How To Use Mineral Spirits On Wood

We’ve mentioned mineral spirits many times in articles here, but we’ve not discussed in any detail how to use them, what they can do, or why to use them.  We thought we should correct this omission and talk a bit more about mineral spirits and why you should keep a can in your woodworking shop.

You’ve likely worked with mineral spirits, not to be confused with mineral oil, in the past, especially if you are a painter or prefer a paint finish to your woodworking projects over stains and oil finishes.  Mineral spirits are used as a paint thinner, and in that role, they are excellent.

But, the same general guidelines for their use apply as a paint thinner as they do for any other tasks for which mineral spirits are well suited. Mineral oil is a different product and is used in very different ways.  We’ll do a piece on the difference between mineral spirits and mineral oil at some point later.

What Are Mineral Spirits?

Mineral spirits, also known as white spirit or turpentine substitute, is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid that is used as a solvent in many different applications. It is a petroleum distillate, meaning that it is made from crude oil. It is non-toxic, but it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

It is most commonly used as a paint thinner. It can be used to thin both oil-based and water-based paints, but it is most effective when used with oil-based paints. Spirits can also be used to clean brushes and other painting tools, and it can be used to remove paint from surfaces.

In addition to its use in painting, the spirits can also be used for a variety of other purposes. It can be used to clean and degrease metal surfaces, and it can be used to remove adhesives and other substances. Spirits can also be used as a solvent for cleaning and lubricating tools, and they can be used to make homemade cleaning products.

When using spirits, it is important to take precautions to avoid inhaling the vapors or getting the liquid on your skin. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with them, and work in a well-ventilated area. As with other chemicals and finishing products, should they come into contact with your skin, clean the area right away with warm water and soap.

It’s a versatile and useful solvent that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is important to use it safely and responsibly and to follow all manufacturer instructions.

Here are some additional safety tips for using mineral spirits:

• Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Store them in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
• Do not heat them.
• Do not smoke or use open flames near them.
• Dispose of them properly according to local regulations.

What Are Common Uses of Mineral Spirits In The Shop and Home?

Here are some of the most common uses for mineral spirits:

• Thinning oil-based paints: They are the most common solvent used to thin oil-based paints. It helps to make the paint easier to apply and to reduce the drying time.
• Cleaning paintbrushes and other painting tools: They can be used to clean paintbrushes and other painting tools after use. It helps to remove all of the paint from the bristles and to prevent the paint from drying and hardening.
• Removing paint from surfaces: They can be used to remove paint from surfaces. It is a safe and effective way to remove paint without damaging the surface underneath.
• Cleaning and degreasing metal surfaces: Spirits can be used to clean and degrease metal surfaces. It helps to remove dirt, grease, and oil from the surface, and it can also help to prevent rust.
• Removing adhesives and other substances: Spirits can be used to remove adhesives and other substances from surfaces. It is a safe and effective way to remove these substances without damaging the surface underneath.
• Making homemade cleaning products: Spirits can be used to make homemade cleaning products. It can be used to make a variety of cleaning solutions, including floor cleaners, furniture polishes, and window cleaners.
• Spirits are also a good way to clean wood of any dust from sanding.  This is true also when you are sanding in between coats of your chosen finish.

When using spirits, it is important to take precautions to avoid inhaling the vapors or getting the liquid on your skin. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with mineral spirits, and work in a well-ventilated area. Wash any area of skin if they come in contact with it during use.

It’s a versatile and useful solvent that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is important to use it safely and responsibly and to follow all manufacturer instructions.

How Do You Use Mineral Spirits?

It can be used for a variety of purposes. It is most commonly used as a paint thinner, but it can also be used to clean and degrease surfaces, remove adhesives, and make homemade cleaning products.

Here are some tips on how to use mineral spirits safely and effectively:

• Gloves and eye protection are essential when working with them.  The danger is real, so take all precautions.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.  Proper ventilation will address the odor of the spirits unless you are using a low-odor or odorless product – we mention this further on, so be sure to finish reading. Even then, though, have adequate ventilation anyway, as the toxic fumes are truly annoying.
• Do not heat them. 
• Do not smoke or use open flames near spirits. It’s highly flammable and should never be used to start a fire in your grill or fireplace.
• Dispose of them properly according to local regulations. Use a hazardous waste disposal facility to discard leftover product.

