Readily available, unbranded version of Thinners No3 for antifoul?

[Skylark]

Does anyone know of an unbranded source of Thinners No3 for antifoul? Any knowledgable alchemist out there ?

 

[VicS]

International thinners no3 is solvent naphtha (petroleum) light aromatic
(IIRC it was at one time trimethylbenzene)

Hempel thinners is mosty xylene with some ethyl benzene

 

[doug748]

I usually try cleaning a used brush with White Spirit and, if that works, that's what I use. In fact it has always worked with the cheap tackle that I buy.

 

[Bodach na mara]

I usually try cleaning a used brush with White Spirit and, if that works, that's what I use. In fact it has always worked with the cheap tackle that I buy.

I wouldn't try using white spirit to thin the antifouling though.

 

[KAM]

Been using white spirit for 20 years. Seems OK.

 

[doug748]

I do add it to the tin. Sometimes handy in hot weather if the paint has become thick due to loss of solvent.

 

[LittleSister]

International thinners no3 is solvent naphtha (petroleum) light aromatic
(IIRC it was at one time trimethylbenzene)

Hempel thinners is mosty xylene with some ethyl benzene

But as the Forum's Honorary Alchemist (see post #1), can you advise whether it is likely to matter much, and if so how, if a different type of solvent is used instead?

 

[Iliade]

I used some International #3 on a tissue to clean a smear of antifouling off my face last week. That was a Very Bad Idea! It stung for quite some time...

I do have a recollection of trying to clean brushes with white spirit one time and getting nowhere.

 

[Skylark]

But as the Forum's Honorary Alchemist (see post #1), can you advise whether it is likely to matter much, and if so how, if a different type of solvent is used instead?

Good question, that’s what I’m looking for?

A good few years ago, a pal of mine used White Spirt to thin antifoul. This was a couple of weeks prior to launch. It was a blue colour and bloomed over the following days. At the time of launch the yard men said “you’ve used White Spirt haven’t you”. It didn’t seem to make any difference to the AF properties, subjectively, when the boat was hauled-out 6 months later.

 

[KREW2]

Clean brushes after anti fouling? I use one decent roller and one low cost 2" resin brush 60p. I keep them in a bucket of water between coats and bin them after. Probably cheaper than using a pint of acetone.

 

[Graham376]

But as the Forum's Honorary Alchemist (see post #1), can you advise whether it is likely to matter much, and if so how, if a different type of solvent is used instead?

Xylene is the base for most and if you use cellulose, it curdles. I use DIY store own brand synthetic thinners but don't waste it on cleaning roller and brush, just bin them.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Acetone works for cleaning a/f brushes. Not sure about thinning a/f...