Acetone in the UK?

toff · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 04:50

I'm really starting to enjoy messing about with repaints, and want to try some of the techniques shown on the forums. One involves stripping the paint with Acetone. What is it, and where do I buy it?
B&Q were, quite frankly, useless. Help!!

Johkaz · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 05:33

Hi,

Acetone is quite a strong chemical, smells bad and it must not be used in a closed room.
Also no smoking when using it, and don't keep your fingers in it too long either.
The acetone i got came from a local hairdressing supplies shop.

Gary

royzee · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 05:53

try the captiol chain
they are nationwide

toff · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 06:01

Ahh! Thank you! Nail varnish remover! No wonder I got blank looks at B&Q!

pieter schlegel · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 06:11

Acetone can be had from your local chemist. However you can also use Cellulose thinners easily picked up at B&Q. You'll need an old toothbrush and a pair of marigolds. Decant Cellusoe thinner to a small, sealable jar, (glass or tin NOT plastic) dip in the toothbrush and start scrubbing paying extra attention to eyes and ears it's amazing the detail that is revealed when you've scrubbed off the excess paint job.

PS I've also heard of some folks using Nitromors!

Lieutenant Dan · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 15:13

I also use cellulose thinners to strip paint from sculpts, using the same method as Pieter. Halfords are another store that sell it.

madmalmedli · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 17:07

Hi, try a plumbing supplies store, i can't remember what plumbers use it for, cleaning fluid i think, but thats where i got my last tin from, from some plumber that i worked with on a building site.

1911williams · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 17:44

It's available from anywhere which sells fibreglass resin too. Most specialty paint supply shops would have it, especially those specialising in maritime paint and such.

Tony Barton · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 02:00

And remember that it evaporates VERY fast : don't leave the bottle open. You'll lose it , and fill the room with fumes !

bluepantfan · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:14

I get it from Tescos pharmacy dept, although they will only sell a couple of small bottles at a time becuase of solvent abuse issues or something

1911williams · #11 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:49

... And the fact terrorists mix it with certain other things to make explosives. This is the stuff the 7/7/05 bastards used. TATP.

unklian · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 16:30

You could also try the acetone free nail varnish remover sold in chemists. I have used this to remove tampo printed eyes. It is probably kinder to the plastic too. I would not recommend Nitromors paint strippier for plastic at all, it can very quickly destroy some types. There is a product available from model railway shops called Modelstrip which is I believe suitable for use on plastics. I have also used a product called Chameleon paint stripper which comes from the States, it is good but quite difficult to find in the UK. I would also reitterate that acetone and cellulose thinners are highly volatile, should be used in a well ventilated area and away from any sources of ignition. So have fun !!!

NikToo · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 13:39

I used Sainsbury's Nail Polish Remover. It worked with a lot of scrubbing, but my paint booth now smells like a Turkish parlour and the head has a whiff of it too.

toff · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 17:04

Thanks for all the replies! I'm of to Tescos in the morning, and away with the fairies tomorrow night (from the sound of it!).
Cheers!