And why not? In reality, a well-stocked cleaning supplies cabinet might feature both products. However, just because they are similar does not mean they are interchangeable. SEE ALSO: 4 Mineral Spirit Substitutes You Can Make at Home. Mineral spirits can quickly clean the greasy residue which accumulates on tools. Whether you are stocking up your workshop, painting company, or garage, mineral spirits and acetone are both very handy to have around. We have extensive experience with the production and use of mineral spirits and would be happy to assist you further. Mineral spirits also include thin oil-based materials such as varnishes. This is a more purified version of mineral spirits that has had most of the aromatic hydrocarbons removed. They're used for cleaning, thinning and dissolving stuff. relatively low acute toxicity whether it is breathed in, ingested, or splashed on the skin, but it is an irritant that can cause This document is for informational purposes only. Acetone is not an alcohol compound, it is a ketone. The key difference between acetone and methylated spirits is that the acetone is a colourless liquid, whereas the methylated spirit is a violet coloured solution.. Acetone and methylated spirits are two different organic solutions. Even though mineral spirits are organic cleaners, they can also be very harsh on your skin. 1 0. Acetone is better for general cleaning or degreasing because of its power as a solvent. I have read to thin it with whatever the can lists to use to clean up with, (which is mineral spirits) but I have read here to use acetone with rustoleum paint up to 10% when roll and tip and up to 25% when spraying. The goal is to help you pick the right option for your project. Both of these solvents are effective at what they do. As with other oily rags, there is the potential for spontaneous combustion, so store them in a metal container with a lid, disposing the full container at a local hazardous waste disposal center. Finally, mineral spirits is quite affordable, even in quantity. Its vapors are heavier than air and can collect in confined areas. The type of mineral spirits called Stoddard solvent also played a large role in the Screen printing services use mineral spirits to clean the leftover ink from their screens so that they can reuse them for the next project. As noted above, mineral spirits and acetone are used to thin different products. Mineral spirits has a less pungent odor than acetone, especially odorless mineral spirits. When people get used to using one as a thinner, they sometimes start using the other for the same application and are disappointed when they do not get the same results. Acetone is an BEFORE USING ANY SOLVENT: Always test the solvent in an inconspicuous area of the floor first, to be certain it will not affect the finish. 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. For cleaning brushes, paint thinner is best since it’s half the cost of mineral spirits and basically works the same. Mineral spirits and acetone perform similar functions. While acetone is colorless, mineral spirits are transparent. Mineral spirits thins oil-based paints while acetone thins lacquers such as nail polish. Please contact your local Brenntag representative if you have any questions about this information. Other than the price, the differences between the two solvents are subtle: Both are petroleum products. The vapors are sufficient to spread you out in the event that you don’t play it safe. Mineral spirits, also called ''white spirits'' (trade names include Varnolene and Texaco spirits), ... Acetone, common in lacquer thinner, is a useful solvent for anyone who works with plastics. Different solvents may be used in paint thinners such as turpentine, acetone, mineral spirits, toluene, butanol and also xylene. soak charcoal briquettes in mineral spirits to make self-igniting charcoal. You may use either one of them to clean wood before treating it with stain, paint, or shellac. While similar, these solvents aren't synonymous. Spirit minerals tend to leave behind a slimy residue that can be a chore to remove. Rubber Cement. So, what exactly is the difference, and which is best suited for you? While acetone will aggressively strip paint from a wide variety of surfaces, though, mineral spirits is really only effective at cleaning up fresh paint. Acetone is harmful stuff. Mineral Spirit is a petroleum-derived solvent used as an organic solvent in painting. Mineral spirits is recommended after the stripping solution because it's important to break down those waxes before getting started. Solvent Recommendation: Murphy’s oil and soap (use with a light grade steel wool.) Depending on the job, one might be preferable to the other — and in some contexts, one might cause some serious problems. Mineral Spirits vs. Personally, I've never seen any of the "modern" solvents or safety solvents that work anywhere near as well as mineral spirits or varsol for general parts cleaning. Use this chart to make sure your rubber or O-ring seal material is compatible with your environment. both are used as thinners. It is a solvent commonly found in aerosols, varnishes, asphalt products, paints, and wood preservatives. I personally think hoppes #9 works much better than Min Spirits. While you may seem to confuse these two solvents as a result of having the same functionality, they are actually different. Brenntag is a leading provider of chemicals and ingredient solutions with a broad product portfolio and warehouses throughout the United States and Canada. Odor of acetone and mineral spirits; Acetone has a pungent and irritating odor. You need to 0 1. bookout. Paint thinner and mineral spirits are byproducts of petroleum refining, sometimes referred to as petroleum distillates. These common solvents are ideal for a large variety of uses. Acetone Paint Thinner. You'll also often find me in my workshop working on some new project! Both of these solvents are effective at what they do. These things said, there are some cons associated with acetone that are very serious. Mineral spirits, which will do nothing more than remove any grease tht might be on the cabinets, will have milder effects on your body and nervous system, but it will have some effects . In fact, on most paint thinner containers, it will usually state “made from 100% mineral spirits”. a variety of symptoms, and care should be taken to avoid exposure. Another affordable substitute is rubber cement. Paint Thinner vs Mineral Spirits . mineral spirits or paint thinner, acetone, xylene, toluene, MEK, and; alcohol ; Which solvent works best? . You can use mineral spirits to lubricate sharpening stones and to thin oil and wax, as well as to clean either of these substances from tools and surfaces. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an authorization to use or an inducement to practice any patent, trade secret or other intellectual property right. 