mineral spirits/paint thinner

[thumbs]

does any one know the difference if any between the two-I went to get some mineral spirits and noticed that a can of paint thinner was a lot cheaper--the can of paint thinner said 100% mineral spirits--thanks for any help--Richard aka thumbs

[dgman]

As far as I know Richard, They are the same. Mineral spirits is typically deodorized so it does not smell as bad as paint thinner. For that reason, I buy mineral spirits.

[mrsn]

I thought that some paint thinners had some other stuff in them, like thinners or binders or something.

[Russ C]

Commercially, "paint thinner" is usually a name for mineral spirits. Some manufactures may add some different ingredients or refine it more to remove odor, but they are still are basically the same. 

[jimbo]

Down under we call it mineral Turpentine or turps, used for thinning oil based paint and cleaning brushes, also for thinning oils, bees wax, the other is synthetic and I think is an aromatic thinners for lacquer paint and urethane's and some sealers
Jimbo   

[Paw Paw Ray]

The only difference is in the marketing so they can charge more.

[jimbo]

There is also vegetable turpentine that is expensive as well toxic
Jimbo

[Gabby]

Your best bet is to read the label on whatever it is you are going to thin or clean up after.
It will tell you what to use, no guess work then!
Gabby

[thumbs]

Thanks everyone for your input--I have used paint thinner on one project and it still smell after 3 days-I think I'll try a small can of mineral and see if the smell is better--Richard aka thumbs

[dgman]

Richard, that is why I buy deodorized mineral spirits.