10 Best Alternatives to Paint Thinner

I started painting my first art project last Sunday, and I realized that the paint was too thick for the job. It was a challenging situation since I was strapped for cash and my favorite store was closed for the weekend.

I did not stop my project to wait for the paint thinner from the local hardware store. I decided to seek an alternative to paint thinner that solves the problem. Most paint thinner substitutes are everyday household products.

We have compiled a list of the ten best alternatives to paint thinner with you. These easy substitutions are not complicated or scary and can help you accomplish the task. Keep reading to learn when and why you need paint thinner.

What Is Paint Thinner?

Paint thinner is a solvent used to reduce the viscosity of oil-based paints, primers, and stains by dissolving them. But people use paint thinners for different purposes.

Mineral spirits and turpentine are examples of paint thinners. These solvents are derived from petroleum, and others are alcohol-based products.

Paint thinners are not ideal for use with latex paints and finishes. These thinners only work well with oil-based paints. Every user needs to exercise precautions when handling paint thinners.

Most paint thinners are flammable and need proper storage. Be sure to dispose of the rags and leftovers well to avoid unnecessary combustion.

When And Why You Need Paint Thinner?

Many people use paint thinners for different purposes. The leading role of these solvents is to reduce the thickness of oil-based paints.

Paint thinner contains hazardous chemical ingredients to cause many negative health problems. I recommend using a natural-based option to eliminate the emission of risks.

Below are the reasons for the need for paint thinners:

1. Reduce Paint Viscosity

Different paint thinners have a specific application. Most paint thinners help reduce water-based paint thickness for easy usage or application.

But oil-based paint and latex paints may require different products to thin the paint. I recommend reading the paint thinner specifications before using it.

Besides that, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid deteriorating and affecting the quality of your paint when mixing with these solvents.

2. Clean Brushes and Applicators

Brushes are the ideal instrument for applying paint to art projects. But they usually get stained and will require thorough cleaning before storage.

I recommend partially filling three different containers with the paint thinners. Rinse the brushes and applicators in each container until all the stains are removed.

Be sure to use paint thinner formulated to remove certain paint types. Oil-based paint cannot be removed by a regular paint thinner.

3. Extend Paint Life

Most paints are vulnerable to solidification when left for over an extended time. The rubbery substance will render your paint useless in the long run.

Mixing paint with paint thinner in the correct ratio make it last longer. The solvent will inhibit the paint from turning into a rubbery substance.

4. Cleaning Spills and Splatters

Paint spillages and splatters are inevitable when applying to your art projects. These spills and splatters can ruin your floor if not removed.

Use paint thinners formulated to dissolve the paint type to wipe up the spills and splatters. The solvent will make your workstation clean and free from stains.

5. Degrease Surfaces

Denature alcohol and acetone solvents contain enzymes that dissolve greasy substances. If your workstation floor is greasy, I recommend applying paint thinner.

The ingredients in these solvents will degrease the surfaces. Be sure to use the appropriate solvent to remove the grease on your garage floor.

See Also:Why Does Paint Crack?

Best Alternatives to Paint Thinner

Commercial-based paint thinners contain hazardous chemicals that cause several negative health effects. Many people prefer homemade paint thinner to clean brushes and applicators.

Besides that, most paint thinner alternatives are safe for use. Below are the ten best alternatives to paint thinner:

Regular Vinegar

This household product is the perfect option for reducing the oil-based thickness since it does not ruin the paint pigment due to its colorless nature.

Regular vinegar contains certain ingredients ideal for reducing the paint viscosity. You will need to get the correct vinegar amount before mixing it with your paint.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Do not ruin the paint pigment.
Excellent for reducing oil-based paint viscosity.
Readily available since it is a household product.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Takes time to reduce the paint viscosity.
Needs some expertise in mixing ratios.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Distilled Water

It is the most underrated paint thinner alternative in the world. Distilled water is an excellent thinner for reducing acrylic and latex paint thickness.

The combo lacks minerals that are known for lowering the paint quality and its pigment. It helps create a perfect consistency that makes the painting tasks look easier for better results.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]It is easier to strike a balance when mixing with paints.
Do not affect the paint quality since it lacks minerals.
Suitable for all types of oil-based paints.[/i2pros][i2cons]Works well under room temperature.
Getting a consistent paint mixture can be challenging.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Getting a consistent paint mixture can be challenging

Mineral Spirits

The paint thinner is also known as turpentine due to its ability to reduce oil-based paint viscosity. It contains certain ingredients ideal for breaking down strong bonds to reduce the paint thickness.