Thinning oil-based paints:

To thin oil-based paints and oil-based products, add the spirits to the paint or other product in a well-ventilated area. The amount of spirits you need will vary depending on the type of paint or other product and the desired consistency. Start with a small amount and add more until the desired consistency has been reached.

Paint brushes and other painting tools:

To clean paintbrushes and other painting tools, soak them in spirits until all of the paint is removed. Rinse the brushes and tools with mild soap and warm water and allow them to air dry.

Removing paint from surfaces:

To remove paint from surfaces, apply spirits to the area with a rag or brush. Allow the spirits to sit on the surface for a few minutes, and use a clean cloth to wipe it off. If the paint is still difficult to remove, you may need to repeat the process.

Cleaning Wood With Mineral Spirits

Spirits can also be used to clean wood of built-up dust and grime.  It can also help show the existing finish on the wood, again by removing dust and grime that may have caused it to become dull. It can also help show the wood grain more clearly.

Cleaning wood with mineral spirits is easy – apply it directly to the wood with a soft cloth, but do not soak the cloth before using.  Just dampen it with the spirits and wipe it on the wood.

Squeeze the cloth a little to release the spirits and let the cloth sit there for a few minutes to soak in if the spot is an especially stubborn stain, and then wipe the spot in the direction of the grain.  This should remove that stubborn stain as well as any excess mineral spirits from the wood surface.  It is often used in furniture restoration projects.

Cleaning and degreasing metal surfaces:

To clean and degrease metal surfaces, apply the spirits to the area with a rag or brush. Allow the spirits to sit on the surface for a few minutes, and use a clean rag to wipe it off. If the surface is still dirty or greasy, you may need to repeat the process.

Removing adhesives and other substances:

To remove adhesives and other substances, apply the spirits to the area with a rag or brush. Allow the spirits to sit on the surface for a few minutes, and use a clean rag to wipe it off. If the substance is still difficult to remove, you may need to repeat the process.

Making homemade cleaning products:

To make homemade cleaning products, add spirits to a solution of warm water and soap. The amount of spirits you need will vary depending on the type of cleaning product you are making. Start with a small amount of mineral spirits and add more until the product reaches the desired consistency.

Here are some examples of homemade cleaning products you can make with spirits:

• Floor cleaner: Mix equal parts spirits and water. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
• Furniture polish: Mix one part spirits and two parts furniture polish.
• Window cleaner: Mix one part spirits and two parts water. Add a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power.

A cloth with mineral spirits can be a powerful cleaning tool.  Dampen, but don’t soak, your clean, lint-free cloth with mineral spirits, and go to work on whatever you are cleaning – wooden furniture, metals, 

Are Mineral Spirits Dangerous?

Mineral spirits has a low order of acute toxicity if used properly, but it can be very harmful if inhaled or ingested. It is not something to misuse or abuse, and as long as you are smart in its use, you should be fine.

Here are some of the dangers of mineral spirits:

• Fire hazard: It is flammable and can easily catch fire. Obviously, then, keep mineral spirits away from flames and any other source of heat that could cause it to combust.
• Inhalation hazard: Inhaling the vapors from it can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In high concentrations, the vapors can cause unconsciousness and even death.
• Skin contact hazard: Contact with it can cause skin irritation, such as redness, swelling, and itching. In severe cases, it can cause burns.
• Eye contact hazard: Contact with it can cause eye irritation, such as redness, pain, and watering. In severe cases, it can cause corneal damage.
• Ingestion hazard: Ingesting it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause liver damage and death.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after using spirits, seek medical attention immediately:

• Respiratory problems: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
• Skin irritation: Redness, swelling, itching
• Eye irritation: Redness, pain, watering
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

This is why safety gear and safety glasses, gloves, and smart use are important safety precautions to take when working with it.

If you or your child ingest it, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Do Mineral Spirits Raise Wood Grain?

Perhaps, but only a little, and the look is temporary. It will make wood look wet.  This is because it’s a solvent that can temporarily swell the wood fibers. This makes the wood appear darker and more vibrant. It will evaporate fairly quickly, and the effect goes with it. 

It is often used by woodworkers to preview how a piece of wood will look when it is finished. By wiping down the wood with it, the woodworker can see how the grain will be highlighted by the finish. This can help the woodworker to choose the right finish for the project.

