mineral spirits, turpentine, naptha, etc.

[Ron Evers, Beeton, ON]

Hi all:

There has been quite a bit of discussion recently on both this and the other Canadian forum about finish thinners. Well, our son-in-law gave me a stack of magazines today to peruse (on loan) and one caught my eye with an article “Complete guide to thinners”.

It looks like I will save my money in the future and buy mineral spirits/paint thinner instead of turpentine, the two of which can be used interchangeably. It turns out that turps (more expensive and what I have been using) is variable in rosin content and the rosin content is not declared on the label. A high rosin content may leave a soft finish.

For the article see “Fine Woodworking”, October 2001. It has helped me.

Best Regards, Ron.

[William Young]

[Al in Toronto]

I've read that if a finish can be cleaned up with mineral spirits, then it safe to use it as a thinner. Same goes for water-based finishes as well.

Disclaimer: I've never tried, it's just what I've read. ;^)

Al

[Ron Evers, Beeton, ON]

Al, in the article you are warned against thinning water based finishes with water except in very small amounts.

Best Regards, Ron.