Best Artists' Paint Thinners & Solvents of 2026

"I was surprised by the completely odorless formula—I remember when mineral spirits had a strong smell, but this one has absolutely none. It removes paint residue smoothly and is easy to work with."

"I use this thinner for customizing die-cast cars with oil paint washes. It doesn't take much, applies the wash beautifully, and has no smell at all. I do notice it dries a bit slower, but the results are worth it."

"This product is just as effective as Gamsol but comes at a lower price. The minimal to nonexistent odor makes it easy to use for cleaning and thinning paints. Highly recommended."

"I’d heard a lot about this product from artists online and was initially concerned about safety, but after using it for several colored pencil pieces, I’m amazed at how smoothly it blends, especially for large areas. No more white flecks or uneven coverage! I wish I’d bought a larger bottle—it’s truly revolutionized my artwork and works especially well with wax-based pencils. It dries quickly, isn’t sticky, and even cleans brushes well. I wouldn’t recommend anything else for blending colored pencils."

"Using this with oil paints has been fantastic. There’s zero odor, and it works better than linseed oil for thinning paint. I’m definitely planning to buy more. It’s also great for cleaning brushes—an added bonus!"

"I tried this solution in a refillable marker for blending colored pencils, and it’s been a total game changer for my scrapbook and card projects. My coloring is smooth with much more depth now, and blending isn’t frustrating anymore. It’s the best thing for getting professional results, even if you’re not an artist."

"As a non-professional artist, I find this product essential for using acrylic paints. It's more budget-friendly than Golden brand and has really helped keep my brushes in good condition."

"This stuff rescues thick or half-dried paint with no problem, and I always have it on hand. The only annoyance is the bottle tends to leak, but the product itself works great."

"I had trouble with the nozzle, so I just open the cap and use a drop or two directly. I noticed only a slight improvement in my paint's consistency, and my acrylics still seem a bit thick. Maybe I should try adding more."

"I've tried several thinners, but this Vallejo Airbrush Thinner truly stands out for its perfect dilution and consistent paint quality. Even though it costs a bit more than homemade alternatives, I find that it prevents clogs and delivers a flawless finish. For anyone serious about airbrushing, this is a reliable investment."

"As someone who uses an airbrush regularly, I can say this thinner is high quality and works great, especially with Vallejo paints. I did have an issue with the cap breaking off, but the performance more than makes up for it."

"This little bottle was just the right size for my needs. It arrived quickly and is exactly what I needed for my airbrush projects. Really pleased with the purchase!"

"I use this for cleaning my oil paint brushes and it works exceptionally well. The gallon size is a great value, and I love that it has no noticeable smell. I bought two because I go through a lot!"

"I bought this specific brand because it advertised being odorless, which is important for me since I’m prone to headaches. While it does a great job blending my colored pencil drawings, I didn’t notice much difference in odor."

"This product cleans my brushes just as well as Gamsol. I’m very satisfied with the quality and performance."

"I've been using this odorless turpenoid for years—it never makes my studio smell, and it cleans both my brushes and oil paints just as well as traditional turpentine. I even enjoy experimenting with it on colored pencil and oil pastel projects. The price is fair, and I always recommend it to fellow artists."

"As someone who spends lots of time painting, I’m always searching for the safest and least toxic tools. This product is perfect for enclosed studios because there’s no strong odor and it’s excellent at cleaning oil paint from brushes. It’s become a staple in my workspace."

"This odorless turpentine works wonders for cleaning up oil-based paints, even dried ones, from my hands in no time. It also takes off sticky residue from clear plastic without leaving a mark. I wouldn’t want to be without it!"

"I always rely on Angelus products—they truly are unmatched in quality, durability, and versatility. Whether I’m restoring sneakers or customizing gear, Angelus has everything I need from start to finish. Great prices, easy to use, and top-notch results every time."

"Angelus paint has been the best I’ve worked with for multiple projects—from clothing to hats, bags, and sneakers. It’s richly pigmented, dries quickly, and adheres perfectly. I wouldn’t use anything else!"

"I purchased this for brush use rather than airbrush, so I used water to thin it and kept the pigments strong. Very pleased with the results!"

"As a beginner with oils, I found this thinner to be incredibly effective—it made working with my paints so much smoother. No unpleasant odor at all, and although the bottle was smaller than expected, it’s perfectly sized for my needs. Great price and arrived quickly."

"I like how this oil brings out the vibrancy in my acrylics on canvas. It really helps make the colors stand out."

"This thinner does its job and doesn't alter my paint colors, but I did notice it leaves a bit of a sticky feel after use. I'll probably switch back to my usual brand, but for the price, it was worth trying."

"I've been using this airbrush thinner for a few weeks and I'm really impressed with its smooth performance and versatility across different acrylic brands. It prevents clogging, keeps the paint consistency just right, and doesn't mess with the color or finish. Plus, the 16 oz bottle lasts a long time and the price is fair for what you get."

"For my 3D printing and painting projects, this paint is a must-have. It's ready to spray, offers great coverage, rich colors, and easy cleanup. The value is unbeatable compared to tiny bottles from hobby stores, and I love that there are no harsh fumes."

"This thinner is great for reviving thickened or old acrylic craft paints and works well for airbrushing. However, I noticed it can change certain colors, like purples, to pastel shades, so it's a good idea to test it on a small batch first."

"I've been using this thinner for a couple years and find it incredibly versatile with many types of paint. It's absolutely my go-to for hobby projects."

"This is the perfect solution for thinning Mr. Surfacer—I tried other products like denatured alcohol, but nothing mixes as well. Plus, you get a generous amount in each bottle."

"As a modeler for over 60 years, I can say this thinner does an excellent job with most enamel brands. Just remember to test for compatibility first to avoid any issues with decals or plastic."