White spirit is a petroleum distillate made up of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons in the C7–C12 range. Different grades have varying aromatic hydrocarbon content, which affects their properties:
Type 0 (High Aromatic): A more aggressive solvent with a stronger odor.
Type 3 (Odorless): Produced by a process that removes most aromatic hydrocarbons, resulting in a product with a much milder odor but weaker solvency.
Flash Point Grades: Categorized as low, regular, or high flash point, which affects volatility and flammability.
Common uses
Paint and Varnish: A common solvent for thinning oil-based paints, varnishes, and enamels to improve consistency and brushability.
Cleaning Agent: Highly effective for cleaning brushes, rollers, and other painting tools. It is not suitable for water-based or acrylic paints.
Degreaser: Removes grease, oil, grime, and tar from metal tools, machine parts, and other surfaces in both automotive and industrial applications.
Adhesive Remover: Dissolves residue from adhesives, sealants, and stickers.
Wood Treatment: Used to remove old finishes or prepare a wooden surface for a new coating.
Art: Some artists use mineral spirits as a less toxic alternative to turpentine for oil painting.
