Mineral Spirits Vs Paint Thinner

Mineral Spirits Vs Paint Thinner

To compare mineral spirits vs paint thinner, we must first understand what each one is. If you are interested in discovering the difference, please read on to find out. If you are shopping for mineral spirits, you can purchase online here.

What Are Mineral Spirits?

Mineral Spirits are a completely colorless liquid that consists of petroleum distillates. Mineral spirits are the main ingredient in panting and polish products used to inhibit corrosion on coated metal surfaces. These solvents in particular can be also used in maintaining tools and industrial machinery and can thin oil-based substances. While the main use of Mineral spirits are for paint thinning uses, there are many more applications such as:

  • Cleaning paint brushes
  • Degreasing car parts
  • Cleaning sticky residue
  • Restore and clean wood

What is Paint Thinner?

In simplest terms, paint thinner is a less refined solvent than mineral spirits that are used to thin oil-based paints or clean up, and they dissolve paint and reduce its viscosity.  Paint thinner is a general term for any product used as a paint thinner.

Mineral Spirits Vs Paint Thinners

Mineral spirits and paint thinners are similar, but still contain many differences as well. Some of the main similarities and differences are:

  • Mineral spirits are more effective and versatile
  • Mineral spirits are less toxic and potent smelling
  • Paint thinner is cheaper
  • Paint thinner usually means less refined mineral spirits

Both paint thinner and mineral spirits are considered hazardous, as there are no differences in terms of safety. Neither product can be used to clean latex paint. To determine which product is best for you, or for more information about our products, the chemists at BulkChemicals2Go can help. Contact us at (800) 563-1305 or contact us here!