Mineral Spirits vs Paint Thinner
Updated: Nov. 14, 2019Mineral spirits and paint thinner both work well, but thinner is cheaper
Paint thinner and mineral spirits both work well for cleaning oil-based paint, but there are subtle differences, including odor and cost. This brief run-down will help you decide what's best for you.
The best paint solvent for cleaning oil-based paint
Mineral spirits or paint lacquer thinner … which is better?
For cleaning brushes, paint thinner is best since it’s half the cost of mineral spirits and basically works the same. Other than the price, the differences between the two solvents are subtle:
- Both are petroleum products.
- Both can be used to thin oil-based paints and varnishes and to clean paintbrushes.
- Paint thinner is mineral spirits, but in a less refined form. It contains other types of solvents, which makes it a lot smellier and more volatile.
- Mineral spirits is not as stinky. Because it’s more refined, it’s slightly more effective in smaller quantities than paint lacquer thinner.
No matter which solvent you choose, use it in a well-ventilated space and observe proper safety precautions.
Originally Published: November 14, 2019
