To use soy-based solvents, apply them to a clean cloth and wipe down the surface you wish to clean. They are effective at cleaning and thinning oil-based paints and varnishes, and are also used in the printing industry as a cleaning solvent. Soy-based solvents are made from soybeans and are a renewable and biodegradable alternative to mineral spirits. For cleaning paint brushes and rollers, soak them in citrus solvent for a few minutes, then rinse with water. To use citrus solvent, simply apply it to a clean cloth and wipe down the surface you wish to clean. It is effective at cleaning and thinning oil-based paints and varnishes, and is also used in the cleaning industry as a degreaser. Citrus SolventĬitrus solvent is derived from citrus fruits and is a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to mineral spirits. ![]() The use of oil ensures to preserve your bristles. The oil, soap and water will clean your brushes without harsh chemicals and solvents. This is especially important if you have high quality brushes or ones with natural bristles. For the oil you will want either safflower or linseed, whichever you have on hand or is cheaper for you. You can clean your brushes with oil, soap and water. With a bit of elbow grease, you can avoid using toxic chemicals to clean and remove paint from your brushes and rollers.īetter for you, your family and the environment to go all natural. There is a natural way to clean your painting tools that requires 3 basic ingredients. Natural Way to Clean Your Brushes: Alternative to Mineral Spirits Oil, Soap and Water For cleaning paint brushes and rollers, soak them in isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes, then rinse with water. To use isopropyl alcohol, apply it to a clean cloth and wipe down the surface you wish to clean. It is also an effective solvent for cleaning oil-based paints and varnishes, and is less harmful than mineral spirits. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a clear, flammable liquid that is commonly used as a disinfectant. Some painters recommend using turpentine to clean your paint sprayers after spraying oil based paint or primers.įollow the manufacturer’s directions for your paint sprayer and call them if you are in doubt about clean up. Just like mineral spirits it can be used to degrease oily car or bike parts. It gives off some nasty fumes, so make sure to use in a well ventilated area with a respirator. Turpentine is more toxic than mineral or white spirits. You can use it instead of mineral spirits to thin oil paint and clean your painting tools. Turpenti n e can be used as a substitute for paint thinner. With Acetone, you don’t have to wear a mask because it isn’t considered to be a volatile organic compound (VOC) and doesn’t give off fumes like our other choices on this list. You can use it on metal, plastic and glass, unlike mineral spirits which will ruin some forms of plastic. It’s the same stuff that used to remove nail polish. It can be used on many items to remove oil, grease, dirt and glues. Just don’t light yourself on fire! AcetoneĬan I use acetone instead of mineral spirits? Yes, acetone is also considered a solvent and can be used for degreasing and general cleaning. Oddly enough, the same stuff you squirt onto your briquettes to start BBQing that thick rib eye is actually made of either mineral spirits or methanol/ethanol.īecause it is made of mineral spirits, you can use charcoal lighter fluid the same way that you would use mineral spirits. Because of this fact, I would stick with using denatured alcohol for cleaning and as a solvent and avoid it for thinning any paints. Remember that mineral spirits are oil based and denatured alcohol removes or strips oil. You can use it as a solvent, in wood sanding or as a cleaning aid just like mineral spirits.ĭenatured alcohol also contains methanol which is pretty toxic so you really shouldn’t be getting it on your skin or breathing it in. Mineral Spirits Substitutes: What is Similar to Mineral Spirits? Denatured Alcoholĭenatured alcohol, is a type of ethanol. You can order mineral spirits online if you really want to continue using it or go to a store that still sells it. This means we need to find a mineral spirits substitute if we want to keep painting and clean our tools. So what do we use if we want to thin paint? Many areas have banned the sale of mineral spirits due to their toxicity to people and the environment.
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