If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, then you’ve probably used paint thinner at some point in time. But what is paint thinner? What can you use it for?
In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions and more!
What is paint thinner?
Paint thinner is a term that refers to a group of volatile solvents that is used to thin oil-based paints and remove stains. It is also used as a cleaning agent for paintbrushes, painting equipment and surfaces such as metal.
Paint thinners typically consist of petroleum distillates, aliphatic hydrocarbons, or aromatic hydrocarbons.
However, paint thinner is also highly flammable and toxic, so it must be used with caution. When using paint thinner, always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective clothing, such as gloves, eye protection and a respirator.
It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs, so it’s important to take proper safety precautions when using it.
If inhaled, paint thinner can cause dizziness, headaches, and even unconsciousness. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.
In addition, be sure to store paint thinner in a safe place, away from heat and flames. Children and pets should also be kept away from paint thinner, as it can be very harmful if ingested.
Different types of paint thinner
There are different kinds of paint thinners and they are made in different ways from different sources. Some common paint thinners are:
- Mineral spirits (also known as White spirits)
- Acetone
- Turpentine
- Xylene
- Toluene
- Lacquer thinner
Some of these solvents have many different uses in the industry, not just for thinning paint.
Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits, also known as petroleum spirits or White spirit, is a type of solvent made from petroleum. It’s a versatile product that can be used for cleaning, degreasing, and thinning paint.
Acetone
Acetone is made from Propylene through different chemical processes and it’s a colorless liquid that is highly volatile and flammable.
Acetone is a strong solvent and it can be used for cleaning, degreasing, thinning and removing paint.
Turpentine
Turpentine is a type of fluid that is derived from pine trees. It used to be the most used thinner for paint but has been replaced with cheaper alternatives. Now, the major use of turpentine is as a raw material for the chemical industry.
It’s also used for spray painting, artists, and naval paints. It is also used as a metal cleaner.
Xylene
Xylene is a colorless and flammable liquid that has many industrial uses such as a solvent in the printing, rubber, paint and leather industries.
It is primarily used as a solvent but is also widely used as a cleaning agent and a thinner for paint.
Toluene
Toluene is another colorless and flammable liquid that is derived from petroleum. It has a wide range of uses such as being a solvent in the paint, rubber and printing industries.
Toluene is also used as an octane booster for gasoline and as a cleaning agent such as stain removers and paintbrush cleaner.
Lacquer thinner
Lacquer thinner is usually a mixture of solvents that can dissolve many different resins or plastics used in modern lacquers. It is also used to clean paint brushes and other painting equipment.
However, like other paint thinners, it is also highly flammable and toxic so it must be used with caution.
How to choose the right paint thinner for your needs
When you need to thin your oil-based paint then first read the paint can to see what type of thinner the manufacturer recommends.
If you’re unsure, then mineral spirits are always a good choice as they are versatile and can be used for cleaning up, degreasing and thinning paint.
However, if you’re looking for a stronger solvent to remove paint or varnish then acetone or lacquer thinner would be a better choice, although they have higher VOCs.
What is VOC?
VOC is short for Volatile Organic Compounds, a class of chemicals that are emitted as gases from contents or materials. Many household items like cleaning supplies, cooking oil, paint, and personal care products contain VOCs.
Once these products are used, the VOCs spread into the air and can be inhaled. Some VOCs can cause short-term health effects like eye irritation and headaches. Others have been linked to cancer.
Reducing your exposure to VOCs is important for protecting your health. When using products that contain VOCs, be sure to follow the directions carefully and ventilate the area well.
You can also look for products with lower VOC content or that are labeled “VOC-free.” By taking these precautions, you can help keep yourself and the environment safe from the harmful effects of these chemicals.
How to use paint thinner safely
When handling paint thinner always use protective gear such as gloves, eye protection and a respirator.
It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area.
Paint thinner can be harmful if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets.
If you get it on your hands then wash with soap and water.
Paint thinner is flammable so make sure not to use it near any ignition sources. Don’t throw rags soaked in paint thinner in the trash since they can self-ignite. Store them in a metal or glass container or let them dry outside first.
How to dispose of paint thinner
Paint thinner is hazardous household waste that should be disposed of properly to protect your family and the environment. Many people don’t realize that paint thinners are highly flammable and can release harmful toxins into the air if not handled correctly.
Don’t pour paint thinner down the drain since it is poisonous to aquatic life.
The best way to dispose of paint thinner is to take it to a local hazardous waste facility. Most communities have these facilities where you can drop off unwanted chemicals and paints.
The staff at these facilities is trained to handle these waste products safely and will ensure that they are disposed of correctly. By taking your paint thinner to a hazardous waste facility, you can rest assured that it will be dealt with in the safest and most environmentally-friendly way possible.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about paint thinner.
Can I wash my hands with paint thinner?
You shouldn’t use paint thinners to clean yourself with since your skin will absorb the chemicals. If you get it on your hands then use all-purpose cleaning wipes that also protect and rehydrate your skin.
Which thinner is used to remove paint?
All paint thinners are designed to dissolve paint so try the one you have on hand first. If it doesn’t work then you can try a stronger solvent like acetone or lacquer thinner.
Can thinner be used for cleaning?
Many people think that thinner can be used for cleaning purposes, but this is actually not the case. Thinner is a highly flammable solvent that is used to clean paint brushes and other painting equipment.
It is also used to remove paint from surfaces. While it can be effective at removing paint, thinner is not safe for use on skin or other surfaces that come into contact with food or drink.
In addition, thinner emits harmful vapors that can be harmful to your health if inhaled. For these reasons, it is important to use safer alternatives when cleaning your home or office.
Can you mix water and paint thinner?
Some paint thinners are soluble in water while others are not, so you’ll need to check the label to see if your thinner can be diluted with water.
What’s the difference between paint thinner and paint remover?
Paint removers or paint strippers are designed to remove paint from surfaces while paint thinners are used to dissolve paint to change its viscosity.
Is paint thinner harmful to the environment?
Paint thinners can be harmful to the environment if it is not disposed of properly. When disposing of paint thinner, it is important to take it to a local hazardous waste facility.
This will ensure that the paint thinner is dealt with in the safest and most environmentally-friendly way possible.
Conclusion
Paint thinners aren’t used as much as they used to, which is a good thing for the user and the environment. Newer water-based paints have made paint thinners obsolete for the most part.
If you can choose a water-based solution over a solvent-based one, you should always do so. Water-based solutions are non-toxic and much easier to clean up if there is a spill.
As a professional painter, the only time I use oil-based paint is when priming exterior surfaces. The VOCs indoors can be up to 10 times higher than what’s outdoors so I’m glad that paint thinners are being used less and less.
If you do need to use paint thinner, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself.