New environmental standards means that us DIYers need to find a new alternative to mineral spirits for our painting needs.
Substitutes are available which work just as well and we review them below for you.
What can I use Instead of Mineral Spirits? What is an Alternative to Mineral Spirits?
We did some research for you and found that there are 9 alternative to mineral spirits solutions available.
- Denatured alcohol
- Charcoal lighter fluid – actually mineral spirits rebranded
- Acetone (think nail polish remover)
- Turpentine
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Oil, soap and water (natural ways to clean up paint)
- Citrus Solvent
- Soy Based Solvent
- Vegetable Oil
Are Mineral Spirits Banned in your Area?
Many areas have banned the sale of mineral spirits due to their toxicity to people and the environment. So what do we use if we want to thin paint?
This means we need to find a mineral spirits substitute if we want to keep painting and clean our tools. You can order mineral spirits online if you really want to continue using it or go to a store that still sells it.
Mineral Spirits Substitutes: What is Similar to Mineral Spirits?
Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol, is a type of ethanol. It’s mostly used as camping stove fuel. You can use it as a solvent, in wood sanding or as a cleaning aid just like mineral spirits.
Denatured alcohol also contains methanol which is pretty toxic so you really shouldn’t be getting it on your skin or breathing it in.
Remember that mineral spirits are oil based and denatured alcohol removes or strips oil. Because of this fact, I would stick with using denatured alcohol for cleaning and as a solvent and avoid it for thinning any paints.
Charcoal Lighter Fluid
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.
Because it is made of mineral spirits, you can use charcoal lighter fluid the same way that you would use mineral spirits. Just don’t light yourself on fire!
Acetone
Can I use acetone instead of mineral spirits? Yes, acetone is also considered a solvent and can be used for degreasing and general cleaning. It can be used on many items to remove oil, grease, dirt and glues. It’s the same stuff that used to remove nail polish.
You can use it on metal, plastic and glass, unlike mineral spirits which will ruin some forms of plastic.
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.
Turpentine: Oil Paint Thinner Substitute
Turpentine can be used as a substitute for paint thinner. You can use it instead of mineral spirits to thin oil paint and clean your painting tools.
Turpentine is more toxic than mineral or white spirits. It gives off some nasty fumes, so make sure to use in a well ventilated area with a respirator.
Just like mineral spirits it can be used to degrease oily car or bike parts. Some painters recommend using turpentine to clean your paint sprayers after spraying oil based paint or primers.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for your paint sprayer and call them if you are in doubt about clean up.
Isopropyl Alcohol: A Handy Cleaner for Paint and More
Isopropyl alcohol—often called rubbing alcohol—is a clear, flammable liquid you’ve probably got around the house. It’s well-known as a disinfectant, but it’s also a surprisingly effective solvent for cleaning up oil-based paints and varnishes. Plus, it’s gentler on your health than harsher chemicals like mineral spirits.
To clean surfaces, simply dampen a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe away dirt or paint residue. When it comes to brushes and rollers, soaking them for a few minutes in isopropyl alcohol breaks down the paint, making cleanup quick and easy. Just be sure to rinse everything well with water afterward.
Natural Way to Clean Your Brushes: Alternative to Mineral Spirits
Oil, Soap and Water
There is a natural way to clean your painting tools that requires 3 basic ingredients. With a bit of elbow grease, you can avoid using toxic chemicals to clean and remove paint from your brushes and rollers.
Better for you, your family and the environment to go all natural.
You can clean your brushes with oil, soap and water. For the oil you will want either safflower or linseed, whichever you have on hand or is cheaper for you.
This is especially important if you have high quality brushes or ones with natural bristles. The oil, soap and water will clean your brushes without harsh chemicals and solvents.
The use of oil ensures to preserve your bristles.
Citrus Solvent: A Natural Cleaner with a Fresh Twist
Citrus solvent comes straight from citrus fruits, making it a non-toxic and biodegradable alternative to traditional mineral spirits. It’s great for cleaning and thinning oil-based paints and varnishes, and it even doubles as a powerful degreaser in the cleaning world.
To use it, just soak a clean cloth with citrus solvent and wipe the surface you need to clean. For brushes and rollers, a quick soak of a few minutes will help break down paint before you rinse everything with water.
