Cleaning A Paint Brush With Mineral Spirits



A 2-litre (3.5 imp pt) container of white spirit

In this video I will be showing you how I clean oil based paint off my paint brushes - using a simple technique that uses very little white spirit - and AMAZ. With most of the primer scraped away, and the rest of it completely softened, I followed up with my normal routine for cleaning oil-based products — pour mineral spirits onto the brush, work in thoroughly, squeeze as much out into a paper towel as possible, put a generous amount of grease-fighting dishwashing liquid onto the brush, work into. 4.2/5 (5,206 Views. 22 Votes) Use a clean abrasive pad dipped in Citristrip® Paint Stripper After Wash or Klean-Strip® Odorless Mineral Spirits to loosen remaining stubborn bits of paint. When the wood looks clear of all finish, clean the surface of all residue with soft cloths dipped in Citristrip® Paint. Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions to select the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.). Pour the solvent into a container and dip the paint brush into the solvent. Work thinner through the brush bristles, dipping up and down in container several times. Klean-Strip® Odorless Mineral Spirits is a premium, highly re?ned solvent formula which effectively thins and blends well into oil-based paint, stain and varnish. It is very low odor, dries with no residue, and is an excellent cleaner for brushes and equipment.

White spirit (UK)[note 1] or mineral spirits (US, Canada), also known as mineral turpentine (AU/NZ), turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirits, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting.[1] There are also terms for specific kinds of mineral spirits, including Stoddard solvent and solvent naphtha (petroleum). Mineral spirits are often used as a paint thinner, or as a component thereof, though paint thinner is a broader category of solvent. Odorless mineral spirits (OMS) have been refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds, and are recommended for applications such as oil painting.

A mixture of aliphatic, open-chain or alicyclic C7 to C12hydrocarbons, white spirit is insoluble in water and is used as an extraction solvent, as a cleaning solvent, as a degreasing solvent and as a solvent in aerosols, paints, wood preservatives, lacquers, varnishes, and asphalt products. In western Europe about 60% of the total white spirit consumption is used in paints, lacquers and varnishes.[1] White spirit is the most widely used solvent in the paint industry. In households, white spirit is commonly used to clean paint brushes after use, to clean auto parts and tools, as a starter fluid for charcoal grills, to remove adhesive residue from non-porous surfaces, and many other common tasks.

The word 'mineral' in 'mineral spirits' or 'mineral turpentine' is meant to distinguish it from distilled spirits (distilled directly from fermented grains and fruit) or from true turpentine (distilled tree resin).

Types and grades[edit]

Three different types and three different grades of white spirit exist. The type refers to whether the solvent has been subjected to hydrodesulfurization (removal of sulfur) alone (type 1), solvent extraction (type 2) or hydrogenation (type 3).[2]

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Each type comprises three grades: low flash grade, regular grade, and high flash grade (flash refers to flash point). The grade is determined by the crude oil used as the starting material and the conditions of distillation.[2]

In addition there is type 0, which is defined as distillation fraction with no further treatment, consisting predominantly of saturated C9 to C12 hydrocarbons with a boiling range of 140–200 °C (284–392 °F).[3]

Stoddard solvent is a specific mixture of hydrocarbons, typically over 65% C10 or higher hydrocarbons,[4] developed in 1924 by Atlanta dry cleaner W. J. Stoddard and Lloyd E. Jackson of the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research as a less flammable petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent than the petroleum solvents then in use.[5][6] Dry cleaners began using the result of their work in 1928 and it soon became the predominant dry cleaning solvent in the United States, until the late 1950s.[7]

Turpentine substitute is generally not made to a standard and can have a wider range of components than products marketed as white spirit, which is made to a standard (in the UK, British Standard BS 245, in Germany, DIN 51632). Turpentine substitute can be used for general cleaning but is not recommended for paint thinning as it may adversely affect drying times due to the less volatile components; while it may be used for brush cleaning its heavier components may leave an oily residue.

In Australia, white spirit is normally sold under the generic name of Shellite (a trademark of Shell Australia), and is composed of C6 to C10 straight alkanes, classing it as light pure naphtha. It is used for fuel and cleaning.[citation needed]

Chemical numbers[edit]

CASEINECSNameDescriptive nameRef
8030-30-6232-443-2Naphtha
8052-41-3232-489-3Stoddard solventStoddard solvent is a North American term corresponding to white spirit type 1[3]
64742-88-7265-191-7white spirit type 0medium aliphatic solvent naphtha (petroleum)[3]
64742-82-1265-185-4white spirit type 1hydrodesulphurized heavy naphtha (petroleum)[3]
64741-92-0265-095-5white spirit type 2solvent-refined heavy naphtha (petroleum)[3]
64742-48-9265-150-3white spirit type 3hydrotreated heavy naphtha (petroleum)[3]

Physical properties[edit]

Type 1 white spirit is mainly used in most of Europe and Stoddard solvent is used in the US, both of which correspond to each other.[3]