It is important to note that it can also damage wood if you are not careful in its use. It can remove the finish, so it is important to test it in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire piece of wood. It can also discolor wood, so it is important to use it sparingly.

If you are using it to preview how a piece of wood will look when it is finished, it is important to wipe off it with a clean cloth once you have had a chance to inspect the wood. This will prevent damage to the wood.

Here are some tips for using mineral spirits on wood:

• Always test in an inconspicuous area before using it on an entire piece of wood.
• Use it sparingly.
• Wipe it off with a clean cloth as soon as you have had a chance to inspect the wood.

Are There Low Odor Mineral Spirits?

We’ve mentioned the strong odor associated with mineral spirits, so perhaps you are wondering if there are low-odor mineral spirits available on the market.

We are happy to tell you there are low-odor mineral spirits available. These products are made with a special blend of solvents that have a lower odor than traditional mineral spirits. Low-odor mineral spirits are a good choice for indoor use, as they are less likely to cause respiratory problems.

Here are some of the most popular brands of low-odor mineral spirits:

• Klean-Strip Natural Odor Thinner: Klean-Strip Natural Odor Thinner is a low-odor mineral spirits that is specifically designed for indoor use. It is made with a blend of solvents that have a lower odor than traditional mineral spirits.
• Gamblin Gamsol Natural Odor Solvent: Gamblin Gamsol Natural Odor Solvent is a high-quality low-odor mineral spirits that is specifically designed for use with oil paints. It is made with a blend of solvents that have a lower odor than traditional mineral spirits.
• True Value Low-Odor Mineral Spirits: True Value (Sunnyside) Low-Odor Mineral Spirits is a budget-friendly low-odor mineral spirits that meets all industry standards. It is made with a blend of solvents that have a lower odor than traditional mineral spirits.
• Rust-Oleum Odorless Mineral Spirits: Rust-Oleum Odorless Mineral Spirits is a low-odor mineral spirits that is designed for use with a variety of projects, including painting, staining, and cleaning. It is made with a blend of solvents that have a lower odor than traditional mineral spirits.

When choosing a low-odor mineral spirits, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Price: Low-odor mineral spirits can range in price from a few dollars to over $20 per gallon. It is important to find a brand that fits your budget.
• Quality: Not all low-odor mineral spirits are created equal. Some brands are more refined than others, and some brands contain additives that can be harmful to your health. It is important to choose a brand that is high-quality and safe to use.
• Purpose: Low-odor mineral spirits can be used for a variety of purposes, including thinning paint, cleaning brushes, and removing adhesives. It is important to choose a brand that is designed for the specific purpose you need it for.

By considering these factors, you can choose a low-odor mineral spirits that is right for you.

How About Odorless Mineral Spirits?

Another good question and the answer is yes, there are some odorless mineral spirits on the market, too.  Odorless mineral spirits are a type of white spirit that has been further refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds. They are recommended for applications such as oil painting, where humans have close contact with the solvent.

Sunnyside Odorless Mineral Spirits, available at big DIY home improvement stores, hardware stores, and large online retailers, is one such product.  We’ve never used it, so we can’t swear to you it is odorless, but that is its claim.  We assume it is, at the least, a low odor product.

Are There Some Tasks You Should Not Use Mineral Spirits For?

Yes, there are a few things you should not use mineral spirits on. These include:

• Latex or acrylic paint. Mineral spirits will not dissolve these types of paint and may actually damage them. Use water-based thinners or soap and water to clean up latex or acrylic paint.
• Asphalt. Mineral spirits will soften asphalt, so do not use it to clean up spills or stains on driveways, sidewalks, or other asphalt surfaces. Use a non-petroleum-based solvent or a mild detergent solution instead.
• Skin. Mineral spirits can be irritating to the skin, so it is important to wear gloves when using it. Wash any spills off quickly with warm water and soap.
• Open flames. We’ve already said that mineral spirits is flammable, so be careful around any heat sources. Do not use it near a stove or grill, or to start a fire.

If you are unsure whether or not you should use mineral spirits on a particular surface, it is always best to err on the side of caution and use a different solvent or cleaner.

Store carefully, use carefully, and mineral spirits will be an indispensable tool in your shop.  Take all precautions when using it in your work, and you’ll come to realize its value.