Mineral Turpentine
Mineral Turpentine is a clear, colourless liquid hydrocarbon often referred to as “turps”. The flashpoint is 31 ºC and the boiling range is 148-200 ºC, with a specific gravity between 0.78-0.82. Mineral turps is characterised as having good solvency with controlled evaporation, leaving little to no residue on drying.
Mineral Turpentine Uses
Mineral turps has a wide variety of uses because it is such a versatile product. It can be used to thin out oil-based paint, which is achieved when following the instructions of the paint supplier (it can vary between suppliers). The solvent can be used to remove waxes and polishes, as it is a great degreasing solvent used in different products such as paints, lacquers, varnishes, and asphalt. It is a great degreaser for tools, parts, and machinery. Often turps can be referred to as “paint clean up” as it assists with cleaning any split paint, cleans paint brushes and painting equipment.
Mineral Turpentine vs. Methylated Spirits
Mineral turpentine is considered to have more solvency than methylated spirits. This means that it has the greater ability to dissolve with other solvents. Turpentine is considered to be more dangerous than methylated spirits as it is highly flammable and can irritate the skin and eyes. Indifference, methylated spirits are referred to as grain alcohol, so it is not a petroleum-based product like mineral turps.
