Cutting Fluid Film

[JJZ 109]

I've got a gallon can of Fluid Film that I mostly use to paint the underside of 2 riding mower decks after pressure washing every fall. I had some FF in a pump sprayer and cut it with denatured alcohol, as that was the only thing I saw hanging around the garage at the time. It worked somewhat, but could have been much better. Should I have just watered the FF down more with the alcohol or is there a better cutting agent for sprayer use?

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Fluid film is petroleum based. Use a petroleum based thinner, if you have to cut it. Paint thinner, kerosene, mineral spirits, etc.

 

[JJZ 109]

Fluid film is petroleum based. Use a petroleum based thinner, if you have to cut it. Paint thinner, kerosene, mineral spirits, etc.

Thanks for the reply. I just visited their FAQ page (which would have been a smart thing to do in the beginning!). Here's what they have to say:

"The first recommendation is to thoroughly mix the product. FLUID FILM is thixotropic, and will get heavier upon sitting. Achieving room temperature with the product will help as well. If a thinner version is wanted, start by mixing a small amount of vegetable oil to the product until the desired consistency is reached. It is not recommended that FLUID FILM be used in a pump type sprayer even after thinning. Airless paint spraying equipment is what is recommended for proper application, applied at approximately 2000 PSI as a minimum."

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Well, there you go.

 

[bcp]

From:
FLUID FILM | Powerful Corrosion Protection & Lubrication

FLUID FILM® is Eureka’s own unique lanolin-based brand of corrosion preventive and lubricant, ....


Bruce

 

[JJZ 109]

For my current use, right out of the bucket with a paint brush works just fine for mower deck undersides. I was curious in case I ever decided to spray the underside of the truck.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Thixotropic. That's a new one for me. "Will Get Heavier Upon Sitting". I know a lot of folks like that!

 

[Big Barn]

Thixotropic. That's a new one for me. "Will Get Heavier Upon Sitting". I know a lot of folks like that!

 

[bcp]

Thixotropic, like ketchup.

Thixotropy - Wikipedia

Bruce

 

[atitus74]

Fluid film is petroleum based. Use a petroleum based thinner, if you have to cut it. Paint thinner, kerosene, mineral spirits, etc.

Nope. Fluid Film is made from lanolin. Which comes from sheep. Looks like the OP has already found the thinning instructions.

 

[JJZ 109]

Nope. Fluid Film is made from lanolin. Which comes from sheep. Looks like the OP has already found the thinning instructions.

True. But in fairness to Michael, FF's website also says "FLUID FILM® is formulated from specially processed wool-wax, highly refined petroleum oils and selected agents."

 

[LD1]

I sprayed the underside of my truck with a graco airless sprayer.

Took awhile to prime, but once primed it sprayed real nice

 

[newbury]

I sprayed the underside of my truck last year w/ a Fluid Film sprayer when it was about 80° F and was thinking of doing it again this year. But the darn temps went from the 90°'s to the 60°'s

 

[atitus74]

True. But in fairness to Michael, FF's website also says "FLUID FILM® is formulated from specially processed wool-wax, highly refined petroleum oils and selected agents."

Goal of the post wasn't to be unfair to him but there is still a significant problem inherent in his response. Lets revisit :

Fluid film is petroleum based. Use a petroleum based thinner, if you have to cut it. Paint thinner, kerosene, mineral spirits, etc.

He is recommending use of solvents to thin it, because its based on petroleum however you really don't want to do that. The basis of Fluid Film, and why many people choose it over other products, is that it does not contain any solvents.

 

[fatboycowen]

They make sprayers for fluid film, and other similar thick fluids. I have one. It was not expensive. No need to thin it at all.

 

[DK35vince]

They make sprayers for fluid film, and other similar thick fluids. I have one. It was not expensive. No need to thin it at all.

I have the Fluid Film sprayer and a undercoat sprayer.
Fluid Films sprayer works OK, but my car undercoat sprayer works great for oil or Fluid Film.