referred to.

[Jim Roselle]

I've used acetone with great success for thinning dope when applying tissue to solid surfaces. I have not used it for open bays so I can't say how it would work there.

Jim

[Randy Cuberly]

I have successfully used the 3608 thinner but actually prefer SIG Butyrate thinner.  It seems to have the best drying time and results of all.  It is a bit more expensive.

I definitely would not recommend Acetone as a thinner it dries much too fast.  I use it as a brush and spray gun cleaner.

Randy Cuberly

[Steve Fitton]

I have started using 3608S and have been much happier with it than sig.  When thinning dope to spray I still use about 5 to 10% of the sig to thin and the rest 3608S, per a suggestion from Randy Smith.

When I used straight Sig thinner I had problems with color bleed through or white dope becoming translucent when you shot the clear over it, or outright blistering of the finish.

3608S is cheep compared to sig or brodak thinner too.

[Robert Zambelli]

Great advice, guys.   
THANKS for the help.

  Bob Z.

[peabody]

Winfred was a fan of 3608S.....then switched to Randolph's when he discovered that a place at Sussex airport had it....

Have fun!

[John Fitzgerald]

3608 S https://www.johnsonautobodysupply.com/DuPont-Thinner-Fast-Dry-3608S-Gallon.html
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PPG DTL 16

[Ted Fancher]

3608 S https://www.johnsonautobodysupply.com/DuPont-Thinner-Fast-Dry-3608S-Gallon.html

Sounded worth a try until I typed in my zip code.  $30.45 for the thinner was sorta OK but almost $75.00 with haz mat shipping cooled my jets.  Hopefully it will be available locally so I can pick some up at "worth a try" prices.

Whew!

Ted.

[Dan Berry]

Find a DuPont Car Color Center.

[Don Hutchinson AMA5402]

Ted and others: Be sure there is no V in the 3608S label. the VS does not work with butyrate dope and it maybe the only type they can sell in California. Note, you can get Randolph thinner from Air-Fab in Hollister (831-636-1889) and they may know of a fixed base operator closer to your home who can supply it. This based on info from when I lived in calif. 20 years ago.  I am surprised nobody mentioned this earlier. Bill Byles, check  in here.

[Steve Fitton]

Since DuPont changed their name 3608S is being sold under the Cromax name.  My latest gallon has a printed paper label crudely wrapped around the DuPont printed can.