What is the Difference Between Mineral Spirits and Denatured Alcohol?

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.

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:

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.