Soy-Based Solvents: Renewable and Reliable
Made from soybeans, soy-based solvents offer a renewable, biodegradable option for tackling oil-based paints and varnishes. Besides painting, they’re popular in the printing industry as effective cleaning solvents.
Use soy-based solvents the same way: apply to a clean cloth for wiping surfaces, or soak your brushes and rollers for a few minutes to loosen paint before rinsing.
Vegetable Oil: A Simple, Natural Cleaner
Vegetable oil is a handy, non-toxic solvent for cleaning oil-based paints and varnishes. While it might not be quite as powerful as citrus or soy-based options, it’s an easy and biodegradable choice when you want to keep things natural.
Simply apply vegetable oil to a clean cloth and wipe the area you’re cleaning.
Are there any downsides to using natural alternatives to mineral spirits?
One downside to using natural alternatives to mineral spirits is that they may not work as quickly as petroleum-based solvents.
Steps to Cleaning Your Brushes Naturally
Use our step by step guide and handy infographic below to help you clean your brushes naturally.
#1. Get rid of excess paint from your brush
#2. Dip the brush in a small container filled with oil
#3. Make sure that the oil coats all of the bristles
#4. Remove your brush from the oil and clean it again, removing the oil and excess paint
#5. Repeat step #4 a few times until no more paint comes out of the brush
#6. Hand wash the bristles in a gentle, natural soap such as glycerin or castile soap.
#7. Repeat step #6 if you need to
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What Can I use to Clean My Paint Sprayer?
There is no straight answer for this. Cleaning your indoor paint sprayer properly depends on the manufacturers directions and the type of paint you’ve been spraying.
Consult your manual before spraying to ensure you know the right way to clean it.
Are Mineral Spirits Toxic?
Yes. Mineral spirits give off nasty fumes that pollute the air and you should not breathe them in. Instead, you should wear a respirator when handling chemicals.
If you get mineral spirits on your skin, you should wash it off immediately. It will cause rashes, skin irritation and possibly burns.
Always wear gloves, safety goggles and a respirator when handling toxic chemicals. The alternatives to mineral spirits, for the most part, are not as toxic.
What are the Environmental Concerns with Mineral Spirits?
One of the biggest environmental concerns with mineral spirits is that it is derived from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource.
When it is used, mineral spirits can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to air pollution. Additionally, if mineral spirits are not disposed of properly, they can contaminate soil and water.
Conclusion
There are a number of alternative to mineral spirits solutions to choose from, if mineral spirits are banned in your area. You don’t have to look too far to find a good mineral spirit substitute.
- What can I use Instead of Mineral Spirits? What is an Alternative to Mineral Spirits?
- Are Mineral Spirits Banned in your Area?
- Mineral Spirits Substitutes: What is Similar to Mineral Spirits?
- Natural Way to Clean Your Brushes: Alternative to Mineral Spirits
- Are there any downsides to using natural alternatives to mineral spirits?
- Steps to Cleaning Your Brushes Naturally
- Join our Email List for more Tips and Info!
- What Can I use to Clean My Paint Sprayer?
- Are Mineral Spirits Toxic?
- What are the Environmental Concerns with Mineral Spirits?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
FAQs
Denatured alcohol, acetone, turpentine, charcoal lighter fluid.
Yes, acetone is also a solvent and can be used for degreasing and general cleaning.
Yes, it’s important to always wear gloves and protective eyewear when using any type of solvent, whether it is natural or petroleum-based. Additionally, make sure to use these solvents in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
Yes, natural alternatives to mineral spirits can be just as effective in cleaning and preparing surfaces for painting. They may require more elbow grease or more time to work, but they are a safer and more eco-friendly choice.
It said 9 alternative yet listed only 5 and explained only four.
Hi Thomas, Thanks for your feedback and your keen eye! We will take a look and get it fixed up. Thanks for reading ~ John
In my oil painting classes at University, we always used mineral spirits to clean our brushes and materials. At least in my experience, the brushes were never damaged by the mineral spirits. Will any of the alternatives listed damage my brushes, especially since they have always been cleaned in only one way? Will I need new brushes if I start a different cleaning method?
Hey Coleen,
I can’t speak to paint brushes used by artists (they might be made with diff materials than my brushes) but these alternative to mineral spirits do work on paint brushes that professional painters use on home improvement projects without harming the bristles or results. I would double check with the manufacturer of your brushes to see what they recommend. Thanks for reading – John