Cleaning
White spirit types 1–3 physical properties[1]
PropertyT1: Low flashT2: RegularT3: High flash
Initial boiling point (IBP)130–144 °C (266–291 °F)145–174 °C (293–345 °F)–175–200 °C (347–392 °F)
Final boiling pointIBP+21 °C (70 °F), max. 220 °C (428 °F)
Average relative molecular mass140150160
Relative density 15 °C (59 °F)0.7650.7800.795
Flash point21–30 °C (70–86 °F)31–54 °C (88–129 °F)> 55 °C (131 °F)
Vapour pressure kPa at 20 °C (68 °F)1.40.60.1
Volatilityn-butyl acetate = 10.470.150.04
Autoignition temperature240 °C (464 °F)240 °C (464 °F)230 °C (446 °F)
Explosion limits (Flammable Range) % by volume in air0.6–6.50.6–6.50.6–8
Vapour density air=14.5–54.5–54.5–5
Refractive index at 20 °C (68 °F)1.41–1.441.41–1.441.41–1.44
Viscosity cps, 25 °C (77 °F)0.74–1.650.74–1.650.74–1.65
Solubility % by weight in water< 0.1< 0.1< 0.1
Kauri-butanol value29–3329–3329–33
Aniline point60–75 °C (140–167 °F)60–75 °C (140–167 °F)60–75 °C (140–167 °F)
Reactivityreaction with strong oxidizing agents
Odor threshold mg/m30.5–64
Paint

Use[edit]

White Spirit is a petroleum distillate used as a paint thinner and mild solvent. In industry, mineral spirits are used for cleaning and degreasing machine tools and parts, and in conjunction with cutting oil as a thread cutting and reaminglubricant.

Mineral spirits are an inexpensive petroleum-based replacement for the vegetable-based turpentine. It is commonly used as a paint thinner for oil-based paint and cleaning brushes, and as an organic solvent in other applications. Mineral turpentine is chemically very different from turpentine, which mainly consists of pinene, and it has inferior solvent properties.[8][failed verification] Artists use mineral spirits as an alternative to turpentine since it is less flammable and less toxic. Because of interactions with pigments in oil paints, artists require a higher grade of mineral spirits than many industrial users, including the complete absence of residual sulfur.

Mineral spirits were formerly an active ingredient in the laundry soap Fels Naptha, used to dissolve oils and grease in laundry stains, and as a popular remedy for eliminating the irritant oil urushiol in poison ivy. It was removed as a potential health risk.

Mineral spirits have a characteristic unpleasant kerosene-like odor. Chemical manufacturers have developed a low odor version of mineral turpentine which contains less of the highly volatile shorter hydrocarbons.[9]Odorless mineral spirits are mineral spirits that have been further refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds, and are recommended for applications such as oil painting, where humans have close contact with the solvent.

In screen printing (also referred to as silk-screening), mineral spirits are often used to clean and unclog screens after printing with oil-based textile and plastisol inks. They are also used to thin inks used in making monoprints.

Mineral spirits are often used inside liquid-filled compasses and gauges.[10]

Mineral spirits are used for regripping golf clubs. After the old grip is removed, the mineral spirits are poured into the new grip and shaken. After the mineral spirits are poured on, the new underlying tape and the new grip are slid on. After an hour of drying out, the new grip and club are ready to use.[citation needed]

Although white spirit is used as an alternative to kerosene in portable stoves[citation needed], this is not advisable as typical grades of white spirit have a lower flash point than kerosene. It cannot be used as an alternative to white gas, which is a much more volatile gasoline-like fuel.

White spirits are a major ingredient in some popular automotive fuel/oil additives, such as Marvel Mystery Oil, as they are capable of dissolving varnish and sludge buildup.[11]

Mineral spirits are commonly used for cutting fluid in ultraprecision lathes (commonly referred to as diamond turning machines).[citation needed]

Toxicity[edit]

White spirit is mainly classed as an irritant. It has a fairly low acute toxicity by inhalation of the vapour, dermal (touching the skin) and oral (ingestion) routes. However, acute exposure can lead to central nervous system depression resulting in lack of coordination and slowed reactions. Exposure to very high concentrations in enclosed spaces can lead to general narcotic effects (drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, etc.) and can eventually lead to unconsciousness. Oral ingestion presents a high aspiration hazard. Prolonged or repeated skin exposure over a long period of time can result in severe irritant dermatitis, also called contact dermatitis.[2]

Continuous exposure to an average white spirit concentration of 240 mg/m3 (40 ppm) for more than 13 years can lead to chronic central nervous system effects. Similar long-term studies have been made in which some of the observed effects included memory impairment, poor concentration, increased irritability etc. White spirit is implicated in the development of chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) among house painters. In severe cases CTE may lead to disability and personality changes.[2][3] These effects in painters were first studied in 1970s in the Nordic countries.[3]

Owing to the volatility and low bioavailability of its constituents, white spirit, although it is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms, is unlikely to present significant hazards to the environment. It should not however, be purposely poured down the sink or freshwater drain.[2]

People can be exposed to Stoddard solvent in the workplace by breathing it in, swallowing it, skin contact, and eye contact. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit (Permissible exposure limit) for Stoddard solvent exposure in the workplace as 500 ppm (2900 mg/m3) over an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a Recommended exposure limit (REL) of 350 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workday and 1800 mg/m3 over 15 minutes. At levels of 20,000 mg/m3, Stoddard solvent is immediately dangerous to life and health.[12]

See also[edit]

  • Naphtha, a combination of aliphatic hydrocarbons C5–C12
  • Coleman fuel, a form of white gas used as a stove fuel

Footnotes[edit]

Cleaning A Paint Brush With Mineral Spirits Vs

Cleaning A Paint Brush With Mineral Spirits
  1. ^Primarily in the United Kingdom. In Australia and New Zealand 'white spirit' can also refer to Coleman fuel (white gas).

