[stansoph]

Has anyone ever used diesel to clean their oil based brushes? I know it is stinky but if it works, cool. I think a final rinse in Min Spirits would eliminate the smell or at least lower it a bit. I am paying about $20 for 2.5 gal of MS's.

 

[Workaholic]

I have not used diesel but i have used kerosene quite a few times works good.

 

[Housepainter]

Has anyone ever used diesel to clean their oil based brushes? I know it is stinky but if it works, cool. I think a final rinse in Min Spirits would eliminate the smell or at least lower it a bit. I am paying about $20 for 2.5 gal of MS's.

I am not sure most customers would want the smell in their homes. My Dad had a automotive service business. The diesel smell is near impossible to get rid of.

You might be posting in the "have you ever been ran off a job" category if you do this ..:blink:

 

[KCT]

If you collect your dirty thinner and let it sit, the solids go to the bottom and you can re-use. Eventually when you get to the bottom, just let the goo dry out. Pouring the dirty thinner through a strainer can limit the goo, too. Maybe that'll cut your consumption a bit.

 

[DeanV]

I have tried letting thinner settle out, sometimes it works, other times it does not settle out much (or at least the thinner never turns clear). I have not be able to figure out why sometimes it settles out almost as clear as new and other times it does not.

 

[daArch]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe diesel is the same as number two home heating oil, which is REAL close to kerosene.

I used EXCLUSIVELY kerosene and once in awhile took a few cups of No 2 out of the oil tank.

I prefer it to paint thinner because the solids settle quicker (when you use a rotating three rinse system similar to what KTC mentioned) and the natural oils in the kerosene/No2/diesel help preserve the fibers of the china bristle brushes.

Housepainter, I believe the smell of diesel in your father's shop was so pungent because it was the exhaust. Granted, the smell of kerosene/No 2/diesel ain't too pleasant, but it's not the same smell as being stuck behind a belching log truck inching it's way over the Continental Divide.

BTW, spinning brushes out in a five with your head over it IS NOT HEALTHY !! Just ask my liver and kidneys !! The mist funnels it way up into your face and into your lungs and then your blood stream. A paper mask does NOTHING.

A little tip to somewhat alleviate that onslaught of spinner spray: take a top of a five and cut a hole big enough for the spinner and the largest brush you use. Basically an oval hole about 2" wide x 5" long. Use the cover when you spin. MUCH less spray comes up outa the five. AND thus reduces the smell in the customers home, not to mention the lessening of hazardous solvents in your system.

 

[daArch]

I have tried letting thinner settle out, sometimes it works, other times it does not settle out much (or at least the thinner never turns clear). I have not be able to figure out why sometimes it settles out almost as clear as new and other times it does not.

Dean,

I noticed that some exterior stains did not settle as well as other REAL paints. Are your observations similar?

 

[vermontpainter]

Bill

Great ideas.

 

[alpinecrick]

Dean,

I noticed that some exterior stains did not settle as well as other REAL paints. Are your observations similar?

I recycle my lacquer thinnner and use it as a first wash through my airlesses. You're right, some stains don't settle out. I also notice that lacquer will not settle out as much, and also it will "capture" and suspend some of the epoxies if the can gets stirred up.


Casey

 

[stansoph]

I have had a difficult time with gettin the paint to settle out of the thinner. It is not bad for a first wash or soak but waiting for it to clear up some times takes weeks.

As far as the diesel smell, I will try the clean in diel and final rinse in thinner/MS.

This could be a lesson in futility; diesel is $4.49/gallon and going up every day. It cost me $178. to fill my truck yesterday. Fing expensive.