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A SOLVENT is a (usually) liquid substance that will dissolve another substance.
Turpentine
- One of the few solvents not made from petroleum distillates.
- Produced by distilling the oleoresins from pine trees.
- Can remove oil paint that has hardened slightly.
- Turpentine has more solvency than mineral spirits. Less toxic than petroleum-based solvents but can still cause an allergic reaction.
Mineral spirits (white spirits)
- Petroleum distillate made as a substitute for turpentine.
- Most painters prefer it as a paint thinner - costs less, not so sticky, less offensive odor than turpentine.
- Will dissolve only oil paint that is still fresh.
Naphtha
- Petroleum solvent similar to mineral spirits but with a greater volatility, used chiefly as a paint thinner or a cleaning agent.
- More powerful than mineral spirits, makes paint dry faster so paint won't level as well.
- Highly flammable - work in a well-ventilated area (outside, if possible), wear rubber gloves and a respirator. Quickly dissolves wax, but naphtha can also penetrate through the wax and seep under veneer, where it will dissolve the glue, causing the veneer to loosen.
Alcohol
- Rubbing alcohol is a generic term that can be either denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
- Isopropyl alcohol - evaporates quickly, leaves nearly zero oil traces, compared to ethanol, and is relatively non-toxic, compared to alternative solvents. Widely as a solvent and cleaning fluid, especially for dissolving oils. Removes permanent marker, fingerprints, tree sap, light oil.
- Denatured alcohol - ethanol with poison added to make it non-drinkable. Thinner for shellac, can also be used to remove light pencil marks on wood.
- Ethyl alcohol (ethanol, grain alcohol) - drinking alcohol
- Methyl alcohol (methanol) - dangerous toxic solvent, industrial use, do not buy or use
Lacquer Thinner
- Highly flammable, avoid skin contact, breathing protection is advised.
- A blended mixture of two or more solvents - acetone, ethyl acetate and toluene are common ingredients.
- Can soften and dissolve most paints even after they've hardened. Used to clean brushes and spray equipment.
Acetone
- Highly flammable, avoid skin contact, breathing protection is advised.
- Solvent for many plastics, removes residue from plastic cements, ingredient in nail polish remover. Recommended thinner for polyester resins and fiberglass.
- Acetone and lacquer thinner can remove paint and varnish stains on clothing made of natural fibers, but they will soften and dissolve many plastics and some synthetic fabrics.
- Do not use a nylon brush for applying these solvents because the acetone may attack the bristles.
- Both acetone and lacquer thinner are highly flammable and both release toxic fumes, so avoid inhaling them for any length of time.
Methylene Chloride
Dangerous: Principal ingredient in most paint removers and in heavy-duty brush cleaners. Sometimes it is combined with other ingredients and sold as ''graffiti remover.'' It is effective in removing all finishes, but it attacks and softens plastics. In 2014, EPA reported that workers exposed to such products have an increased risk of cancer, as well as neurological and liver problems. At the time, EPA also concluded that consumers who use methylene chloride-based strippers face an increased risk of short-term neurological effects. It has been removed from most retail shelves.
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