Part of the confusion comes from the fact that You have to take care not to breathe in something over the top, as it can cause numerous destructive reactions, including passing. Mineral spirits plays a similar role in manufacturing, where the solvent is used to clean a variety of surfaces. not considered a carcinogen. Two of these solvents are known as paint thinners and mineral spirits. Acetone is better for general cleaning or degreasing because of its power as a solvent. Here are some of the key differences between the two: 1. It is highly effective at cleaning paint brushes and painting tools, provided that you take care not to let the paint dry before cleaning. Mineral spirits are usually (but not always) safe for floors, so start with that. The vapors are … So stick with me here, and let’s get this over and done with. The best way to find out would be to ask at a local paint store, but I suggest paint thinner, turpentine, mineral spirits would all refer to the same or slightly different solvents in a group that would all work. With a lower vapor pressure than acetone, mineral spirits is less of a fire hazard. House painters are not the only ones who use mineral spirits, though. While similar, these solvents aren't synonymous. Throw it away in a lined metal garbage can and dispose with the rest of your trash. If that does not work, then try denatured alcohol. 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. It is also used for thinning both interior and exterior oil-based varnishes, oil-based paint and can be used in wiping wood stains. Mineral spirits and paint thinner are the same thing.Solvent for varnish and oil-based paints. Other than the price, the differences between the two solvents are subtle: Both are petroleum products. It is a solvent commonly found in aerosols, varnishes, asphalt products, paints, and wood preservatives. From my personal experience the mineral spirits were not much of a help in breaking down the carbon. Varsol) and Methyl Hydrate are some solvents. Naphtha is another solvent that is a good step between mineral spirits and the more aggressive acetone. Follow standard guidance for storing and disposing of any rags soaked in mineral spirits. Mineral spirits are typically benzene (a different alcohol compound) Benzene is not an "alcohol compound". Before producing and distributing any product, it is your sole responsibility to adequately test and document the performance of the product and acquire any required intellectual property rights. It’s the residue from mineral spirits that makes washing so time-consuming, because of the number of washings necessary to remove it. 0 0. The list of painting products is endless. Those old often dented cans had labels like mineral spirits, acetone, polyurethane, lacquer thinner, spar urethane, latex, and oil-based. We will contact you as soon as possible. Brenntag is a leading provider of chemicals and ingredient solutions with a broad product portfolio and warehouses throughout the United States and Canada. Even here, they are not identical, though. Mineral spirits is better for thinning oils, varnishes (including polyurethane varnish) and oil-based paints because it leaves more time for the coating to level after brushing. 5 years ago. The best thing to do is just have cheap brushes that you only use for the contact cement. relatively low acute toxicity whether it is breathed in, ingested, or splashed on the skin, but it is an irritant that can cause Users will want to be mindful of the safety hazards associated with acetone, but assuming they can navigate that consideration they will be in good shape. Because of this, people usually save it for bigger jobs. It is used as a paint thinner so often that it is sometimes sold under the generic name "paint thinner." Mineral spirits or paint lacquer thinner … which is better? There are two types of readily-available mineral spirits. It is also effective at removing greasy and sticky messes in a variety of contexts. I am rolling and tipping my 13' whaler this week, should I thin the rustoleum with mineral spirits or acetone. While you may seem to confuse these two solvents as a result of having the same functionality, they are actually different. Source: bobvila.com. Acetone has a variety of uses in industry and in the home because it is a highly effective paint stripper and an excellent solvent of plastics. On projects where a water-based product will be used, we recommend cleaning with Acetone which evaporates quickly and removes any residue. Minerals spirits is very versatile and has a surprising number of applications. Mineral spirits is a clear liquid with low viscosity. In general, these terms are used interchangeably. Solvent Recommendation: Murphy’s oil and soap (use with a light grade steel wool.) Odor Factor. Ultimately, this will be a good product for anyone that needs to keep a powerful solvent on hand. If you have spent time in a household with people who paint their nails, then you can probably recognize the smell of acetone almost immediately, as acetone is the primary ingredient in most nail polish removers. Methylated spirits is ethanol (ethyl alcohol) which has been denatured with methyl alcohol and often also with pyridine to make it toxic and unpleasant to drink. Bayside Boy. Its ability to quickly break down and soften nail polish shows why it is valuable in other contexts, as well. However, the oil component does have its drawbacks. I have never used acetone but I have had experience with mineral spirits. Depending on the job, one might be preferable to the other — and in some contexts, one might cause some serious problems. I’ve been there, and I know exactly what you are looking for. Safely dispose of the remaining sludge as you would regular mineral spirits. And because acetone is miscible with mineral spirits, it’s useful for speeding the cleaning of varnish, oil-stain and oil-glaze brushes after the mineral-spirits rinse, but before washing in soap and water. Source(s): www.medfordpainting-or.com. This document is for informational purposes only. For one thing, prolonged acetone exposure to the skin can be harmful. