What Is Paint Thinner?
A paint thinner is a chemical that thins and cleans away oil-based paints, stains and finishes. With paint thinner you can:
- Thin oil-based paints, stains or finishes to create a smoother finish
- Thin oil-based paints or stains for use with paint sprayers
- Clean up fresh spills of oil-based paints or stains
- Clean oil-based paints, stains and finishes from brushes, rollers and accessories
Paint Thinners and Safety
Follow all instructions and safety precautions when using a paint thinner. In general:
- Use protective gear as specified by the manufacturer, including eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear the manufacturer-specified respirator.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Use and store paint thinner away from ignition sources and anything that can generate sparks.
Some paint thinners are known to be hazardous. Read the label carefully before use and follow all precautions and instructions as outlined.
VOC emissions standards prohibit sales of some household consumer products, including some paint thinner formulations, in select States and jurisdictions. Check your local and state laws before buying or using any paint thinner for your project. Lowe’s offers VOC compliant paint thinner formulations in most regulated jurisdictions.
Paint Thinners vs. Solvents
Paint thinner is a type of solvent for oil-based paints and finishes, but there are other solvents that are formulated for thinning paints, coatings, epoxies and adhesives. While all products aren’t available in all areas, common solvents include:
- Acetone: Dissolves finishes and adhesives and cleans metal surfaces
- Lacquer Thinner: Thins lacquer finishes
- Odorless Mineral Spirits: Suitable for thinning oil-based paints for art and fine woodworking projects
- Turpentine: Thins and cleans oil-based art paints
- Xylene: Thins and dissolves some industrial finishes and adhesives
Read and follow the instructions for the solvent you’re using. See our guide to paint strippers, removers and thinners to learn about these and other paint removal products.
Tips for Using Paint Thinner
We’ve got general instructions for thinning paint, cleaning up new spills and cleaning paint tools, but always follow the instructions for the products you use.
When thinning or cleaning up paint, use a container that won’t be affected by the paint thinner.
How to Use Paint Thinner to Thin Paint
Not all projects require paint thinner, but if the paint or finish is too thick to apply properly, a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of paint to paint thinner is common. If you’re using a paint sprayer, follow the paint and sprayer manufacturers’ ratio recommendations.
- Make sure the paint is at room temperature.
- Gradually mix the paint and paint thinner in a container.
- Apply the paint to a small area, allow it to dry, and apply a second coat if recommended.
- Add paint if the mixture runs or doesn’t provide good coverage; add thinner if the paint doesn’t apply evenly.
- Once you have the right consistency, continue with your painting project.
How to Use Paint Thinner to Clean Up Paint Spills
Paint thinner can clean up oil paint spills if the paint is still wet. Just make sure the thinner is suitable for the surface you’re cleaning.
- Use a paint scraper or putty knife to scoop up as much wet paint as possible.
- Blot up — don’t wipe — the paint with a cloth.
- Apply a small amount of paint thinner to a clean cloth and wipe up the remaining residue.
- Repeat the application if necessary.
- Wash the area with warm soapy water and allow it to dry.
Paint thinner won’t remove dried paint spills or strip cured paint effectively. Match a paint stripper or paint remover to your paint and surface and follow the instructions. See our guides on removing paint spills from concrete and stripping paint from wood for tips.
How to Clean Oil-Based Paint Tools With Paint Thinner
Brushes and rollers you use with oil-based paint require paint thinner for cleanup. Here’s how to use paint thinner to clean a paint brush so it’s ready for your next paint project.
- Run the brush back and forth across a piece of scrap cardboard or wood to remove as much paint as possible.
- Pour a small amount of paint thinner into a container.
- Swirl the brush back and forth in the container, then blot the brush on newspaper or paper towels and repeat if necessary.
- Use a brush comb to remove remaining paint from the bristles.
- Wash the brush with warm, soapy water, rinse and allow it to dry.
- Protect the bristles by wrapping them with paper towels.
How to Store and Dispose of Paint Thinner
You can typically reuse paint thinner if you store it properly.
- Allow the solids to settle in the container you used for cleaning.
- Pour the clear paint thinner back into the original container and close the cap tightly.
- Store the container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from children, pets, sources of ignition and anything that can create sparks.
- Pour the remaining residue into a container as recommended by the product instructions and take it to a local hazardous waste management facility for disposal.
Never pour paint thinner down a drain, storm drain or onto the ground.