Yet some professional painters and do-it-yourselfers still preferoil-based paintfor its ability to self-level and remain streak-free.
Plus, many stains and varnishes are still oil-based, as well.
Water cannot be used as a solvent for any of these products.
The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen
Is there any difference between mineral spirits and paint thinner?
If so, which of the two should you purchase when painting, staining, or cleaning?
What Mineral Spirits Is
Mineral spirits is made of 100-percent petroleum distillates and has no additives.
The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen
Mineral spirits is a clean, clear product that’s used for thinning oil-based paint.
When thinning paint with pure mineral spirits, start with 4 ounces of mineral spirits per gallon of paint.
Add only to oil-based paint and never to water-based paint.
The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen
Sometimes, paint thinner is mineral spirits with no additives, as well.
Some paint thinners even advertise “made with mineral spirits” on the can.
It’s important to remember that paint thinner describes the function of the product, not necessarily its makeup.
The Spruce / Yurle Villegas
So, paint thinner can essentially be anything that thins paint.
Even citrus-based products or turpentine, which is derived from pine trees, could be called paint thinners.
Since water thins out water-based latex paints, water, too, can even be called paint thinner.
Four ounces of paint thinner per gallon of oil-based paint is usually the recommended starting point.
More can be added.
Mineral Spirits vs. All products labeled as mineral spirits should contain 100-percent mineral spirits, unblended and with no additives.
Pure mineral spirits is one jot down of paint thinner.
The former class, derived from petroleum, is clear, non-sticky, and relatively odor-free.
Also, those blended and unblended mineral spirits differ vastly from solvents commonly advertised aspaint strippersor paint removers.
Due to the added benzene, paint thinner will have more of an odor than will pure mineral spirits.
The smell is typically sweet and most users do not find it objectionable.
Due to the difference in odor, pure mineral spirits tends to be better for interior use.
Safety
Pure mineral spirits and related paint thinner have no difference in terms of safety.
Both products are equally toxic.
TheUnited States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) labels both products as hazardous waste.
When inhaled, benzene can cause drowsiness and even can render a person unconscious.
Long-term exposure in high quantities may adversely affect your health.
Cost Difference
Mineral spirits usually costs more than blended paint thinners.
Generally, pure mineral spirits will cost about 40- to 50-percent more than mineral spirits-based paint thinners with additives.
For most residential users, mineral spirits and paint thinner can be used interchangeably.
Both mineral spirits and paint thinners that are blended mineral spirits perform largely the same functions.
Pure mineral spirits is considerably more expensive than paint thinner.
For large, commercial projects, the 40- to 50-percent price difference might be noticeable.
Because pure mineral spirits has a lower odor, it is best for indoor use.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Material Safety Data Sheet: Paint Thinner.
West Liberty University Health and Safety.
