Thinning finishes

I’ve used both. I used MS with black paint used to spray outdoor iron rod deck furniture, because the “dry out of dust” time (time it takes for the finish to be dry enough to not let particulates that fall on the finish to stick to the wet paint) didn’t matter to me especially.

While making wiping varnish, I use VM&P (varnish makers and painters) Naptha, because I wanted the thinner to flash off faster to minimize dust nibs and hasten the time between coats.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

Betsy, like Doug I have used both but I prefer mineral spirits largely because it is what I usually have available and it is the cheapest. Another advantage, to me at least, is that is takes longer to flash. This gives the poly/varnish more time to level out and let any air bubbles escape. But the trade-off is as Doug describes.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

What Douglas said:

Naptha dries a little quicker than mineral spirits.

However, when you dilute a varnish, some of the insoluble components, like flattening agents, may settle quicker than usual. This is particularly true for Satin and Matte finishes which may contain silica and clay derivatives.

You’ll want to stir from the bottom more often.

Hope this helps.

-- Randy, Rustic Artisan, a family tradition. (No PM's - auto-deleted.) - "I am a seeker, not a follower."

Betsy your question could not have come at a better time for me. I just purchased the earlex sprayer and have never sprayed before. I have nothing to add to your question but will follow this thread for info. Thanks for asking.

-- F.Little

opps – I let this one slip out of mind. Thanks for your replies guys. I seem to be favoring Naptha lately. Just seems to work better for me.

-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.