Skip to content

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirit 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference

Mineral Spirit

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirit 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference

White spirit (UK)[note 1] or mineral spirits (US, Canada), also known as mineral turpentine (AU/NZ), turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirits, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting.

[1] There are also terms for specific kinds of mineral spirits, including Stoddard solvent and solvent naphtha (petroleum). Mineral spirits are often used as a paint thinner, or as a component thereof, though paint thinner is a broader category of solvent. Odorless mineral spirits (OMS) have been refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds, and are recommended for applications such as oil painting.

A mixture of aliphatic, open-chain, or alicyclic C7 to C12 hydrocarbons, white spirit is insoluble in water and is used as an extraction solvent, as a cleaning solvent, as a degreasing solvent, and as a solvent in aerosols, paints, wood preservatives, lacquers, varnishes, and asphalt products.

Bestseller No. 1
KLEAN-STRIP GKSP94214 Odorless Mineral Spirits, 1-Gallon
  • Cleans up interior jobs
  • Thins oil-based paint
  • Thins stain and varnish
  • Cleans brushes
  • Cleans equipment and paint splatters
SaleBestseller No. 2
KLEAN-STRIP Green Odorless Mineral Spirits for CARB 1 gal
  • Klean-Strip Green Odorless Mineral Spirits for...
Bestseller No. 3
Rust-Oleum Automotive 253351 32-Ounce Low Voc Mineral Spirits Quart
  • The finest paint thinner available
  • Thins oil-based paints and stains
  • Premium performance
  • Lowest odor, no residue
  • Helps increase flow and reduce brush drag or pull
Bestseller No. 4
Klean Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits Cleans Brushes Rollers Spray Guns...
  • ✅ Odorless Lower Toxic: This is created through...
  • ✅ Clean and Restore: This inexpensive product...
  • ✅ Excellent Degreaser: Powerful degreaser and...
  • ✅ Cleanup Spill and Tag Residue: It quickly...
  • ✅ Chemical Resistant Glove: Centaurus AZ is keen...
Bestseller No. 5
Klean-Strip QKSP94005CA Odorless Mineral Spirits, 1 Quart
  • Cleans up interior jobs
  • Cleans up oil-based paint
  • Degreases without residue
  • Use to clean and degrease large surfaces before...
  • Low odor

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

White spirit or mineral spirits, also known as mineral turpentine, turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirits, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting. There are also terms for specific kinds of white spirit, including Stoddard solvent and solvent naphtha.

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirit 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference 2023

In western Europe, about 60% of the total white spirit consumption is used in paints, lacquers, and varnishes.[1] White spirit is the most widely used solvent in the paint industry. In households, white spirit is commonly used to clean paint brushes after use, to clean auto parts and tools, as a starter fluid for charcoal grills, to remove adhesive residue from non-porous surfaces, and many other common tasks.

The word “mineral” in “mineral spirits” or “mineral turpentine” is meant to distinguish it from distilled spirits (distilled directly from fermented grains and fruit) or from true turpentine (distilled tree resin).

  • How To’s & Quick Tips

How To Clean with Mineral Spirit and Why You Should

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

Photo: istockphoto.com

Commonly used as paint thinner, mineral spirits—an inexpensive petroleum distillate—is also a versatile cleaner. While you might not reach for it as often as a disinfectant spray, it’s highly effective at tackling some of the toughest home, yard, and garage messes. The trick is understanding what to use it on and how.

Get to know this top-notch cleaner here. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with all of mineral spirits’ uses, you’ll be sure to rely on it time and again, all around the house.

The Difference Between Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner, and Turpentine

Because all three solvents are used to thin paint, some folks think they’re the same thing and use the terms interchangeably—but the differences are worth noting.

While both paint thinner and mineral spirits are petroleum-based solvents, mineral spirits is the more refined of the two. This increases its effectiveness while reducing odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and overall toxicity (which, with prolonged exposure, can cause eye and throat burning, coughing, headache, dizziness, and confusion; skin contact can lead to burns or irritation).

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

Further refinement makes mineral spirits pricier than paint thinner. Mineral spirits typically cost around $12 per quart versus as little as $8 per quart of paint thinner. You’ll also find odor-free mineral spirits at about $15 per quart (view example on Amazon). This is the formula of choice for most do-it-yourselfers—it does have a slight smell, but nowhere near as strong as the regular variety. Plus, because the further refinement of odor-free mineral spirits removes most of the VOCs, it’s less toxic, a huge plus.

