Best Paint Solvents of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Paint solvents are essential products for anyone who regularly works with paint or coatings. These solvents are designed to help dissolve and thin paint, making it easier to apply and work with. They can also be used to clean up paint brushes and other tools after use. There are a variety of different types of paint solvents available, including mineral spirits, turpentine, and denatured alcohol. Each type has its own unique properties and uses, so it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Overall, paint solvents are a must-have for anyone who wants to achieve a professional-looking finish on their paint projects.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sunnyside 70532 Pure Odorless Paint Thinner, Quart Cover #TOP 1
Sunnyside 70532 Pure Odorless Paint Thinner, Quart
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sunnyside Paint Thinner Quart 70132 Cover #TOP 2
Sunnyside Paint Thinner Quart 70132
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Klean-Strip Green Lacquer Thinner 1-Gallon Cover #TOP 3
Klean-Strip Green Lacquer Thinner 1-Gallon
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Paint Solvents

#TOP 1

Sunnyside 70532 Pure Odorless Paint Thinner, Quart

70532
Quart
Sunnyside 70532 Pure Odorless Paint Thinner, Quart Cover
Sunnyside 70532 Pure Odorless Paint Thinner, Quart

The Sunnyside Odorless Paint Thinner is a high-quality solvent designed for thinning oil-based paints, primers, varnishes, and stains. It is completely odorless, making it perfect for use indoors, especially in hospitals or nursing homes where an odorless thinner is required. Additionally, this paint thinner can also be used to remove and dissolve grease, grime, and oil. With its versatile applications, the Sunnyside Odorless Paint Thinner provides convenience and ease of use for various painting projects. Please note that it is not suitable for use with latex paint or water-based coatings.

What We Like
High-quality solvent
Completely odorless
Versatile applications
#TOP 2

Sunnyside Paint Thinner Quart 70132

70132
Yellow/Black
Pack of 2
Sunnyside Paint Thinner Quart 70132 Cover
Sunnyside Paint Thinner, Cleaner and Degreaser, Quart, 70132 (Pack of 2)

Sunnyside Paint Thinner is a versatile solution for your painting needs. Made entirely from mineral spirits, it offers excellent power for thinning oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes, ensuring a smooth application. Its high solvency strength allows you to effectively degrease surfaces, making it ideal for preparing areas before painting. However, note that this product is not available in California and other VOC-restricted regions. With a pack of two quarts, you'll have plenty of product to complete your projects with ease.

What We Like
High solvency power
Effective degreasing strength
Thins oil-based paints
Pack of two quarts
#TOP 3

Klean-Strip Green Lacquer Thinner 1-Gallon

GKGL75008
No Color
No Size
Klean-Strip Green Lacquer Thinner 1-Gallon Cover
Klean-Strip Green GKGL75008 Lacquer Thinner, 1-Gallon

Klean-Strip Lacquer Thinner is a versatile solution for your painting needs. It effectively cleans your tools, ensuring they remain in top condition after each use. You can also use it to clean your equipment, making it easier to maintain a tidy workspace. Additionally, this thinner is great for reducing the viscosity of lacquer and epoxy, allowing for smoother application. When working in moderate temperatures, it offers a balanced drying time, giving you the flexibility to work at your own pace without worrying about rushed results.

What We Like
Effective tool cleaning
Equipment maintenance
Thins lacquer and epoxy
Medium drying rate
#TOP 4

KLEAN-STRIP Paint Thinner 1 Qt

QKPT94003CA
No Color
KLEAN-STRIP Paint Thinner 1 Qt Cover
KLEAN-STRIP Paint Thinner 1 Qt

KLEAN-STRIP Paint Thinner is an essential product for anyone working with paint. This solvent is designed to effectively thin paints, making application smoother and easier. You'll find it helpful for cleaning brushes and tools, ensuring they remain in good condition after use. Additionally, it can assist in removing unwanted paint spills or stains from surfaces, providing you with a cleaner workspace. With its 1-quart size, this product is convenient for small to medium projects, ensuring you have just the right amount on hand when you need it.

What We Like
Effective paint thinning
Brush and tool cleaner
Removes paint spills
Convenient 1-quart size
#TOP 5

Alliance Chemical Ethyl Acetate

1 Quart
One Quart
Alliance Chemical Ethyl Acetate Cover
Ethyl Acetate - Technical Grade - 1 Quart - 32 FL Oz - Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Extraction, Cleaning, and Perfumes - Domestically Sourced - Made in America - Alliance Chemical

Alliance Ethyl Acetate is a high purity solvent that has multiple applications. It is commonly used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and lacquers, making it an essential ingredient for DIY projects and professional applications. Additionally, it is utilized in the extraction process for various industries. The solvent is also known for its cleaning properties, making it an effective remover of varnishes and paints. Furthermore, Alliance Ethyl Acetate is used in the manufacturing of printing inks and perfumes, adding a touch of fragrance to your creations. With its domestically sourced and domestically packaged material, Alliance Ethyl Acetate ensures the highest quality and safety for all your needs.

What We Like
Pure solvent
Multiple applications
Domestically sourced
#TOP 6

Mona Lisa 90032 Paint Thinner

90032
Mona Lisa 90032 Paint Thinner Cover
Mona Lisa 90032 32-Ounce Odorless Paint Thinner

Mona Lisa Paint Thinner is an excellent choice for keeping your brushes and painting tools clean. With its 32-ounce size, you have plenty of product to tackle your cleaning tasks. One of the standout features is that it is odorless, making it more pleasant to use compared to traditional paint thinners. However, it’s important to handle it with care, as it is combustible and should be kept away from heat and flames. This product not only helps maintain your tools but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable painting experience.

