12/09/2026
You’ve seen these bottles sitting in the painting aisle a hundred times… but what does each one actually do? 👀
And first — little myth-buster: they’re not all alcohol! They’re different solvents, and each one has a job.
🟠 Mineral Turpentine
The classic painting solvent. Great for thinning oil-based paints, enamels and varnishes, cleaning brushes and rollers after oil-based products, and removing greasy or sticky residue from suitable surfaces.
🔵 Kerosene
Best known as a fuel for kerosene heaters and lamps, but it can also be useful as a degreaser and general cleaning solvent where the product label allows. It’s oilier than turps, so it’s generally not your first choice for cleaning paint brushes.
🟤 Low Odour Turps
Basically the more nose-friendly cousin of mineral turpentine! 😅 Designed for many of the same jobs — thinning compatible oil-based paints and cleaning brushes — but with a much milder smell. Handy when you’re working indoors with good ventilation.
🟢 Methylated Spirits
This one is alcohol-based. Brilliant for cleaning glass, removing some residues, degreasing surfaces and general cleaning. It’s also commonly used with shellac products. Because it evaporates quickly, it’s handy when you want a surface clean without leaving an oily film.
So while they might all look like “that stuff Dad used to clean the paintbrushes” 😂, grabbing the right solvent for the job can make painting and clean-up a whole lot easier.
⚠️ They’re all highly flammable chemicals, so always read the label, use in a well-ventilated area, keep away from flames and heat, and don’t mix products together.
Next time you’re standing in the painting aisle wondering “which one do I need?” — ask the team. That’s what we’re here for! 🏠🔨
📍 Numurkah Home Hardware
63–69 Melville St, Numurkah VIC 3636
📞 (03) 5862 3131
