Mineral spitits is generally the only chemical in products sold as paint thinner. Naphtha can be used as a paint thinner. Naphtha and mineral spirits are petroleum distallates.
Turpentine is a natural product distilled from pine sap. It was/is the original thinner for oil based paints but it is very variable in quality and many do not like the aroma. With the petroleum thinners, there is really no need for turpentine.
Howie………
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Thank you Howie- Much obliged- Dave
Low-odor mineral spirits have been chemically treated to remove some of the nastier compounds. The petroleum distilation process is one where the liquid is heated and allowed to evaporate up into a column. Then each different fraction is condensed out at different levels based on its weight and/or volatility. I think the mineral spirits and the low-odor variety would condense out the same; thus it is chemically modified to strip out some components.
I also think the low-odor mineral spirits are virtually identical to charcoal lighter fluid.
I might use it (MS) for lighter fluid but I wouldn't use lighter fluid for finishing.Gretchen
Gretchen,
Thanks. I'll make a note of that. Ever try white gas as lighter fluid for a barbeque? Loads of fun. Don't try this at home.
>>thus it is chemically modified to strip out some componentsTrue. In fact the additional processing has the effect of making it somewhat slower to evaporate or "flash off". If there is a situaion where you want the finish to flash off slower, use the "odorless" paint thinner. In order of evaporation speed, naphtha is the fastest, standard mineral spirits is somewhat slower and odorless paint thinner is slower yet.Howie.........
I think if you jump to BT and search the same question, all yer answers will become apparent.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"I've..seen all good people turn thier heads, so, satisfied, I am on my way.."They kill prophets for profits"..And, that's...the truth.........phhatt
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