Mineral spirits are purchased at a paint supply store and are used for various things. Mainly they are used for paint clean up on paint brushes, mistakes made while painting, thinning paint to make it easier to scrape, and as a degreaser in auto and machine shops. I use mineral spirits to help clean my brushes. First I wash out the bristles of all paint that is in the brush under warm water, then I soak the brush in warm soapy water. If there’s any paint left on the bristles I pour mineral spirits over the bristles and let sit for about 15 minutes. Using a wire brush, I scrape the rest of the paint off the bristles and soak in hot soapy water. You’ll find this really saves on brushes. When drying my brushes I stand them with the bristles up so they don’t bend and get an undesirable shape.
For Mechanics: When cleaning auto parts you can soak them in mineral spirits and it will help degrease them. After soaking you can use a wire brush to get into threads, nooks and crannies to help get a real good clean.
Here’s a cool little trick I taught myself. When buying things, such as new glassware, at the store that have sticky tags on them, take a cottonball soaked with mineral spirits over the sticker, soaking well. That sticker will come right off, the just wash item in soapy water and voila no sticky mess left on item. This works equally well on windows that have tape or paint on them. This also works for clothing or carpet that has gum stuck in it and skid marks on linoleum. Just be sure to wash whatever you put mineral spirits on thoroughly with hot soapy water after you are finished.
Precautions When Handling Mineral Spirits
Make sure that when you use mineral spirits that you are in a well ventilated area away from any source of heat, flame or spark. Certainly don’t smoke! Use rubber gloves when handling mineral spirits, remember always that you are handling a flammable liquid. If you get any on your clothing remove them right away and throw in the washer. Keep a rag or two handy to wipe up any spills. Always make sure the lid is put back on tight and of course keep away from small children, the higher the better, even in a garage. Dangerous liquids should always be placed out of their reach even though you think your garage is safe, no place is ever safe from a child’s curiosity.
