Paint Thinner vs Mineral Spirits: What's the Difference?

Paint thinners and mineral spirits are both commonly used solvents for thinning paints, cleaning paint tools, and cleaning oily materials. They are ideal for a variety of uses. Though both have common applications, there are differences between the two. Mineral spirit is a chemical distillate, whereas paint thinner is a solvent used to reduce the viscosity of oil paints. Every mineral spirit is a paint thinner, but not all paint thinners are mineral spirits. This blog will take you through the differences between thinner and spirit.

What is Thinner?

Thinner, or paint thinner, is a solvent that is used to thin oil-based paint and clean brushes and other painting tools. Paint thinner is often confused with turpentine, acetone, and naphtha. However, turpentine is distilled from the resin of trees, acetone is an organic chemical, and naphtha is a hydrocarbon mixture. Paint thinner is a less refined form of mineral spirits. Thinner has the content of other kinds of solvents, which makes it vaporous and smelly.

What is Spirit?

Mineral spirit is also used to thin oil-based paint and clean paint brushes and rollers; however, spirits are a highly refined form of petroleum. Mineral spirits do not smell much as compared to other alternatives and are even found in odorless form.

Difference Between Thinner and Spirit

Odour

Thinners: Thinners are often foul-smelling, which in some cases causes death if inhaled too much. Thinners are made up of various types of solvents, which makes them more noxious.

Mineral Spirits: Mineral spirits, on the other hand, have comparatively low odor and are therefore easy to use.

Cost

Thinners: Paint thinners are relatively less costly than mineral spirits because they are not refined.

Mineral Spirits: Mineral spirits usually cost more than thinners because spirits are refined and clean. This extra process of refinement makes spirits less hazardous.

Effectiveness

Thinners: Thinners are comparatively impure and thus are less effective than mineral spirits in terms of solvent properties and cleaning abilities.

Mineral Spirits: Mineral spirits are purer and are comparatively more effective than the thinners and can clean up any paint tool quickly and efficiently.

Thinner vs Spirit: Which is Better for Paint?

When to Use Thinner

Compared with mineral spirit, paint thinner is a stronger, more aggressive solvent. Therefore, paint thinners can be used to clean dried paint brushes or for heavy degreasing.

When to Use Spirit

Mineral spirits can be used for interior work and enclosed spaces. It can also be used to thin paints and clean paint brushes. You might notice a slow evaporation rate and odor when used.

Can Spirits Be Used Instead of Thinner?

Yes, spirits can be used instead of thinners as they are often used interchangeably because they perform the same function. Spirits are just the refined, pure version of paint thinner. However, the finish and drying time may vary. Paint thinners evaporate quickly, so they dry the paint fast but don't give a clean finish. On the other hand, mineral spirits take a little more time to dry up but give a clean finish. Thus, it is preferred to follow recommendations from the paint manufacturer for better results.

Common Applications of Thinner vs Spirits

Here are some common applications of thinners and mineral spirits:

• They are used for thinning oil-based paints that are in soluble form.
• They are used for cleaning paint brushes that have wet paint on them.
• They help to eliminate wax residue from wood.
• They help to soak and clean oily parts of the car.
• They are used for degreasing oily tools and equipment.
• They also clean spray equipment.
• They help in removing sticky adhesives.
• They help remove heel and scuff marks from the floor.

Safety Tips While Using Thinner and Spirit

Safety Tips While Using Paint Thinner:

Paint thinner contains harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin or even cause burns if not handled carefully. Therefore, it is advised to follow these safety precautions while using paint thinners.

• Wear goggles and respirators.
• Handle paint thinners in open spaces; otherwise, it may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathing issues.
• Keep acidic substances away while working with paint thinner.
• Don’t keep flammable or combustible substances near the paint thinner.
• Do not keep paint thinner in an unlabelled container.
• Do not eat or smoke while working with paint thinner.

Safety Tips While Using Mineral Spirits:

• Use mineral spirits in a ventilated area.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves to avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Wash your hands after using mineral spirits.
• Do not breathe mineral spirits, as it may cause serious respiratory issues or even death.

Is Paint Thinner the Same as Mineral Spirit?

No, paint thinner is not the same as mineral spirit. Mineral spirit is a type of paint thinner. Mineral spirit specifically means refined petroleum distillate, whereas paint thinner is a broad term for any solvent that is used to thin the paint. Paint thinner is a harsher solvent as compared to other petroleum-based solvents. Paint thinner is a blend of solvents, mainly used to thin paint and clean paint tools. Mineral spirits are refined petroleum distillates, mainly used as a cleaning solvent.

Paint Thinner vs Turpentine vs Mineral Spirit

Here are some key differences between paint thinner, turpentine, and mineral spirits:

​Conclusion

Paint thinners and mineral spirits are a great choice for thinning oil-based paints, cleaning paint brushes and tools, etc. They have some similar purposes; however, they vary in their chemical composition and have some differences as well. Mineral spirits are more refined than thinners and are considered better for a clean finish. Whereas thinners are considered ideal for heavy degreasing as they are strong and aggressive. Despite their multiple use, both mineral spirits and thinners are hazardous in nature and need to be handled safely. Make sure to follow the safety precautions while handling them as discussed in this blog.