What is the Difference Between Mineral Spirits and Denatured Alcohol?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between mineral spirits and denatured alcohol lies in their composition:
- Mineral Spirits: These are made from petroleum, a type of fossil fuel found underground, and are refined to create various products, including mineral spirits. Mineral spirits are used for thinning oil-based products like paint, stains, and finishes. They have low acute toxicity and are slower evaporating, making them suitable for residential use.
- Denatured Alcohol: This is made from ethanol, which is derived from plants. Denatured alcohol is typically used to thin shellac and is a good choice for cleaning or working with shellac finishes. It has high toxicity and is known to be smelly and toxic.
In summary, denatured alcohol is a plant-based solvent that is good for thinning shellac, while mineral spirits are a petroleum-based solvent better suited for thinning oil-based paints and cleaning surfaces.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Mineral Spirits and Denatured Alcohol? Comparative Table: Mineral Spirits vs Denatured Alcohol
Comparative Table: Mineral Spirits vs Denatured Alcohol
The main differences between mineral spirits and denatured alcohol are their composition and uses. Here is a table comparing the two:
Feature | Mineral Spirits | Denatured Alcohol |
---|---|---|
Composition | Petroleum-based, made from refining crude oil | Ethanol-based, derived from plants, with added additives to make it toxic and unfit for consumption |
Appearance | Clear | Violet color |
Uses | Better for thinning oil-based paints, stains, and finishes | Good for cleaning or working with shellac finishes, and thinning shellac |
Toxicity | Low acute toxicity | High toxicity due to added additives |
Both mineral spirits and denatured alcohol are solvents, but they have different compositions and applications. Mineral spirits are petroleum-based and better suited for thinning oil-based products, while denatured alcohol is ethanol-based and used primarily for cleaning or working with shellac finishes.
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