Mineral Spirits Vs. Paint Thinner: What's The Difference?

Paint thinner and mineral spirits are two products you will likely come across if you are embarking on a painting job. As the name suggests, paint thinner is commonly used to thin paint, as well as help remove old paint from brushes, rollers, and other paint supplies (via The Spruce). It helps break down oil-based paints, as well as thin out other paints for a more liquid application. Paint thinner is the term for a variety of individual chemicals, as well as chemical compositions, depending on the brand.

Mineral spirits, on the other hand, are made up purely of petroleum distillates, according to The Spruce. Mineral spirits can be used as paint thinner, but that is not its sole purpose. According to Pure Home Improvement, mineral spirits are a versatile and aggressive cleaning product.

It is important to know the differences between these products. For one, the use of mineral spirits versus another chemical or chemical blend when used for paint thinner may produce varied results. These are also dangerous, abrasive, and flammable chemicals, and not knowing their functions and uses can result in a hazardous outcome.

The price comparison between paint thinner and mineral spirits can be a little tricky, since paint thinner refers more to a result than a specific ingredient. According to Family Handyman, however, paint thinner is generally cheaper and more cost efficient than mineral spirits.

At Home Depot, a gallon bottle of mineral spirits is just under $16, and a gallon bottle of paint thinner from the same brand is just under $10 at the time of this publishing. However, the specific chemicals that are used for paint stripping may cost more or less than regular paint strippers, or even more than mineral spirits. In the same brand, a gallon of acetone is currently $23 and a gallon of xylene is $25. The cost of the product largely depends on what you need it for, but paint thinner blends will generally be less expensive.

There are different uses for mineral spirits and paint thinners, but there are also plenty of projects that could benefit from either product. Each product also has its strengths and drawbacks. According to Bob Vila, mineral spirits are generally less toxic and harmful than other chemical thinners, degreasers, etc. And while they still have an odor, many people find the smell of kerosene more bearable than that of acetone. When used as a paint thinner, it also produces a smoother finish in the final product.

That being said, mineral spirits are a fair bit more expensive than paint thinners, due to the fact that they are refined and pure. Mineral spirits can also cause skin irritation. Lastly, you cannot use mineral spirits with latex paint.

Mineral spirits are much safer than paint thinners. As stated previously, paint thinner has an abrasive, acetone odor that is not only generally upsetting, but can also be dangerous. According to That Painter, it can harm your lungs, nose, throat, and mouth, and can cause permanent damage if your work area is not properly ventilated. It can also cause drowsiness, fainting, and permanent brain damage. And, as mentioned previously, it can result in spontaneous combustion.

Mineral spirits, on the other hand, are less dangerous, but still require precautions. They can irritate the skin if overexposed, so take care to wear gloves and wash your hands when handling it. Mineral spirits are also flammable, but not until around 105 degrees Fahrenheit (via Fireproof Depot). Take care to ventilate when using mineral spirits, too.

Mineral spirits and paint thinner serve many of the same purposes, and sometimes mineral spirits are used as paint thinner. Sometimes, one is better than the other for specific projects, though. For example, while both are effective at cleaning paint brushes, Family Handyman recommends paint thinner, as it tends to be cheaper.

According to Bob Vila, mineral spirits are also effective at cleaning up large amounts of paint, oil, tar, and built-up dirt from wood, concrete, and tools, and removing wet paint. Paint thinner, by comparison, is only good for spot treatments, but is the better option for removing dried paint. For artists or painters, this information is important when cleaning painted walls, or touching up painted canvases. Both help thin out oil-based and other water-insoluble paints with similar effectiveness, though some find that mineral spirits produce a smoother result once dry.