Paint Thinner / Mineral spirits

[kardar2]

Hello ,

I hope this question don't make me look stupid But what is the characteristics difference between Paint thinner and Mineral spirits? Thanks

[Travis]

According to Wikipedia, Paint Thinner is a generic term. It commonly refers to mineral spirits, but there are other paint thinners too (including turpentine and acetone). Mineral spirits is derived from petroleum and is a mild solvent for oils. So it is used to thin oil paints or remove oils/grease.

[kardar2]

According to Wikipedia, Paint Thinner is a generic term. It commonly refers to mineral spirits, but there are other paint thinners too (including turpentine and acetone). Mineral spirits is derived from petroleum and is a mild solvent for oils. So it is used to thin oil paints or remove oils/grease.

 

Thanks! I was wondering for using it on my brushes and on my wood (taking off the glue gum)

[Barry5180]

Mineral spirits work great for that task Kardar. You can even by odorless which is great if you have a small shop. Just put it in a small spray bottle and have at it.

 

Barry

[ugsduck]

I have a slightly different view on this.

 

Minerals spirits: (white spirit, turps etc) used for cleaning brushes, unwanted paint/grease off things etc

 

Paint thinners: Made for specific paints to thin them in order to get the best out of them. e.g. Tamiya Acrylic Paint Thinner - to thin their acrylics to a suitable consistency for an airbrush.

[Travis]

It should be noted that Mineral Spirits and another petroleum derived paint thinners are only used to thin only oil based paints. Specialty acrylic paint thinners are available too. These often thin the paints without losing the vibrancy of the paint.

[britetomro]

I have had great success using Lacquer Thinner for removing the paper pattern after my cuttings. I do not spray it onto the whole project. I usually will blot the end of a towel and dab it onto the paper one section at a time. As the paper gets wet, it lifts easily off the wood. I choose not to spray a liberal amount because in most cases I will use a propane torch to burn the fuzzies on the back of the cutting and I do not like to mix fire with a flammable liquid on the wood.

[kardar2]

I have had great success using Lacquer Thinner for removing the paper pattern after my cuttings. I do not spray it onto the whole project. I usually will blot the end of a towel and dab it onto the paper one section at a time. As the paper gets wet, it lifts easily off the wood. I choose not to spray a liberal amount because in most cases I will use a propane torch to burn the fuzzies on the back of the cutting and I do not like to mix fire with a flammable liquid on the wood.

I just make sure it is dry and use our cooking stove (natural gas)

[ugsduck]

I have had great success using Lacquer Thinner for removing the paper pattern after my cuttings. I do not spray it onto the whole project. I usually will blot the end of a towel and dab it onto the paper one section at a time. As the paper gets wet, it lifts easily off the wood. I choose not to spray a liberal amount because in most cases I will use a propane torch to burn the fuzzies on the back of the cutting and I do not like to mix fire with a flammable liquid on the wood.

I just make sure it is dry and use our cooking stove (natural gas)

 

I use a small gas pencil torch meant for soldering and direct the flame downwards but not upwards or horizontally. That way the wood never gets singed