What is a Paint Thinner?
Paint thinners are solvents used to remove and thin oil-based paints. They are manufactured from mineral spirits or with extra ingredients and are obtained by distilling petroleum, making them less refined than mineral spirits. They also use less expensive ingredients during the manufacturing process.
Unfortunately, paint thinner has a strong odor and must be used with a respirator mask. Despite being less expensive than mineral spirits, the strong smell can make it less appealing, particularly for projects where exterior painting costs are a concern.
What are Mineral Spirits?
Mineral spirits are organic solvents used for cleaning equipment and diluting paints, making them a go-to choice for local painters. Otherwise known as Stoddard solvent or white spirit, they are also employed as a cleaning agent. They are produced by the petroleum distillation process and are far more refined than paint thinner. The refinement process removes VOCs and sulfur, which reduces the odor. As a result, mineral spirits are ideal for usage indoors or in limited spaces.
Mineral spirits evaporate at a slower rate. This product will thin any paint, resulting in a smoother and more level coat when dried. With all of these benefits comes a higher cost. But remember, you only need a small amount, therefore the price is irrelevant.
Mineral Spirits vs Paint Thinner – Key Differences
Paint thinner refers to solvents used to thin paint. Alternatively, removing paint from brushes. Acetone, turpentine, toluène, and mineral spirits are some examples of paint thinners. Paint thinner refers to all of the solvents listed above, not just mineral spirits. Mineral spirits are different from most of the other paint thinners in terms of toxicity. Mineral spirits may be less harmful and also easier to deal with.
Both chemicals are the products of petroleum distillation. You can even use them for the same purposes. However, mineral spirits are heavily refined, contain fewer VOCs, and have pungent odors. They also retain the oiliness of petroleum, which gives them a lubricating character.
Here are some of the key differences between the two similar chemicals.
Toxicity : Toxicity is one of the primary distinctions between the two solvents. Mineral spirits are far more refined than paint thinners. However, paint thinners retain the majority of their hazardous components, such as benzene and toluene. They are also dangerous near dogs and children due to their toxicity.
Effectiveness : Another significant difference is the efficacy of the two drugs. Mineral spirits can be used to clean surfaces just like solvents. This is owing to the refinement process, which removes harmful VOCs and sulfur. Many skilled painters and artists choose mineral spirits to clean their painting tools. Mineral spirits function better than paint thinners for thinning oil-based paints. This is owing to the evaporator’s poor speed. Mineral spirits-thinned paints produce a smoother surface than paint thinners. This is because the latter evaporates at a faster pace.
Odor : Mineral spirits and paint thinners have a kerosene-like smell. This is attributed to the presence of volatile organic molecules. The lower the VOC, the less annoying they are.
Paint thinners are highly poisonous, and the fumes are dangerous. As a result, anyone working with them should avoid inhaling excessive amounts of it. In contrast to paint thinner, mineral spirits have a very low odor.
For a safer operation, keep these solvents at room temperature in well-ventilated rooms. This way, you can avoid the potential negative effects of hazardous fumes.
Price : Mineral spirits cost about half as much as paint thinner. For instance, a gallon of mineral spirits costs $10, while odorless mineral spirits are $15 more expensive. In contrast, paint thinners are only $8 a gallon.
The majority of the toxicity is removed from mineral spirits by distillation, which explains the cost increase. In comparison to paint thinners, the method of obtaining mineral spirits is more demanding.
The less demanding procedure of producing paint thinners yields an unrefined solvent at a far lower cost. However, the expense should not be a significant concern for you, especially when considering interior painting costs.
Thinning paint or washing brushes should cost more than a few ounces. Unless you are buying in quantity, the cost difference may not be significant. However, if the quality of air is a priority, mineral spirits are the one for you.
Which is better Mineral spirits or Paint thinners
Mineral spirits are less volatile than paint thinners, thus they evaporate slower. This slower evaporation rate makes it ideal for soaking painting implements such as rollers and brushes, and it produces a smoother, more even finish than other paint thinners.
Conclusion
In summary, while both mineral spirits and paint thinners have their applications, mineral spirits are preferred due to their reduced toxicity and gentler odor. They may be more expensive, but they produce superior results when thinning paint and cleaning instruments. If you value safety and a pleasant work environment, mineral spirits are the way to go.