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. Acetone is volatile and is highly flammable in both liquid and vapor form. People who find its odor offensive can use an odorless variety of mineral spirits. Acetone can remove rosin flux after soldering, as well. One primary benefit of mineral spirits is its versatility. However, the acetone is the simplest ketone, and it occurs as a colourless liquid having a high purity. The above things came off of various web sites and were just copied and pasted. Mineral spirits is usually used for thinning oil based paints or cleaning it up. You assume all risks for failing to do so and Brenntag shall not be liable (regardless of fault) to you, your employees, customers or end users or any third party for direct, special or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the furnishing or use of this information. Both mineral spirits and lacquer thinner are highly flammable, and you should use neither solvent near open flame or a source of high heat. Mineral Spirits Versus Acetone December 25, 2020 - 3:10 am Ecolink A USA Chemical Supplier December 24, 2020 - 4:34 am Video Jet Printers December 24, 2020 - 2:32 am As noted above, mineral spirits and acetone are used to thin different products. removes permanent marker rather easily. ; Both products are derived from minerals. The goal is to help you pick the right option for your project. As evidenced above, there are lots of ways you can use acetone. Southern California 4578 Brazil Street Los Angeles, CA 90039 323.245.2345 818.242.8486 Fax 818.242.7804 These common solvents are ideal for a large variety of uses. Its vapors are heavier than air and can collect in confined areas. As noted above, mineral spirits and acetone are used to thin different products. Mineral spirits, on the other hand, has a relatively inoffensive scent reminiscent of kerosene and quickly became more popular than turpentine after its introduction. Another affordable substitute is rubber cement. soluble in water. Odor Factor. Whether you’re doing a deep clean or a paint project, chances are pretty decent that you will reach for one or both of these handy resources at some point. Odorless varieties are also available. While not quite as flammable as acetone, mineral spirits is definitely flammable. can be recycled. Broadly, acetone is an effective paint stripper, even after the paint has dried. Acetone is not an alcohol compound, it is a ketone. Mineral Spirits Versus Acetone December 25, 2020 - 3:10 am Ecolink A USA Chemical Supplier December 24, 2020 - 4:34 am Video Jet Printers December 24, 2020 - 2:32 am Whether you are stocking up your workshop, painting company, or garage, mineral spirits and acetone are both very handy to have around. These things said, there are some cons associated with acetone that are very serious. IIRC, mineral spirits is the same thing we could buy at most any gas station 30 or so years ago as Varsol, for maybe 40cents/gal. Paint thinner and mineral spirits are byproducts of petroleum refining, sometimes referred to as petroleum distillates. Paint Thinner vs. It still appears strong enough to thin all common oils, varnishes and oil paints. As noted above, mineral spirits and acetone are used to thin different products. 5083 Pottsville Pike nonpolar solvent, mineral spirits is insoluble in water. Mineral Spirits vs Acetone: Which one is right for you? White spirit (UK) 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. Brenntag makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein or as to fitness of any product for any particular purpose. On the other hand, the methylated spirits refer to ethanol containing methanol, which is poisonous to drink. You may also want to note that this is a very economical solvent. Additionally, mineral spirits is not water-soluble and presents less of a fire hazard than acetone. From the late 1920s to the 1950s, Stoddard solvent was the primary solvent used for dry cleaning. Mineral Spirits, Acetone, Paint Thinners (i.e. Similarly, it also Basically, both acetone and methylated spirits are organic compounds. To get the most out of each solvent, and to make sure that you do not damage important surfaces, tools, or household items, you should learn the differences between mineral spirits and acetone so you use both properly. It can clean brushes and other tools after you finish a project, but once the paint dries, mineral spirits is mostly ineffective. Acetone is harmful stuff. Update Privacy Preferences Those old often dented cans had labels like mineral spirits, acetone, polyurethane, lacquer thinner, spar urethane, latex, and oil-based. On the other hand, mineral spirits are not so good for general cleaning because they do leave behind a residue. But I’ve never found this to be a problem. My name is Adam and I write for HealthyHandyman. Acetone can be quite useful as a cleaning agent. And why not? The Smell. 1 0. The type of mineral spirits called Stoddard solvent also played a large role in the Similarities between Acetone and Paint Thinner. All rights reserved. Removes the mineral spirits are two of these solvents are effective at removing and. Serious problems has dried be dangerous when inhaled, hence not be as... As paint thinners such as nail polish has dried created solvents for not only thinning of but... 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