MINERAL SPIRITS or VARSOL
Regular (Diesel Smell – Sulphur) or Odourless
A while ago, on a mission to purchase MINERAL SPIRITS in bulk to save on the pricy 35/100mL hobby-sized bottles, many confusing “paint thinner” options were encountered. In one major brand paint store, I was told VARSOL is the same thing as MINERAL SPIRITS. Not placing faith in the information received, I held out until I found MINERAL SPIRITS. I’m glad I did.
Searching for MSDS Information, it was discovered, VARSOL and MINERAL SPIRITS are not the same.
Caveat emptor, Recochem PAINT THINNER or LACQUER THINNER, is not the same as MINERAL SPIRITS.
Hearing the sound of pounding hoofs doesn’t mean it’s a horse.
MINERAL SPIRITS
REGULAR (DIESEL SMELL)
ODOURLESS MINERAL SPIRITS
Highly Refined
MINERAL SPIRITS USE
- Enamel Paint Thinner
- Metallic Enamel Paint Thinner
- Enamel Washes Thinner
- Oil Paint Thinner
- Oil Paint Washes Thinner
- Feathering/blending/fading/removing excess Enamel/Oil Washes
- Cleaning brushes when used with the above
- MINERAL SPIRITS have a unique viscosity
- WHITE SPIRITS and MINERAL SPIRITS are the same things
Adding Recochem Lacquer Thinner, an aggressive, hot solvent, to the above increases the risk of dissolving and ruining previous layers.
Conclusion
Both Regular and Odourless MINERAL SPIRITS are the same thing as WHITE SPIRITS.
Depending on the quality of Oil Paint when making washes, regular MINERAL SPIRITS (Diesel Smell) rather than ODOURLESS MINERAL SPIRITS may produce superior emulsification.
Purchasing the 946mL or 3.78L container is an economical option; 946mL for the price of 100mL.
Source: MSDS
