Q
  1. Home
  2. Ecolink News
  3. The Differences Between Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51

The Differences Between Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51

 

Lacquer #11 is comprised of Toluene, Methanol, and Acetone, while Lacquer #51’s components are Toluene, Acetone, Methanol, and 2-Butoxyethanol, and Lacquer #48 is made up of Toluene, acetone, MEK, and 2-Butoxyethanol.

These lacquer thinners share many qualities, but key distinctions show that they have differing effects and applications.

Lacquer thinner 48 and 51 both contain Glycol EB or 2-butoxyethanol, which is a good ingredient because it is also found in many lacquers.

This ingredient allows Lacquer thinners 48 and 51 to connect well with lacquer-based paints for easy thinning and removal.

All three lacquer thinners feature some type of methyl etyhl alcohol. Lacquer thinner 48 and Lacquer thinner 11 have methanol, and Lacquer thinner 51 has MEK.

This is because methanol or methyl ethyl alcohol is present in most hydrocarbons. These Lacquer thinners have low VOC content.

Common Applications

Lacquer thinners are a mixture of solvents that are typically used to dissolve plastic and resins in most modern lacquers.

Lacquer thinner is primarily used to thin lacquer-based paints. Its thinning quality makes lacquer thinner a strong cleaning agent to use when cleaning painting equipment–such as spray guns–after using lacquer based paint.

Lacquer thinner increases the flow of lacquer in lacquer-based paints. This quality allows lacquer thinner to effectively clean surfaces where lacquer-based paints were used.

Lacquer thinner is fast evaporating which enables it to dry fast and leave a streak-free finish.

A smooth and glossy finish cannot be achieved if lacquer thinner is added all at once, because it will start to run and drip.

Lacquer thinner can also be used to remove adhesive residue from many surfaces, and to remove ink from metal.

Lacquer thinner is not the same as paint thinner.

It is too caustic for oil paints, whereas paint thinner is comprised of mineral spirits that are typically used to thin oil-based paints.

Lacquer thinner is hotter than paint thinner, and if often a superior cleaner than mineral spirits.

Safety and Handling

Lacquer thinner is toxic and highly flammable. It is harmful if inhaled. Proper safety should always be practiced when using lacquer thinner or any toxic chemicals, especially for home use.

  • Lacquer thinner is harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
  • Lacquer thinner causes skin irritation.
  • May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Causes eye irritation.
  • Should be kept away from any heat sources.
  • Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, spray, or vapors.

Purchase Lacquer Thinner Online Here or call today for more information (800)563-1305.

 

lacwuer thinner infographic final version

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Categories

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Intern
Where to Purchase Isopar M for Sale Online: Ecolink’s Advantage
Dec 01 2025

Where to Purchase Isopar M for Sale Online: Ecolink’s Advantage

Where to Purchase Isopar M for Sale Online: Ecolink’s Advantage  When it comes to finding and sourcing industrial solvents such as Isopar M, you need a reliable and...
By Ecolink Team
What is Isopar M Used For? - Purchase Isopar M
Nov 26 2025

What is Isopar M and what is it used for? Applications & Advantages

Isopar M is a highly pure, odorless isoparaffinic solvent used in a range of industries.  Why?   Because of its low toxicity, clean evaporation, and consistency, it...
By Ecolink Team
What is Isopar L User For?
Nov 17 2025

What is Isopar L Used For?

Looking for insight into Isopar L? You’ve come to the right place.  In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at what Isopar L is, what it’s used for, and...
By Ecolink Team
Hydrofluoroether Solvent
Nov 03 2025

Hydrofluoroether Solvent Guide

With all the industrial solvents available on the market, it can be overwhelming to find one that works well and has a low toxicity.   Luckily, hydrofluoroether (HFE)...
By Ecolink Team
White Oil - Ecolink
Oct 27 2025

White Oil in Food Packaging Applications: What You Need to Know

White Oil in Food Packaging Applications: What You Need to Know  White oil is an extremely versatile oil with many benefits—especially for the food manufacturing...
By Ecolink Team
Ecolink helps The Watersmith Guild become a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner
Oct 17 2025

Ecolink Partners with The Watersmith Guild to Expand 1% for the Planet Impact

Ecolink Partners with The Watersmith Guild to Grow 1% for the Planet Impact TUCKER, GA — October 17th, 2025 — Ecolink Inc, a sustainable chemical solutions company and...
By Ecolink Team
Methyl Acetate vs Acetone
Oct 14 2025

Methyl Acetate vs Acetone: Which Solvent Is Right for You?

Photo by Sonika Agarwal on Unsplash Methyl Acetate vs Acetone: Which Solvent Is Right for You?  Wondering what the differences between acetone and methyl acetate are?  ...
By Ecolink Team
Acetone Alternatives
Oct 01 2025

What Are the Best Acetone Alternatives? A Complete Guide

What Are the Best Acetone Alternatives? A Complete Guide  Have you ever wondered if there are any good acetone alternatives?   Acetone is a powerful yet popular solvent...
By Ecolink Team
Ecolink & Care Camps Foundation
Sep 18 2025

Ecolink Launches “Caring Chemicals” to Support Pediatric Oncology Camps

(9/15/2025) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Ecolink Launches “Caring Chemicals” to Support Children with Cancer Through Care Camps Foundation   (TUCKER, GA) -...
By Ecolink Team
WHAT IS BLEACH CHEMICAL FORMULA
Sep 16 2025

Bleach Chemical Formula: How It Works and Why It Matters

What is the bleach chemical formula? When people think about what to use for heavy-duty cleaning jobs, bleach is often one of the first chemicals that comes to mind.  ...
View all News