References[edit]

  1. ^ abc'White spirit (EHC 187, 1996)'. www.inchem.org. Geneva: World Health Organization. 1996. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  2. ^ abcde'White spirit (HSG 103, 1996)'. www.inchem.org. 1996. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  3. ^ abcdefghiEuropean Chemical Agency: Committee for Risk Assessment, 'Annex 1 – Background document to RAC opinion on white spirit', p. 5, adopted 10 June 2011.
  4. ^'STODDARD SOLVENT'. hazard.com. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  5. ^Environmental law handbook. Sullivan, Thomas F. P., Bell, Christopher L. (21st ed.). Lanham, Md.: Government Institutes. 2011. ISBN9781605907253. OCLC757405855.CS1 maint: others (link)
  6. ^'A Chronology of Historical Developments in Drycleaning'(PDF). drycleancoalition.org. State Coalition for Remediation of Drycleaners. 2007.
  7. ^'Cleaning Up the Dry Cleaning Standard'. www.nfpa.org. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  8. ^Dieter Stoye “Solvents” in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry2002, Wiley-VCH, Wienheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a24_437
  9. ^'Mineral Turpentine (Low Odour) Product Sheet'(PDF). Retrieved 2011-04-30.
  10. ^'The Prince of Guides'. Boating Magazine: 24. September 2004.
  11. ^'National Transportation Safety Board Incident Report'. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
  12. ^'CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Stoddard solvent'. www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-11-21.

External links[edit]

  • ICPS safety sheet White Spirit (Stoddard Solvent) – World Health Organization
  • Environmental Health Criteria 187 – World Health Organization
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Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=White_spirit&oldid=1017903140'

Cleaning A Paint Brush With Mineral Spirits Pictures

Follow these simple steps to properly clean paint brushes after your next do-it-yourself project.

Photo: istockphoto.com

An investment in high-quality paint brushes is wasted if they are not properly cleaned and stored after use. Indeed, rushing through the end of a paint job can leave you with flecks of paint in your brushes—which will lead to an imperfect finish on your next project—as well as misshapen bristles. So invest the extra two minutes it takes to do the job right and follow this guide on how to clean paint brushes.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
– Newspapers
– Mineral spirits
– Turpentine
– Mild liquid dish soap
– Small plastic buckets
– Paint brush and roller spinner
– Rags

The Right Way to Clean Paint Brushes

Photo: istockphoto.com

  1. Use up what paint remains on your brush on whatever you are painting.
    Press the bristles against the inside of the paint can, and lift it up and out as you do—that will squeeze out more paint. Paint away the rest on newspapers, because cleaning a brush is made easier if you remove as much of the paint from its bristles as possible.
  2. Next, examine the can of paint, and use the appropriate sol­vent.
    The right solvent makes the job easy by loosening dried paint, but the wrong one will probably be no help at all. Fill a small bucket with one of the following depending on the type of paint you’ve used:
    • Mineral spirits or turpentine to remove oil-based paint
    • Hot water and mild liquid dish soap to clean paint brushes that have been used to apply latex paint
  3. Immerse the paint brush in the solvent.
    Stir the solvent with the brush for about 10 seconds, wiping and squeezing the bristles on the sides of the container. Work the bristles between your fingers, and run a brush comb through them to remove excess paint without damaging the bristles. If some of the paint has begun to dry on the brush, soaking the brush may be necessary.
  4. Wash it in warm soapy water in a utility sink or bucket.
    Once the paint has been removed from the brush, warm soapy water will clean the brush of the sol­vent and remaining paint.
  5. Shake or spin the paintbrushes dry.
    Before you store your paint brushes, you’ll want to remove all of the water from their bristles. Many DIYers will do so by shaking the brush at the top of a bucket and then blotting the brush dry with a clean rag or news­paper.

    But, for those that have plans to do a lot of painting and wish to preserve their tools, a brush and roller spinner will come in handy. This dual-purpose tool will speed-dry either type of paint applicators using centrifugal force. Just attach a paint brush to the bottom of the tool, then pump the top several times to spin it and fling all water off the business end of the brush.

  6. When storing paint brushes, hang them up or lay them flat.
    Hanging paint tools from a pegboard in your workshop or craft room is not only a great organizational method, but it ensures that the brush’s bristles don’t get bent out of shape stuffed in a bin somewhere. Replace the packaging on your paint brush to maintain its form and prolong its useful lifespan.

How To Clean Your Paint Brush With Mineral Spirits

Photo: istockphoto.com