Monday, Was at hardware store

Re: Monday, Was at hardware store

1) Solvents solve and thinners thin.

2) Yes

3) Shellac and lacquer

(ducking and running ;-))

Did I sleep through Monday?

If not then I think Dan's answer has earned some time in the box......;)

Lee - who couldn't think of a way to obfuscate the answer either...

Dan nailed it

To elaborate a little:

(1) what is the difference between a solvent and a thinner?

A solvent dissolves a solid, while a thinner reduces the viscosity of a liquid solution of suspension.

(2) Can they be the same for some finishes?

(3) if so which ones

They are usually the same for finishes that dry by evaporation only, such as shellac and lacquer, and different for finishes that cure by chemical change, e.g., by oxidation once the thinner is evaporated. I believe that some finishes dry by evaporation only, but have different solvents and thinners. E.g., it is my understanding that water-based shellac has an alcohol-shellac solution in suspension in a water thinner. If my understanding is correct, water is the thinner for this, and alcohol is the solvent.

Blue Borg answer *LINK*

Many people use the words "solvent" and "thinner" interchangeably, even though they have different meanings. Keep the following in mind when choosing a solvent or thinner:

* A solvent dissolves a cured finish.

* A thinner thins a liquid finish.

* Some substances can be both a solvent and a thinner for a finish.


Lowes' explanation

Monday answer

For this question the sky's the limit. Stars all around. I could repeat what was already stated but why? Solvent and thinner information is correct for all three responders. Congrats to submitters..