Turpentine vs mineral spirits

[JHZR2]

I had a thread last weekend about sloppy paint work that the last owner got on the finished wood trim in our home.

Some of the wood I cannot remove to strip/refinish because of intricate joints that I am afraid may break. Some don't need that level of effort to get clean.

So I've tried a few things on these pieces. Goof off really didnt work, mineral spirits were ok, and turpentine, though stinky, worked seemingly the best.

But my question is besides the stink, what are the pros and cons of turpentine vs Kerala spirits?

Mineral spirits seem to make a white film of what I assume is solvated paint onto surfaces I've worked with it, after the spirits dry. Turpentine doesn't seem to do this, though it may just be how much junk is caught up in my rag.

Still, would appreciate recommendations about what is best and why. Also if there are tips on using either.

Thanks!

 

[bluestream]

Have you tried a heat gun?

 

[Shannow]

By turpentine, do you mean genuine gum turpentine ?

We've got "gum" turpentine, and "mineral" turpentine available down here. Gum is smellier in a nice way, and has more "variety"of hydrocarbons in it, so makes a better solvent (It's what I use in Ed's Red).

To that end, eucalyptus can add some solvent action to stuff as well. (I use a 50:50 mix of 20% con tea tree and lavender to clean whiteboards, phone grim, keyboards etc.)

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
By turpentine, do you mean genuine gum turpentine ?

We've got "gum" turpentine, and "mineral" turpentine available down here. Gum is smellier in a nice way, and has more "variety"of hydrocarbons in it, so makes a better solvent (It's what I use in Ed's Red).

To that end, eucalyptus can add some solvent action to stuff as well. (I use a 50:50 mix of 20% con tea tree and lavender to clean whiteboards, phone grim, keyboards etc.)


Gum spirits is what is sold at our Home Depot.

 

[spackard]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_stripper

 

[JHZR2]

Im not using a paint stripper, Im using a solvent, specifically mineral spirits and/or turpentine to carefully, selectively remove sloppy paint jobs. Some pieces I do not care to actually strip.

 

[mechtech2]

They won't work on latex paint.
Sanding by hand is best.
And wood fillers and Bondo can help bad joints, etc.
Don't use caulk - it can't be sanded . People fill nail holes with it, and it shows up horrid.

 

[GMBoy]

I don't know the answer but I just wanted to say that you really do post the most interesting topics!

 

[BrianWC]

My masters thesis was on turpentine production.... True story... Does that mean I know the answer to the question...? Nope, lol.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
I don't know the answer but I just wanted to say that you really do post the most interesting topics!



I thought everything I posted was rude nonsense!

 

[JHZR2]

BTW, I think I was nearly high on turpentine yesterday, despite lots of fans blowing and all. Word to the wise - get the carbon-filled 3M masks from Home Depot if working with that stuff. It is good solvent, but boy can it stink up the place!