Rather than buying some gun wash, which I understand is mostly lacquer thinner, I'd like to use some solvent I've already got on hand. But I'm not sure if it would be too harsh, or not effective.

I spray solvent products. No water.

I've got some old stuff laying around id like to use up before it evaporats in the cans even further. Xylene, toluene and some toluene/ methyl isobutyl ketone mixture from 1972
And of course some regular old lacquer thinner. But lacquer thinner contains toluene, so...




https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_isobutyl_ketone

Some solvents can do serious damage to the inside of spray guns.

I've seen damage even from "gun wash", reclaimed solvent. Depend on who does the reclaiming, their equipment and where they source the product that they use to get the solvent. A painter I know showed me a gun that he'd soaked in "gun wash" and, when he came back the next morning, all the passages inside were ruined. Saved $60 on solvent to cost him $800 for a new gun.

At least you know what yours is but I'd be very careful, testing it on various parts of your gun and always flushing it off with clean acrylic thinners.

Interesting. I don't believe I'd ever noticed the label on the back of the mixture..

If I were you I might try using the Laq. thinners for some sort of parts cleaning BUT the Methyl isobutyl ketone I would just get rid of Not sure that one would be any good even as a Parts solvent not familiar with it or its use its some sort of solvent could be harmful ?

I would not Mix unknown chemicals with known chemicals you dont know what the reaction could be, Could very dangerous to your health or to others.
Not really worth the cost of $50 for a small drum of Laq Thinner in my opinion.


I know guys get into Auto painting thinking they can find a way to do it cheaper than Paint shops BUT dont go about it Playing Weekend Chemical engineer its just not worth it.

Auto painting is one of the most expensive Hobbies you can get into and not one you want to short change unless you really want and expect subpar results.

Also any chemical that's been sitting around since 1971 IF its not a fine whine or a expensive bottle of Whiskey or the same sort Sorry its goin to the DUMP if its in my shop!

Ha! Too late


I mixed up a few things. Worked good. My gun hasn't been this clean since it was ne.

Even threw some mek in it.

You can do what you want with your tools BUT I wouldn't put any Harsh solvents in any of my Guns ever, NOR would I endorse anyone else do so.
MEK is a really strong solvent very strong. It can and will eat lots of different things including Paint gun seals.

Laq Thinner, Q'tips and a tooth brush is all you need to clean your gun thoroughly.