Make short work of some of your toughest cleaning jobs with little mineral spirits and the right technique.

Turpentine is distilled from the sap of pine trees, and is an effective solvent, but has largely been replaced by mineral spirits due to its strongly lung-irritating fumes and its powerful

Note that all of the above products are flammable and toxic to some degree, so should always be used with excellent ventilation, kept away from the skin and eyes (wear goggles and chemical-resistant gloves when handling) as well as any source of sparks or open flames, and disposed of properly (at a hazardous waste recycling center).

Using Mineral Spirit Around the House

You’ll want to have mineral spirits on hand if you’re about to tackle a painting project, but it’s also a great way to clean tools, remove sticky residue, and even get wood furniture or floors looking their best. Here are eight ways to put mineral spirits to use.

  • Clean paint brushes and other painting tools
    Remove oil-based paint from paint brushes and rollers as soon as your painting task is done, ideally before the paint fully dries. Fill a small container with mineral spirits, and then dip the painting tool up and down in the solvent. Encourage paint to release by lightly pressing the brush or roller against the sides or bottom of the container. If the paint has already dried, try a paintbrush comb to loosen it up. Continue dipping until the paint is gone, blot away excess solvent with a clean rag, and then let your brush air dry before storing it.

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirit 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference 2023

  • Thin paint
    Thin any oil-based paint to your desired consistency with mineral spirits (latex and water-based paint can separate when exposed to mineral spirits). If you’re painting a wall or other large surface, mix the paint and mineral spirits in your painting bucket or tray. For smaller jobs, such as touching up small scratches on furniture, mix paint and solvent on a painting palette, or in a small bowl. A rough rule of thumb is one part mineral spirits to every three parts of paint; increase the number of mineral spirits slightly if you aim for a slightly transparent finish.

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

  • Degrease automotive parts
    Auto buffs and cyclists who do their own repairs will appreciate how mineral spirits makes quick work of gunky, dirt-and-oil buildup on car engines, bicycle chains, and the like. For small parts, submerge the metal piece in a container of mineral spirits to loosen grease, and then use a scrub brush to remove any remaining grime. Clean larger parts that aren’t easily submerged with a mineral-spirits-soaked rag. Once the grease is gone, wipe away excess solvent with a clean, dry rag and continue onto the rest of the maintenance checklist, relubricating with fresh oil as necessary.

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirit 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference

  • Remove paint spills
    Oops! You spilled oil-based paint on the floor. Dampen a clean rag with mineral spirits, and then quickly wipe away the paint before it dries. If it’s already dry, apply elbow grease—the spot should clear with some scrubbing. You can safely use mineral spirits to remove paint from the hardest floor surface, including tile, linoleum, laminate, and wood without a wax finish, but before getting started, test a small, inconspicuous spot to be sure the solvent doesn’t damage the floor’s finish, and use the mineral spirits as sparingly as possible to get the job done.

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference 2023

  • Wipe away sticky price tags residue
    Your new dishes would be beautiful if it wasn’t for the annoying residue left behind by the price tags. Simply pour little mineral spirits onto a rag or paper towel and wipe the glue residue off the glass, porcelain, or glazed clay surface. Once it’s gone, wash the dish in warm, soapy water as usual.
  • Clean scuff marks off your floors
    Before banishing ugly black scuff marks on linoleum, wood, laminate, tile, and vinyl floors, patch test mineral spirits in a hidden spot to ensure it won’t harm the finish. If all’s well, dab at the scuffs with a mineral-spirits dampened paper towel or rag until the mark is gone, and then wipe away the solvent residue with a damp rag and a few drops of dish soap.

Klein Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits 1 Quart vs. Paint Thinner Difference 2023

  • Clean and restore wood furniture
    If unpainted wooden furniture looks dull and grimy, use mineral spirits to restore its good looks. Although considered safe on wood with a clear finish, including lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, and varnish, to be safe, always test an inconspicuous spot before applying mineral spirits to the entire surface. Then, dampen a clean rag with the solvent and buff away the grime, working in circular motions across the wood’s surface. Once all of the dirt and grime is gone, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the wood until the shine is restored, followed by a protective coating of wax, if desired.

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

  • Get garden tools shiny (and less sticky)
    Are your loppers or your garden saw gummed up with sap? Remove the sticky stuff by submerging the tool in a container of mineral spirits or, if the tool is too large, wiping it with a mineral spirits-soaked cloth. Once the sap is gone, use a dry cloth to remove solvent residue.

