Mineral Spirits is the US term for petroleum based paint thinners such as White Spirit and household Turpentine Substitute. As well as thinning paint, they can be used to clean studio equipment and brushes and even to achieve blending effects with some pencil techniques and pens. Some Mineral Spirits are also available as odourless or low odour solvents.
It should be noted that, although less toxic and flammable than genuine turpentine, which is a natural solvent derived from pine resin, Mineral Spirits evaporate quickly away from a painted surface making the bond between oil paint and surface less stable. This may have detrimental effects on the painting over time.
