Mineral spirits are solvents that are petroleum-based. They are made to use instead of turpentine for a variety of purposes, including thinning paint and cleaning brushes.
Mineral spirits are a solvent that is often preferred over other paint thinners because it is purer. Also, mineral spirits don’t have the strong odor that you will find with turpentine and other solvents and are less volatile.
Many artists prefer to use mineral spirits because less is required than when using other solvents. A little bit will go quite a long way.
There are many uses for mineral spirits. Artists use mineral spirits for many purposes, and this solvent is also used for maintaining tools and machinery in industrial shops.
You can use mineral spirits to thin oil-based paints. So, it only makes sense that mineral spirits are also great for cleaning oil paint from your paintbrushes.
Today we are going to find out what mineral spirits are, and how they are used. Let’s get started.
What Are Mineral Spirits?
In a nutshell, mineral spirits are highly refined paint thinners. Mineral spirits are also known as white spirits or Stoddard solvents.
A petroleum distillate cleaning solvent, mineral spirits are used by artists for thinning oil paints and cleaning art supplies. Mineral spirits can also be used to thin varnishes.
What Is the Difference Between Mineral Spirits and Paint Thinner?
The difference between mineral spirits and paint thinner can be confusing. Mineral spirits are a type of paint thinner, although they are not as refined in this form because they are mixed with other types of solvents.
When mineral spirits are mixed with other solvents, the scent is much stronger. This is not good for those of us who have scent allergies or respiratory issues.
Mineral spirits can be used as paint lacquer. They are a lot more effective, and you don’t need to use them nearly as much.
There is one advantage that paint thinner has over mineral spirits. Paint thinner is much less expensive when you are purchasing it in larger quantities.
We’ve all heard the term, “starving artist”. If you are on a tight budget, chances are you will end up choosing paint thinner over mineral spirits.
One thing to consider is that even though it costs more to buy mineral spirits, this is a product that is going to last a lot longer than other thinners. So, the initial layout is more, but you could end up saving money in the long run by buying mineral spirits instead of turpentine or other thinners.
On the other hand, many artists do choose to use mineral spirits because they are very effective and efficient, both as thinning solvents and as a cleaner. When you come right down to it, the choice often comes down to the preference of the individual artist.
While mineral spirits are of higher quality than other paint thinners, as I mentioned, they also cost more. You have to weigh the pros and the cons and decide for yourself which type of paint thinner you would prefer to use.
You can purchase mineral spirits at art supply stores, hardware stores, and even grocery stores.
What Are Mineral Spirits Used For?
Mineral spirits are used for many different tasks and are a standard item in many artists’ arsenals. Mineral spirits can be used for cleansing and polishing because it is a strong de-greasing agent.
Mineral spirits can get rid of oil and grease and can clean grime from your art supplies, particularly brushes, and items made of metal, such as a palette knife. You can even use mineral spirits to fix mistakes in your art.
Often used as a substitute for turpentine, mineral spirits are often used to improve the consistency of oil paints. They can be used to both thin out and thicken paints to change the texture.
You can do the same things with turpentine, but as I mentioned earlier, mineral spirits don’t smell nearly as terrible as turpentine. Mineral spirits are also less toxic, and less flammable.
Safety Precautions
One thing that you should keep in mind when using mineral spirits is that you will need to work in a well-ventilated area. While mineral spirits don’t smell as bad as turpentine and other paint thinners, there is still an odor that can lead to harmful side effects.
When working with mineral spirits, make sure that there is plenty of air circulation in the room. Open the windows and doors, and have fans turned on.
If you find that you are getting a headache while using mineral spirits, leave the room and get some fresh air. Never smoke when using mineral spirits, as they are flammable.
Store mineral spirits out of reach of children and pets. Make sure mineral spirits are always stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Never throw away rags that have been soaked in mineral spirits because they are flammable. Soak the rag in water before disposing of it.
When disposing of mineral spirits, take them to a hazardous waste facility. You can find out where to take them by contacting your local municipality.
How To Use Mineral Spirits
When using mineral spirits to clean art supplies, pour some onto a rag. Keep in mind that you don’t need to use a lot to get the job done.
Gently rub the cloth across the surface of the item that you are cleaning. Make sure that you are using smooth strokes so the item you are cleaning is completely covered with mineral spirits.
Do not scrub! The cloth will pick up the dirt as you rub it across the surface of your tools and brushes. You can also soak your brushes in mineral spirits if there is any dried paint on them.
When using mineral spirits to thin or thicken paint, most artists mix them with oil, such as linseed oil. Safflower oil can also be used, as well as a product called Liquin.
Conclusion
Before you begin using mineral spirits for any purpose, it is important to make sure that you are wearing protective gear. This includes rubber gloves to protect your skin and a face mask to protect you from the fumes.
As long as you are using all of the proper safety precautions, mineral spirits are quite effective for altering the consistency of your paint or for cleaning your brushes and other art supplies.
Sari Green is a semi-professional artist and professional writer. She has been hosting paint & sip parties for the past couple of years, and truly enjoys helping other people to create their very own masterpieces. She loves to create, and you never know what she’s going to come up with next!