Difference Between Acetone and Lacquer Thinner
There are various solvents, each with different properties and uses. Factors such as the strength of the solvent, intended use, speed of evaporation and material to be used on should be considered before choosing a solvent. While one may be stronger, another may be weaker, due to the variations. Some examples of solvents include mineral spirits, turpentine, naphtha, acetone, alcohol, lacquer thinner, and methylene chloride.
What is Acetone?
This is a volatile, colorless as well as a flammable liquid. It is the smallest and simplest ketone and is miscible with water. It is used as a solvent, consumed as acetone cyanohydrin as well as a precursor to methyl methacrylate. As a solvent, it dissolves synthetic fibers as well as plastics, while also acting as a thinner for polyester resin. It is also used in varnishes and paints as one of the volatile ingredients. In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s used as a solvent and as a denaturant in denatured alcohol. It is also used in the beauty industry as a nail polish remover, superglue remover and skin adhesive remover on artificial hair.
What is Lacquer Thinner?
This is a mixture of solvents used to dissolve plastics and resins. They are frequently present in acetone, ethers and alkyl esters. It is highly flammable and emits harmful fumes, and also has a strong odor. It is used as a thinner in lacquer based paints, removing ink and adhesive residue on metals and other surfaces as well as cleaning spray guns. Due to its toxicity, odor, and flammability, it is not recommended for home use.
Similarities between Acetone and Lacquer Thinner
- Both are used as solvents
- Both are flammable
- Both exhibit some level of toxicity
Differences between Acetone and Lacquer Thinner
Uses
Among the various uses of acetone include dissolving synthetic fibers as well as plastics, while also acting as a thinner for polyester resin. It is also used in varnishes and paints as one of the volatile ingredients. In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s used as a solvent and as a denaturant in denatured alcohol. It is also used in the beauty industry as a nail polish remover, superglue remover and skin adhesive remover on artificial hair. On the other hand, lacquer thinner is used as a thinner in lacquer based paints, removing ink and adhesive residue on metals and other surfaces as well as cleaning spray guns.
Evaporation rate
While acetone has a higher evaporation rate, lacquer thinner has a lower evaporation rate.
Cost
Acetone is harder to find and is more expensive. On the other hand, lacquer thinner is Is easier to find and is less expensive.
Summary of Acetone vs. Lacquer Thinner
Summary of Acetone vs. Lacquer Thinner
The importance of acetone and paint thinner cannot be overlooked. Care should, however, be taken when handling these items as they can be toxic.
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[0]Image credit: https://sco.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sample_of_Acetone.jpg
[1]Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fhke/225332730
[2]Sward. Paint Testing Manual: Physical and Chemical Examination of Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, and Colors Volume 500 of ASTM special technical publication. ASTM International Publishers, 1972. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=5SkErD0t5S4C&pg=PA147&dq=difference+between+acetone+and+lacquer+thinner&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwia2svb4YviAhWByoUKHejdCe8Q6AEILTAB#v=onepage&q=difference%20between%20acetone%20and%20lacquer%20thinner&f=false
[3]Ted Moores. Kayakcraft: Fine Woodstrip Kayak Construction. Wooden boat book. WoodenBoat Books, 1999. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=KlbM8d1S19AC&pg=PA111&dq=difference+between+acetone+and+lacquer+thinner&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwia2svb4YviAhWByoUKHejdCe8Q6AEIMzAC#v=onepage&q=difference%20between%20acetone%20and%20lacquer%20thinner&f=false
[4]NPCS Board of Consultants & Engineers. Manufacture of Thinners & Solvents (Properties, Uses, Production, Formulation with Machinery Details): Solvents for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Book of Solvents, Solvents for Production and Purification, How to start Solvents manufacturing business, How to start Solvents business, Manufacture ... Niir Project Consultancy Services, 2017 https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=boB3DQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=difference+between+acetone+and+lacquer+thinner&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwia2svb4YviAhWByoUKHejdCe8Q6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=difference%20between%20acetone%20and%20lacquer%20thinner&f=false
Sniffs like a good chemical explanation!
Thank you for telling me that we can use lacquer thinner to remove ink and paint adhesive residue on metals and other kinds of surfaces. My father will be painting our kitchen as we try to remodel it entirely and is worried that we might get paint on our countertop and other appliances. We’ll be looking for Aluma Clear products so we’ll be ready just in case something spills.
I have used Crown Lacquer Thinner for paint on plastic and wood models, Testor paints and glues, for examples. It is the quickest and most thorough cleaner for brushes, spills,etc. of these materials as well. The fumes are powerful and inflammable, so I keep it away from kids and use a square of cloth over the spout and threads when I close the lid. No complaints.
I’m a full-time crossdresser and
I bet about 95% of women didn’t know the difference between them. I knew that acetone and lacquer were very different between the two but never thought that it’s flammable and I keep my acetone bottle next to high heat levels and lacquer nail polish I have it next to open flames and I’m surprise my fingers never went up in flames, or is that completely different? Either way I’m glad that I had read this material and had me to move everything away from any type of heat/flames. I can’t afford to lose my roof (over my head), especially due to covid-19, due to lack of knowledge.
Wow, what a phuk up you R.
Wow, what a phuk up you R.
How can i mixed thinner / acetone with my nippon colours.