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Paint Solvents
Paint solvents are used as cleaners, strippers, and thinners for oil. Fumes from paint
solvents are both toxic and flammable, so
use them with the appropriate caution, especially
if working indoors.
The three most common solvents
for use with
paints and stains are:
- turpentine - made from living pine trees,
turpentine is good for thinning most oil
based paints, varnishes, stains, and polyurethanes;
because it leaves a slight gum residue, turpentine
is also good for cleaning brushes and rollers.
- mineral spirits - a low odor solvent that
is good for thinning most oil based paints,
varnishes, stains, and polyurethanes; a mild
solvent that can be used to clean painting
tools while coating is still wet
- paint thinner - a general purpose solvent
that can be used for thinning or cleaning;
not recommended for softening dried paint.
To reduce the amount of solvent
you use,
try these suggestions:
- always keep solvents tightly capped to prevent
evaporation
- use teflon coated metal paint cups to make
clean-up easier
- reuse solvent for general cleaning of painting tools; if purity is required (such as with nozzles)
do a final rinse with fresh solvent
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