What are mineral spirits used for?

Mineral spirits are an inexpensive petroleum-based replacement for the vegetable-based turpentine. It is commonly used as a paint thinner for oil-based paint and cleaning brushes, and as an organic solvent in other applications.

Here are eight ways to put mineral spirits to use.

  • Clean paintbrushes and other painting tools. …
  • Thin paint. …
  • Degrease automotive parts. …
  • Remove paint spills. …
  • Wipe away sticky price tags residue. …
  • Clean scuff marks off your floors. …
  • Clean and restore wood furniture. …
  • Get garden tools shiny (and less sticky)

Mineral Spirit Substitutes

  • #1: Acetone. For many years, acetone has been a popular solvent that is often involved in cleaners.
  • #2: Denatured Alcohol. Denatured alcohol is also a type of solvent cleaner whose function is quite similar to mineral spirits.
  • #3: Turpentine.
  • #4: Oil, Soap, and Water.

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

Are mineral spirits dangerous?

Mineral Spirits can remove protective skin oils and increase the possibility of rash, or dermatitis. They are dangerous if ingested most importantly because they can aspire into the lungs. Inhalation of higher concentrations of Mineral Spirits can result in respiratory irritation or even pulmonary edema.

What are examples of mineral spirit?

Pure mineral spirits are 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.

Enjoy the Klein-Strip 1 qt. Odorless Mineral Spirits QKSP94005, white spirit mineral spirits have a very low odor and dry with minimal residue at The Home Mineral spirits are an inexpensive petroleum-based replacement for the vegetable-based turpentine. It is commonly used as a paint thinner for oil-based paint and cleaning brushes, and as an organic solvent in other applications.

Mineral spirits are an inexpensive petroleum-based replacement for the vegetable-based turpentine. It is commonly used as a paint thinner for oil-based paint and cleaning brushes, and as an organic solvent in other applications.

Odorless mineral spirits paint thinner expertly thins oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes · Ideal for dissolving grease, grime, and oil from most surfaces · Excellent Klean-Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits is a premium, highly refined solvent formula that effectively thins and blends well into oil-based paint, stain and varnish. It is

Best Sellers: The most popular items on Amazon

Searches related to mineral spirits

  • mineral spirits vs paint thinner
  • Best mineral spirits substitute
  • mineral spirits vs turpentine
  • mineral spirits price
  • what are mineral spirits used for
  • mineral spirits home depot
  • mineral spirits to remove paint

Home Depot Carpet Flooring, Texture Indoor Carpet 2023

Protect Plants American Bird Nettings and Fabric Heavy Duty 2023

What is an example of a mineral spirit?

Sometimes called white spirit, mineral turpentine, or Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits is a purified petroleum distillate made as a substitute for turpentine. Distilled from pine tree resins, turpentine was used for paint thinning and cleanup but had an unusually foul odor.

Why is it called mineral spirits?

The word “mineral” in “mineral spirits” or “mineral turpentine” is meant to distinguish it from distilled spirits (alcoholic beverages distilled from fermented biological material) or from genuine turpentine (distilled tree resin).

What is mineral spirits’ common name?

Mineral spirits (U.S.) or white spirits (U.K.), also known as mineral turpentine, turpentine substitute, petroleum spirits, solvent naphtha (petroleum), various, or, generically, “paint thinner,” is a petroleum-derived common organic solvent.

What is the formula for the mineral spirit?

A typical composition for mineral spirits is > 65% C10 or higher hydrocarbons,[6] aliphatic solvent hexane, and a maximum benzene content of 0.1% by volume, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of 145 °C (293 °F) to 174 °C (345 °F), and a density of 0.79 g/ml.

Track Lighting Fixtures Systems & Parts Types 2023

Post Hole Digger Digging Tools CountyLine 3-Point 2023

Guide to Mineral Spirits vs. Acetone

Mineral spirits vs. acetone

Whether you are stocking up your workshop, painting company, or garage, mineral spirits and acetone are both very handy. These common solvents are ideal for a large variety of uses. They play essential roles in painting, from surface preparation to thinning to clean up. Mineral spirits and acetone can also help clean up various messes that water and soap cannot handle.

There are essential differences between the two solvents, though. Acetone and mineral spirits should not be used interchangeably. Depending on the job, one might be preferable to the other — and in some contexts, one might cause serious problems.

