From what I've read, Turpenoid is just a brand name for odorless mineral spirits, though I'm not sure about that since Weber doesn't say what's in it. I won't use any solvent or medium where the manufacturer is vague about what it contains.

Gamsol is Gamblin's odorless mineral spirits and that's what I use. However, odorless (and this goes for Turpenoid too) doesn't mean non toxic. I always have a window wide open and a fan on a table next to it, blowing outwards, to clear the room of fumes and potentially explosive vapors.

One of the reasons I use Gamsol is that its "flash point" (the temperature at which it can spontaneously combust) is 145 degrees, instead of about 120 degrees for most other types of odorless mineral spirits.

Michele, I really appreciate your info on solvents, and I've read over the section on safety and hazardous materials, which was very informative. I think I will follow your lead and switch to Gamsol. This is beginning to sound like a commercial. But I'm serious, I am glad you pointed out the flash point because that is particularly worrisome in the summer. I think of all the times I left my painting things in the hot car!

Dear Alex,

I use Gamsol (when I use solvent); it's a superior solvent. It has good working properties, and is "odorless" because it evaporates so slowly. One can leave a small amount poured out and uncovered for weeks. It tends to just sit there and not fume up the place. Since it has good fluid working properties it will evaporate and dry when applied thinly. In consistency it behaves like turpentine but dries much slower, giving a much longer open time.

Most of the time I need no solvent for painting and cleaning brushes, because I use Walnut Oil. What could be safer and less toxic? On occasion I will use Gamsol, but most of the time the M. Graham Co. Walnut Oil is perfect. They make a nifty non-toxic Walnut Alkyd Medium too, which is well worth a tryout. Thanks Claudemir for the informative link below.

I once used Turpenoid Natural about six years ago, and it was a huge mistake. Its syrup-like consistency may keep your brushes from drying and freezing up, but it is no good as an additive to paint, as it won't allow it to dry.

By the way this is a compelling and powerful portrait! (I have seen it in life.)

Garth

Hi Alex,

Did you try walnut oil?
There's a topic here that will give some light on the subject.
http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=2761

Oh, I forgot about walnut oil! Probably because I didn't realize it was a solvent! Garth, I do remember you mentioning you used it. OK, now I'm going to read up about it. Thank you both.

Garth, see how long it took me to get good slides of this portrait! You saw it when I had just finished it.

Alex

Alexandra, I am a little slow to comment but I wanted to tell you that I am impressed by this painting. I especially love the simplicity of the composition, the way the flowers create depth, and your brush strokes must have been placed by angels.

Lisa, you made my day! Maybe there is an angelic part of my personality that I never knew about. And thanks so much for posting your comments. I don't think of them as "late."

Alex