the difference

[feb]

Hi guys this may sound stupid but what is the difference between, turp, mineral spirits, and paint thinner, they all seem like the same thing. feb

[AlArchie]

Turpentine is a distilate of pine oils. Mineral spirits are a petroleum based distilate, and paint thinner is just another type of petro distilate.

There are differrnt grades of each and some have been "de-stinkified" but are basically the same stuff.

Al

Al

[feb]

Thanks AL FEB

[Eddy-Smiles]

Feb... Could be a big difference depending on what finishing products you are using with them. Make sure that you do a test before mixing it with any other paint or finish medium.

[AlArchie]

Eddy's right about checkng for compatability with your paint or other finish. Easiest way is to check on the can or tube....they will usually say which thinning medium to use.

Generally speaking, enamels (petro based) can be thinned with either mineral spirits, paint thinner or turpentine. Drying time may be affected.

Varnishes will be a mite more specific about what to use. Some recommend mineral spirits and some prefer you use turpentine....I believe most modern ones will opt for mineral spirits or paint thinner...check the can.

Lacquers will need lacquer thinner. Shellac will need denatured alcohol...not the stuff from the pharmacy.

Some of the two part finishes like epoxy paint and varnish will need either xylol or toluene.

If you are interested in the actual physical differences in paint thinner, mineral spirits and turps, they will usaully fall into varying volatility or evaporative qualities, and to some small degree, the viscosity. You can actually see the difference if you put a drop of each from an eye dropper onto a piece of glass and watch which evaporates the quickest.

Al

[bbeery]

Damn Al, that was some disertation! I never knew the difference either so I learned something. Thanks for asking FEB.