Is turpentine the same as mineral spirits?

Answer by  worker9275 (89)

Turpentine is wood based and is derived from distilling sap from certain trees. It creates a lot of fumes and has fallen out of favor as a solvent because it has a pungent odor. Mineral spirits are derived from petroleum products and are relatively odor free. Both are commonly used in painting to thin out paints.

Answer by  lwarlick (121)

No although they are both solvents/dilutents. Turpentine is tree resin based with a fast evaporation rate, mineral spirits are petroleum based with a moderate evaporation rate. Turpentine can be artist or industrial strength depending on the amount of impurities. It should be colorless. Mineral spirits tend to have less of a reaction on skin for most people.

Answer by  Sylvia (759)

No. Turpentine is a wood based product generally obtained from the resin of pine trees. It can be used to make varnishes. Mineral Spirits is a petroleum based product which is used as a paint thinner and degreaser for machine parts. It is also less toxic and flammable than turpentine.