Marindec PaintsThinner adjusts viscosity for spraying and cleans equipment, but the wrong thinner can stop a coating curing, lift the coat beneath it or ruin a batch in the spray pot. Every Marindec datasheet names the thinner to use. This guide puts them side by side.
Thinner by product
| Paint | Thinner for viscosity | Thinner for cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Dry Enamel and AGRIP30+ | FD or QD/general purpose thinner, only if needed | FD / QD thinner |
| FPW15 and ZPPW15 primers | FD thinner | FD thinner |
| Galvanised Iron Primer | Not recommended; FD thinner only if required | FD thinner |
| EPS15 Etch Primer | Etch thinner | Etch thinner |
| Hammertone and Heat Resistant Aluminium | Not recommended (ready to use) | FDE thinner |
| 2K Polyurethane | 2K PU thinner, only if required | PU cleaning solvent |
| Floor & Stoep paint | GP/QD thinner, up to 10% (spray) or 15% (brush) | GP/QD thinner |
How much to add
Many Marindec products are supplied ready to use, and their datasheets say thinning is not recommended. Where thinning is allowed, add the minimum needed for the application method and stay within the datasheet limit, typically 10–15% for solvent-based products. Over-thinning lowers the film build per coat, increases sagging and weakens corrosion protection.
What goes wrong with the wrong thinner
- Lacquer or strong thinner in an alkyd enamel: wrinkling, lifting and poor gloss.
- General thinner in a 2K polyurethane: can react with the hardener and affect cure. Use the PU thinner.
- Etch primer thinned with FD thinner: poor etch and adhesion on bare metal.
- Dirty or water-contaminated thinner: blushing, pinholes and seeding in the film.
Cleaning and storage
Clean spray guns and lines straight after use with the cleaning thinner listed above. Keep thinners sealed, cool and away from sparks; all are flammable. Lacquer thinner is the general-purpose choice for solvent-wiping metal before painting.
Thinners are available in 5L, 25L and 200L. See paint solvents and thinners or bulk paint supply.