Mineral Spirits

[John Reidy]

I should know this but I must admit my lack of knowledge on this subject.

I have been working under the idea that Turpenoid is an odorless mineral spirit. I have used this in the past for clean up and for thinning a final varnish.

Is this a good idea?

[Michele Rushworth]

It's not the same stuff and I've heard bad things about it.

[John Reidy]

Thanks, Michelle,

What brand do you use?

Anyone else have any opinions on Turpenoid?

[Michele Rushworth]

I use Gamsol mineral spirits because I understand it 's less flammable than other brands.

[John Reidy]

Thanks, again, Michele,

One question regarding Gamsol. I read that it is not compatable when reducing Damvar varnish. I don't use Damvar but I wonder if you have heard the same.

[Richard Monro]

Pick your poison.

Turpentine is a distilled organic fluid obtained by the complex distillation of resin obtained from trees, mainly various species of pine. It is flammable and volatile.

Turpenoid is a distilled mineral spirit usually made from a petroleum base. It is reasonably nonflammable and has low volatility.

Ingesting either is bad. On the inhalant side turpentine is the bad actor.

Being a tree resin like damar, turpentine works well when mixed with damar. Turpenoid does not.