5 years ago. Mineral spirits is also a multipurpose cleaner. Once again, be careful about where you apply acetone as a cleaner. Mineral spirits is usually used for thinning oil based paints or cleaning it up. It is a 6 carbon atom aromatic ring -- in this context, "aromatic" has nothing to do with smell. However, people should avoid excessive exposure to its fumes. It is highly effective at cleaning paint brushes and painting tools, provided that you take care not to let the paint dry before cleaning. Source(s): www.medfordpainting-or.com. dispose of mineral spirits carefully. Mineral Spirits vs Acetone: Which one is right for you? The list of painting products is endless. Then, pour off the mineral spirits into a clean container. Naphtha is another solvent that is a good step between mineral spirits and the more aggressive acetone. 5083 Pottsville Pike While the two solvents do have a similarity as thinners and cleaners, ultimately they are different solvents and need to be treated as different solutions to different problems. And, because it is a very affordable product, it is something that many homeowners may find prudent to keep on hand. Mary. Briefly, no. Instead, take it to your local hazardous waste treatment site. Mineral spirits and acetone spirits are two very widely used thinners. Mineral spirits or paint lacquer thinner … which is better? Homeowners will find that it can effectively clean a variety of products, provided that they are careful about what they use it for — acetone will degrade, damage, or destroy plastic products like synthetic fibers. However, mineral spirits is not compatible with water-based products. 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. You have to take care not to breathe in something over the top, as it can cause numerous destructive reactions, including passing. For cleaning brushes, paint thinner is best since it’s half the cost of mineral spirits and basically works the same. For one thing, prolonged acetone exposure to the skin can be harmful. Source: bobvila.com. In the right contexts, it is hard to argue with the effectiveness of acetone. It helps to go into the selection process with as much information as possible. Acetone is water-soluble but both its liquid and vapors are highly flammable. What is the difference between mineral spirits vs paint thinner? Odor Factor. It’s a clear, liquid solution that can be used for anything from stripping paint to removing nail polish. Acetone and mineral spirits should not be used interchangeably. One primary benefit of mineral spirits is its versatility. Lv 4. You may also want to note that this is a very economical solvent. This is one of the primary uses of Naphtha is a stronger solvent than mineral spirits, but this is rarely significant in wood finishing. Artists who work with oil paint commonly make their art with Very small quantities can be disposed of easily, as when disposing of acetone used for removing nail polish. Acetone has low acute and chronic toxicity and is Additionally, mineral spirits is not water-soluble and presents less of a fire hazard than acetone. People mostly confuse them and use one for the other. Similarly, it also 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. Bayside Boy. Acetone and mineral spirits are not the same, and should not be treated as if they are. It can clean stains from paint or varnish on clothing, provided the clothing is made of natural fabrics. ; Both products are derived from minerals. The Differences Between the Two. It can leave behind an oily residue, however. Update Privacy Preferences The best thing to do is just have cheap brushes that you only use for the contact cement. From surface preparation to thinning to cleanup, they play important roles in the process of painting. Mineral spirits thins oil-based paints while acetone thins lacquers such as nail polish. On projects where a water-based product will be used, we recommend cleaning with Acetone which evaporates quickly and removes any residue. The list of painting products is endless. From the late 1920s to the 1950s, Stoddard solvent was the primary solvent used for dry cleaning. Two of these solvents are known as paint thinners and mineral spirits. Painting industry has long been dependent upon specially created solvents for not only thinning of paints but also for cleaning brushes and other surfaces. not considered a carcinogen. Pour a small amount of mineral spirits … 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. These factors are not a huge deal—pretty much every cleaning product/solvent comes with similar risks. Both of these solvents are effective at what they do. Mineral spirits are typically benzene (a different alcohol compound) Benzene is not an "alcohol compound". Minerals spirits has a distinct smell similar to kerosene that many find inoffensive. 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. Other than the price, the differences between the two solvents are subtle: Both are petroleum products. Mineral spirits thins oil-based paints while acetone thins lacquers such as nail polish. nonpolar solvent, mineral spirits is insoluble in water. Naphtha is a stronger solvent than mineral spirits, but this is rarely significant in wood finishing. Mineral spirits or acetone are great for cleaning and degreasing; Mineral spirits don't evaporate as quickly as acetone; Mineral spirits are less flammable than acetone; Acetone has a bad odor, but you can get mineral spirits in an odorless formula; Easy to dispose of Acetone, mineral spirits must be disposed of in a dedicated facility I am rolling and tipping my 13' whaler this week, should I thin the rustoleum with mineral spirits or acetone. Ultimately, mineral spirits will probably be better suited for do-it-yourself paint jobs. 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. Mineral spirits, on the other hand, has a relatively inoffensive scent reminiscent of kerosene and quickly became more popular than turpentine after its introduction. Mineral spirits plays a similar role in manufacturing, where the solvent is used to clean a variety of surfaces. This chart shows the chemical compatibility and resistance of all popular rubber or elastomer materials. Mineral spirits Paint Thinner vs Mineral Spirits • Though mineral spirits are a kind of paint thinner, paint thinners are in general considered more toxic than mineral spirits. Both mineral spirits and lacquer thinner are derived from petroleum, but mineral spirits retain more of the oily nature of petroleum that gives it lubricating properties. It effectively thins varnishes and paints and is very common for thinning paint to use in a sprayer. Acetone is a popular cleaner and solvent that is used in the home, as well as in industrial labs all over the world. Paint commonly make their art with stand oil combined with mineral spirits and then dries out quickly after mineral spirits vs acetone shaking! May be used as a byproduct of metabolism choose can have a house pets! 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