We recommend mixing paints with mineral spirits in a well-ventilated space. The process usually results in the release of fumes that might irritate your eyes and affect your breathing.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Act quickly to reduce the paint thickness.
Suitable also for cleaning surfaces with unwanted paints.
Work well with all types of oil-based paints.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Releases toxic fumes when mixing with paints.
Mineral spirits have acidic content that might be aggressive to the skin.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Acetone

Acetone is a type of nail paint remover that can also work as an excellent paint thinner alternative for oil-based paints. The thinner comes in different pigments to suit the job type.

Colorless acetone is the best option for reducing the oil-based paint thickness. But it will emit some toxic fumes that might irritate your eyes and affect the breathing system.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]It is a versatile thinner due to its many functions.
Perfect paint thinner for acrylic and many other oil-based paints.
Can also be used to clean unwanted paints from the surfaces. [/i2pros][i2cons]Releases toxic fumes when mixing with the paints.
Its pigment might distort the paint quality.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Linseed and Lemon

These household products are excellent combos for making paint thinner alternatives. They contain certain components ideal for reducing the paint thickness.

Linseed oil and lemon juice ingredients will break down the oil-paint bonds to reduce their viscosity to facilitate easy painting work.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Suitable for reducing the thickness of oil-based paints.
Do not affect the quality and pigment of paints.
Super easy to extract linseed oil and lemon juice.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Limited to specific oil-based paints.
Quite tiresome to extract and prepare the paint thinner.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Baby Oil

It is another best alternative to paint thinner due to its ability to reduce the viscosity of oil-based paints. It contains ingredients that increase drying time and improve paint sheen levels.

Proper baby oil and paint ratio will help attain appropriate consistency. It will make the painting tasks look easier for better results.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Improves the paint sheen level.
Compatible with different types of oil-based paints.[/i2pros][i2cons]Can distort the paint pigment.
Increase the paint drying time.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Vegetable Oil Or Sunflower

Another best alternative to commercial paint thinners since they can also be used to reduce the thickness of oil-based paints.

We recommend using vegetable or sunflower oil with colorless pigment to avoid distorting the paint colors. Too much vegetable oil will increase the paint drying time.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Suitable for thinning different types of oil paints.
Helps improve the paint sheen levels and appearance.[/i2pros][i2cons]Increase the paint drying time due to the reduced evaporation rate.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Isopropyl Alcohol

The paint thinner alternative is suitable for reducing the latex oil paint viscosity. It can also be used to remove stubborn paint stains from unwanted surfaces.

Its ingredients have the ability to break down strong bonds in the paints to reduce their thickness before using them. But these components can be aggressive to the skin and eyes.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Excellent for reducing the thickness of oil paints.
Ideal for cleaning surfaces with stubborn oil paint stains.
Compatible with different types of oil paints.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Its ingredients are aggressive to the skin and eyes.
Makes the paint peel or crack due to its fast drying rate. [/i2cons][/i2pc]

Concoction

A concoction of dish soap, water, and alcohol can result in a combo ideal for reducing the latex paint thickness. These ingredients will result in a consistent paint suitable for different projects.

You will be expected to get the correct ratios for these ingredients to prepare the best paint thinner alternative. The alcohol content tends to cause a skin drying effect.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Do not distort the paint quality and pigment.
Results in a consistent paint suitable for numerous projects.
Reduces the paint drying time on your projects. [/i2pros][i2cons]Alcohol content causes a skin drying effect.
Tap water may distort the paint pigment due to the minerals. [/i2cons][/i2pc]

Gas

This petroleum distillate can also help reduce the viscosity of different types of oil paints. Gas contains several properties ideal for dissolving different solutes.

Remember that this solvent is highly flammable and needs a high level of precautions when thinning the oil-based paints.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Excellent for reducing the thickness of different types of oil paints.
The solvent lacks ingredients that will distort the paint quality and pigment.[/i2pros][i2cons]Highly flammable to use near fire sources.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Final Words

Oil paints come in different forms, and each type requires a specific thinner to reduce its viscosity before painting.

Every painter needs to read the oil paint instructions to pick the appropriate solvent. Oil-based paints require thinners with enzymes to break down the oil.

Use regular thinners to reduce the thickness of water-based paints. Ensure the chosen thinner does not increase the sheen level of the paint.

I hope the information will help you pick the best alternative to paint thinners. Feel free to share this article with your friends and family.