What is the difference between thinners and white spirit

All products labeled as mineral spirits should contain percent mineral spirits, unblended and with no additives. Pure mineral spirits is a paint thinner. Products labeled as paint thinner can refer to pure mineral spirits, blended mineral spirits, turpentine, acetone, naphtha, or any number of other products capable of thinning oil-based paint.

Most often, though, paint thinner means less refined mineral spirits with 5-percent or less benzene content added for better solvency and aroma. It is important to distinguish the class of blended and unblended mineral spirits from other classes of products capable of thinning paint. The former class, derived from petroleum, is clear, non-sticky, and relatively odor-free. The latter class can include products such as turpentine, derived entirely from pine tree oleoresins and with no petroleum content.

In fact, due to turpentine's foul odor and caustic nature, mineral spirits, often called white spirits, were developed as a safer, gentler solvent. Also, those blended and unblended mineral spirits differ vastly from solvents commonly advertised as paint strippers or paint removers. These solvents, meant to dissolve hardened paint , contain a host of chemicals such as alcohol, methanol, and xylene, to name only a few.

Both unblended mineral spirits and blended mineral spirits called paint thinners have an odor similar to camping lantern oil or kerosene.

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. Generally, both straight mineral spirits and mineral spirits-related paint thinner are low in odor in comparison to the foul, chemical-like smell of other classes of paint thinners. Pure mineral spirits and related paint thinner have no difference in terms of safety.

When inhaled, benzene can cause drowsiness and even can render one unconscious. Long-term exposure in high quantities may adversely affect your health. For that reason, always make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area when using mineral spirits with added benzene. Mineral spirits usually costs more than blended paint thinners. A roller is essential for any flat surfaces. It cuts down on time and makes your paint go further because it applies the paint evenly. Spraying your roller with a light coating of water reduces the chance of it shedding fluff and increases paint absorption.

Tips for plain doors: If you are going to paint a plain, flat door, use a foam roller to roll on the paint and use an angled brush to paint the sides. You want to make sure you leave no roller lap marks. To remove any lap marks, roll a lightly-loaded roller over the wet coat of paint to smooth.

Before you do anything else, you actually want to wet the paint roller cover with water. Start by adding one part water to two parts paint, and test the wash on a wooden swatch before working directly on your surface. If you want to see more wood grain, continue to add water. Pour the solvent into a container and dip the paint brush into the solvent.

Work thinner through the brush bristles, dipping up and down in container several times. Already have an account?

Sign in here. White spirit vs. Share More sharing options Followers 2. Recommended Posts. Bertiee Posted August 16, Posted August 16, Hello, Could anyone tell me if there's any particular difference when brush painting between using a branded thinner eg.

Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options Panzer Vor!!! Posted August 17, I use White spirit form wherever usually the cheapest and never had any problems BM Stores at the moment Never bought branded Humbrol. Jamie Sovereign Hobbies Posted August 17, Bullbasket Posted August 17, Ade H Posted August 17, Posted August 17, edited.

You and me both! Posted August 19, Tamiya thinner with Tamiya enamel and Colourcoats but not putting it back in the tin ; I have also used lighter fluid to good effect. Bertiee Posted August 19, Jamie Sovereign Hobbies Posted August 19, Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment Create an account Sign up for a new account in our community.

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