In this article, you will learn:

  • Similarities between acetone and mineral spirits
  • Differences between acetone and mineral spirits
  • Typical uses, benefits, and disposal of mineral spirits
  • Common uses, benefits, and disposal of acetone

Are acetone and mineral spirits the same?

Briefly, no. Acetone and mineral spirits are different and should not be treated like they are.

Part of the confusion comes from both being used as thinners. Painters commonly use mineral spirits, for example, to thin the paint they put into sprayers. Acetone, on the other hand, is used to thin lacquer. 

When people get used to using one as a thinner, they sometimes start using the other for the same application and are disappointed when they do not get the same results.

Similarly, acetone and mineral spirits help clean various messes on tools, in the shop, and around your house. Even here, they are not identical, though. 

Both are excellent for cleaning up paint spills, for example. While acetone will aggressively strip paint from a wide variety of surfaces, mineral spirits are only effective at cleaning up fresh paint. It can clean brushes and other tools after you finish a project, but mineral spirits are mostly ineffective once the paint dries.

While the two solvents are similar to thinners and cleaners, they are different solvents and must be treated as solutions to different problems. To get the most out of each solvent and ensure you do not damage critical surfaces, tools, or household items, you should learn the differences between mineral spirits and acetone to use both properly.

The differences between the two

As noted above, mineral spirits and acetone thin different products. Mineral spirits thins oil-based paints, while acetone thins lacquers such as nail polish.

Additionally, mineral spirits are not water-soluble and present less of a fire hazard than acetone. Many people also find the smell of mineral spirits, especially odorless varieties, less offensive than the pungent smell of acetone. Acetone is water-soluble, but both its liquid and vapors are highly flammable.

Mineral spirits

Sometimes called white spirit, mineral turpentine, or Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits is a purified petroleum distillate made as a substitute for turpentine. Distilled from pine tree resins, turpentine was used for paint thinning and cleanup but had an unusually foul odor. 

Mineral spirits, conversely, have a relatively inoffensive scent reminiscent of kerosene and quickly became more popular than turpentine after its introduction.

Mineral spirit is an organic solvent used in a wide variety of applications. It is used as a paint thinner so often that it is sometimes sold under the generic name “paint thinner.” As the go-to solvent for cleaning paint brushes and other painting equipment, mineral spirits is a painter’s friend. 

It is also effective at removing greasy and sticky messes in various contexts.

There are two types of readily-available mineral spirits. In addition to the primary and very affordable mineral spirits, a variety is commonly known as odorless mineral spirits. It is a more purified version of mineral spirits that have had most of the aromatic hydrocarbons removed. 

Odorless mineral spirits and mineral spirits generally have the same properties and uses. Still, odorless mineral spirits are popular among artists who use oil paints as they tend to work near the solvent. Functionally, though, mineral spirits and odorless mineral spirits perform similarly.

Uses, benefits, and proper disposal of mineral spirits

Common uses

Minerals spirits are very versatile and have a surprising number of applications.

The most common use for mineral spirits is as an oil-based paint thinner. It effectively thins varnishes and paints and is very common for thinning paint in a sprayer. People who find its odor offensive can use an odorless variety of mineral spirits. It is a solvent commonly found in aerosols, varnishes, asphalt products, paints, and wood preservatives.

House painters are not the only ones who use mineral spirits, though. Artists with oil paint commonly make their art with stand oil and mineral spirits. Screen printing services use mineral spirits to clean the leftover ink from their screens so that they can reuse them for the next project.

Mineral spirits are also a multipurpose cleaner. It is highly effective at cleaning paint brushes and tools, provided you do not let the paint dry before cleaning. People also use mineral spirits to clean various messes that other cleaners struggle with, like the sticky residue from price tags and scuff marks on the floor. It can leave behind an oily residue, however.

Woodworkers of all kinds also have important uses for mineral spirits. When restoring wood furniture or flooring, you can use mineral spirits to clean the waxy, grimy buildup that tends to accumulate. As with most cleaning products, professionals recommend you test the mineral spirits on an inconspicuous corner to see how the solvent will react with the surface.

The type of mineral spirit called Stoddard solvent also played a significant role in the dry cleaning industry. From the late 1920s to the 1950s, Stoddard was the primary solvent used for dry cleaning. Since that time, the industry has developed fewer aromatic petroleum solvents and other alternatives that are now more common.

As a nonpolar solvent, mineral spirits are also quite effective at degreasing tools. For example, it is one of the primary uses of mineral spirits in the industry. Mineral spirits can quickly clean the greasy residue which accumulates on tools.

