Hey there! If you are wondering if Turpenoid and turpentine are the same thing then wonder no more! By the way, my pick is to use Turpenoid but let me do the convincing below as I explain why.
In this post I will cover all the basics for Turpenoid vs turpentine, I will explain:
- The origin of both Turpenoid and turpentine.
- Odor – how bad do both solvents smell or do they?
- Health Effects when using solvents such as Turpenoid and turpentine.
- Evaporation rates of Turpenoid and turpentine.
- What is each solvent used for.
Both Turpenoid and turpentine are solvents commonly used by artists for thinning oil-based paints and cleaning brushes. Although they serve similar purposes, they have distinct differences in terms of their chemical makeup, odor, and potential health effects.
In this comparison of turpenoid vs turpentine, we’ll explore the key differences between these two solvents to help you make an informed choice for your artistic needs.
Turpentine
Origin
Turpentine is a natural solvent distilled from the resin of pine trees. It has been used for centuries by artists and is sometimes considered a more traditional choice for oil painting.
Odor
Turpentine has a strong, pungent odor that can be overwhelming and even nauseating for some people. Working in a well-ventilated area is essential when using turpentine.
Health effects
Is turpentine toxic? Turpentine is considered to be more toxic than turpenoid. It contains high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems when inhaled. Additionally, turpentine can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated space, are important when using turpentine.
Evaporation rate
Turpentine evaporates relatively quickly compared to turpenoid, which can affect the drying time of your paint.
What is turpentine used for?
Turpentine is a natural solvent distilled from the resin of pine trees and has been used for centuries in various applications, particularly in the world of art. Here are some of the main uses of turpentine:
Thinning oil-based paints
Artists use turpentine to thin oil-based paints, adjusting the viscosity to achieve the desired consistency for specific painting techniques and effects. It allows for smoother application and better control over the paint.
Modifying drying times
Turpentine can also be used to alter the drying time of oil paint. By adjusting the amount of turpentine added to the paint, artists can control the drying process, giving them more flexibility while working.
Cleaning brushes and tools
Turpentine is effective in cleaning oil paint from brushes and other painting tools, such as painting knives and palettes. After a painting session, artists can use turpentine to remove paint residue and maintain the quality of their brushes, prolonging their lifespan.
As a medium
Artists often use turpentine as a medium in oil painting, mixing it with oil paint to create glazes or thin washes of color. This allows for greater control over the transparency, luminosity, and depth of the paint.
Removing paint from surfaces
Turpentine can be used to remove oil paint from various surfaces, such as palettes, painting knives, or even clothing. It can help dissolve the paint and make it easier to wipe or wash off.
Varnish and other applications
Outside of painting, turpentine is used as a solvent in varnishes, enamels, and other oil-based products. It’s also used in some cleaning products and as a raw material in the production of chemicals, such as resins and synthetic materials.
It smells and is toxic
Despite its many uses, turpentine has a strong, pungent odor that can be overwhelming for some people. I personally cannot stand it anymore, it gives me headaches. It’s also considered to be more toxic than some synthetic alternatives, such as Turpenoid, containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems when inhaled.
Additionally, turpentine can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it’s essential to use turpentine with caution, making sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves when handling the solvent.
Below is the Winsor & Newton distilled turpentine but you can also pick up the more generic version of turpentine from your local hardware store where it will be much cheaper and available in larger quantities.
Turpenoid
Origin
Made by Weber as a turpentine substitute, Turpenoid is a synthetic, petroleum-derived solvent that was developed as an alternative to turpentine. It is often referred to as an “odorless mineral spirit” or “turpentine substitute.”
Odor
As its name suggests, turpenoid has a much lower odor compared to turpentine. This makes it a more appealing option for artists who are sensitive to strong smells or work in poorly ventilated spaces.
Health effects
Is Turpenoid toxic? Turpenoid is generally considered to be less toxic than turpentine. It contains fewer harmful VOCs and is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. However, it’s still important to use turpenoid with caution and follow safety precautions, as with any solvent.
Evaporation rate
Turpenoid evaporates more slowly than turpentine, which can provide artists with more working time and potentially alter the drying time of the paint.
Do not confuse the solvent Turpenoid with the slow drying paint additive below. The one below is a medium you add to oil paint to slow down the drying process.
What is Turpenoid used for?
Turpenoid is a synthetic, petroleum-derived solvent that is commonly used as an alternative to natural turpentine in the world of art. It is often referred to as an “odorless mineral spirit” or “turpentine substitute.” Artists use Turpenoid for various purposes, including:
Thinning oil-based paints
Turpenoid can be used to thin oil-based paints, making them easier to work with and allowing for smoother application. By adjusting the viscosity of the paint, artists can achieve the desired consistency for specific painting techniques and effects.
Modifying drying times
Adding Turpenoid to oil paint can also alter the drying time of the paint. Depending on the amount added, it can either speed up or slow down the drying process, giving artists more control over their work.
Cleaning brushes
Turpenoid is effective in cleaning oil paint from brushes and other painting tools. After a painting session, artists can use Turpenoid to remove paint residue from their brushes, helping to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan.
Removing paint from surfaces
Turpenoid can be used to remove oil paint from various surfaces, such as palettes, painting knives, and even clothing. It can help dissolve the paint and make it easier to wipe or wash off.
As a medium
Some artists use Turpenoid as a medium in oil painting, mixing it with oil paint to create glazes or thin washes of color. This allows for greater control over the transparency and luminosity of the paint. If you are going to use Turpenoid as a medium I suggest using the specifically made slow drying Turpenoid.
Turpenoid is popular among artists because it has a much lower odor compared to natural turpentine, making it a more appealing option for those who are sensitive to strong smells or work in poorly ventilated spaces.
Less toxic than turpentine
Additionally, Turpenoid is considered to be less toxic than turpentine, but it’s still essential to use it with caution and follow safety precautions, such as working in a well-ventilated area and wearing gloves when handling the solvent.
What would I pick? Turpenoid or turpentine
In Turpenoid Vs Turpentine, if you’re asking me to pick which one then based on the reasons we just reviewed my pick is to go with Turpenoid, it’s a no-brainer. It smells better, less toxic, performs just as well as turps and you will not lose friends over using it.
Turpenoid Vs Turpentine – Wrap up!
To wrap up Turpenoid Vs Turpentine, the choice between turpenoid and turpentine largely depends on personal preferences and individual needs.
If you prefer a low-odor, less toxic solvent, turpenoid is likely the better choice for you.
On the other hand, if you are one of these weird people who enjoy the traditional qualities and strong smell of turpentine or believe it provides a more vibrant quality to your paint, then turpentine may be your preferred option.
Regardless of your choice, always remember to use solvents responsibly and follow proper safety precautions to protect your health and the longevity of your artwork.
