MINERAL SPIRITS- ▸ Paint thinner: Thins and disperses oil-based paints, coatings, and varnishes.
- ▸ Cleaning and degreasing: General-purpose cleaner and metal degreaser.
- ▸ Dry cleaning: Used as a dry-cleaning solvent.
- ▸ Process solvent: Carrier solvent in inks and adhesives.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Mineral spirits (white spirit, Stoddard solvent; CAS 64742-88-7) is a refined petroleum distillate composed of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons. It is used as a paint thinner and solvent in coatings and varnishes, as a cleaner and degreaser, and as a dry-cleaning solvent.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 265-191-7
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are mineral spirits?
Mineral spirits (white spirit, Stoddard solvent; CAS 64742-88-7) is a refined petroleum distillate composed of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons. It is supplied as a paint thinner, cleaner/degreaser, and process solvent.
What are mineral spirits used for?
Mineral spirits are used to thin and disperse oil-based paints, coatings, and varnishes, as a general-purpose cleaner and metal degreaser, as a dry-cleaning solvent, and as a carrier solvent in inks and adhesives. They are a workhorse aliphatic solvent across coatings and cleaning operations.
Is rubbing alcohol the same as mineral spirits?
No. Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol diluted with water, a polar oxygenated solvent, whereas mineral spirits is a non-polar aliphatic petroleum distillate. They dissolve different soils and are not interchangeable for thinning oil-based paints or degreasing oily residues.
What is the difference between mineral spirits and paint thinner?
Mineral spirits is a specific refined aliphatic petroleum distillate, while paint thinner is a broader category that may contain mineral spirits or other solvent blends, often with more aromatics and odor. Mineral spirits is the more refined, lower-odor option for thinning oil-based coatings.
How are bulk mineral spirits packaged and ordered?
RawSource supplies mineral spirits in bulk industrial packaging including drums and totes/IBCs to coatings, cleaning, and manufacturing customers. Because it is a flammable petroleum distillate, consult the SDS for shipping classification; submit a bulk quote for pricing, MOQ, and lead time, with a CoA and SDS per shipment.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Mineral Spirits (White Spirit, Stoddard Solvent)?
Mineral Spirits (White Spirit, Stoddard Solvent) (CAS 64742-88-7) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 265-191-7).