 Mineral spirits play a similar role in manufacturing, where the solvent `is used to clean various surfaces. Homeowners use mineral spirits to clean tools and auto parts, typically using a rag soaked in the solvent.

Benefits

Why do people choose mineral spirits over other available paint thinners and degreasers? One primary benefit of mineral spirits is their versatility. It is effective in a variety of situations, and homeowners and business owners alike find it helpful to keep around. Compared to other similar solvents, it is also relatively safe. While it is flammable, its low vapor pressure makes it less of a fire hazard. Mineral spirits are less intense than acetone, especially odorless mineral spirits. Finally, mineral spirits are pretty affordable, even in quantity.

Disposal

You need to dispose of mineral spirits carefully. Do not pour it down the drain, as it can contaminate groundwater. Contact your local solid waste department for information about a facility that can collect mineral spirits. Follow standard guidance for storing and disposing of any rags soaked in mineral spirits. As with other oily rags, there is the potential for spontaneous combustion, so store them in a metal container with a lid, disposing of the entire container at a local hazardous waste disposal center.

Mineral spirits can be recycled. Instead of throwing out mineral spirits after a single use, you can recycle them with little fuss. Let the used mineral spirits stand overnight in a container to allow any sludge and paint solids to settle to the bottom. Then, pour the mineral spirits into a clean container. Safely dispose of the remaining sludge as you would regular mineral spirits.

Acetone

Acetone is a solvent commonly used in beauty and plastics manufacturing. Also called propanone, acetone is a colorless liquid with a powerful odor. Suppose you have spent time in a household with people who paint their nails. In that case, you can immediately recognize the smell of acetone, as acetone is the primary ingredient in most nail polish removers.

Acetone is an organic solvent historically produced by fermentation until cheap chemical synthesis methods were introduced in the 1960s.

Acetone has a variety of uses in industry and the home because it is a highly effective paint stripper and an excellent solvent for plastics. It is used as a lacquer thinner, a component in some food additives, and a degreaser.

Homeowners will find that it can effectively clean various products, provided that they are careful about what they use it for — acetone will degrade, damage, or destroy plastic products like synthetic fibers.

Uses, benefits, and proper disposal of acetone

Common uses

Acetone is most famously used as a nail polish remover in the beauty industry. Some over-the-counter acne treatments use acetone, which removes oils from human skin. Its ability to quickly break down and soften nail polish shows why it is also valuable in other contexts. Broadly, acetone is an effective paint stripper, even after the paint has dried.

Acetone will strip and dissolve other things, as well. It can remove super glue, for example, but use caution depending on what the super glue is on — acetone can easily damage varnished wood.

Acetone can be helpful as a cleaning agent. It can clean stains from paint or varnish on clothing, provided it is made of natural fabrics. Similarly, it also removes permanent markers relatively easily. Once again, be careful about where you apply acetone as a cleaner. It can damage or dissolve many synthetic fibers and plastics.

Acetone is used in shops of all kinds as a lacquer thinner and degreaser. Tools and equipment for working with lacquer, polyester resins, and fiberglass are routinely cleaned with acetone. It is frequently used to prepare wood or metal surfaces for a fresh coat of paint or varnish, partly because it leaves no oily residue behind. Acetone can remove rosin flux after soldering, as well.

The pharmaceutical and textile industries are two of the largest consumers of acetone. As pharmaceutical companies prepare medications in pill or liquid form, acetone blends the active ingredients and fillers. Acetone helps ensure that medication is the proper strength. In the textile industry, acetone is used to clean silk and wool fibers of sticky elements like gums and oils.

Benefits

Why do people choose acetone for specific applications? In the proper contexts, it is hard to argue with the effectiveness of acetone. Despite its pungent odor, it can be done if you need to strip paint, thin lacquer, or degrease a surface. Acetone is also popular because the Environmental Protection Agency has yet to heavily regulate its use. Other degreasers are subject to much more regulation. Furthermore, acetone is one of the most readily-available solvents — water is one of the only more common solvents.

Disposal

As with mineral spirits, care should be taken with the disposal of acetone. Tiny quantities can be disposed of quickly, such as when disposing of acetone for removing nail polish. Throw it away in a lined metal garbage can and dispose with the rest of your trash. A fully-saturated rag or cotton ball should be squeezed into a sealed container before disposal. Liquid acetone should not be poured down the sink, as it can damage PVC pipe. Instead, please take it to your local hazardous waste treatment site.

Mineral Spirit

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API