What We Like
Brush cleaner
Odorless formula
32-ounce quantity
Safety precautions noted
#TOP 7

WM BARR Klean Strip Paint Thinner

WM BARR & COMPANY
GKPT94400CB
No Color
WM BARR Klean Strip Paint Thinner Cover
WM BARR & COMPANY Klean Strip Paint Thinner 1 Gl

WM BARR Paint Thinner is an essential product for anyone involved in painting or cleaning tasks. This solvent is designed to help you effectively thin paint, making it easier to apply and achieve a smooth finish. Additionally, it serves as a powerful cleaning agent, allowing you to remove unwanted paint from brushes and other tools with ease. Whether you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this product can save you time and effort, ensuring your workspace remains tidy and your tools stay in top condition. It's a reliable choice for all your paint and cleaning needs.

What We Like
Effective paint thinning
Easy cleaning of tools
Time-saving solution
Suitable for professionals and DIYers
#TOP 8

KLEAN-STRIP Odorless Mineral Spirits

GKGO75CA
No Color
One Size
KLEAN-STRIP Odorless Mineral Spirits Cover
KLEAN-STRIP Green Odorless Mineral Spirits for CARB 1 gal

KLEAN-STRIP Mineral Spirits is a reliable paint solvent designed to meet CARB standards. This odorless formula allows you to work comfortably, without being overwhelmed by strong fumes. It effectively thins oil-based paints, making application smoother and more even. Additionally, it is perfect for cleaning brushes and equipment, ensuring that your tools stay in great condition for future projects. With its eco-friendly attributes, you can feel good knowing you're using a product that is safer for the environment while still delivering high performance.

What We Like
Odorless formula
Thins oil-based paints
Effective for cleaning tools
Meets CARB standards
Eco-friendly attributes
#TOP 9

Sunnyside Corporation 822G1S Xylol/Xylene Paint Thinner

822G1S
Gallon
Sunnyside Corporation 822G1S Xylol/Xylene Paint Thinner Cover
Sunnyside Corporation 822G1S Xylol/Xylene Paint Thinner, Gallon, 4 Pack

Sunnyside Corporation 822G1S Xylol/Xylene Paint Thinner is a medium-fast evaporating paint solvent that can be used to thin specified oil based paint, lacquer, varnish, epoxy, and adhesives. It is particularly ideal for hard to thin coatings, such as anti-rust, porch and deck paints, and most other synthetic enamels. It can also be used to clean paint equipment immediately after use and will remove certain adhesives. It is not for sale in California and other VOC restricted areas.

What We Like
Can be used to thin various oil-based paints, lacquers, and varnishes
Ideal for hard to thin coatings
Cleans paint equipment effectively
Removes certain adhesives
Medium-fast evaporating
#TOP 10

Orange Sol 10151/52 Contractor Solvent

10151/52
Orange Sol 10151/52 Contractor Solvent Cover
Orange Sol 10151/52 Contractor Solvent, 128 Fl Oz

The Orange Sol Contractor Solvent is a high-quality paint solvent that comes in a 128 Fl Oz container. Made in the United States, this solvent by Orange Sol is designed to make your painting projects easier. With a weight of 8.36 lb, it is lightweight and easy to handle. The dimensions of 5.3"L x 8.0"W x 11.0"H make it compact and convenient to store. Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this solvent is a must-have. It effectively removes paint and other coatings, saving you time and effort. The Orange Sol Contractor Solvent is a reliable and efficient solution for all your painting needs.

What We Like
High-quality
Lightweight
Effective paint removal
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the solvents used in paint?

Paint solvents can include aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, mixed xylenes, ethylbenzene, and high flash aromatic napthas. Aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexanes, heptane, and VM&P naphtha are also commonly used in paint solvents.

2. What solvent can dissolve paint?

Acetone is a commonly used solvent that can dissolve paint, varnish, and grease. It evaporates quickly and is found naturally in trees, plants, tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, and landfills.

3. What is the most common paint solvent?

Some of the most common paint solvents include white spirit, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methylated spirits, standard/cellulose thinner, and multipurpose, xylene-based thinners.

4. What are the 3 most common types of solvents?

The three most common types of solvents are oxygenated solvents (containing oxygen in their molecular structure), hydrocarbon solvents (derived from petroleum and containing hydrogen and carbon atoms), and halogenated solvents.

5. Is mineral spirits the same as denatured alcohol?

Mineral spirits and denatured alcohol are not the same. Denatured alcohol is derived from plants, while mineral spirits are made from petroleum. They have different chemical compositions and uses.

6. What is a substitute for mineral spirits?

A substitute for mineral spirits can be denatured alcohol, which works well as a solvent for cleaning. Turpentine and charcoal lighter fluid, which are made of mineral spirits, can also be used for cleaning or thinning paints.

7. How do you liquify hardened paint?

To liquify hardened paint, you can add water. Dip a paintbrush in clean water and gently tap the water onto the paint. Work the water into the paint using the brush, adding more water if needed, until the paint becomes more liquid.

8. Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve paint?

Hydrogen peroxide can be effective in removing paint. Dampen a cloth, scrubber, or steel wool with hydrogen peroxide and cover the painted surface. However, it is important to use gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using hydrogen peroxide.

9. Is rubbing alcohol a paint thinner?

Rubbing alcohol is not commonly used as a paint thinner. White spirit, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone are more commonly used solvents and thinners in the paint industry and for DIY projects.

Editor's Notes

During our paint solvent research, we found 24 paint solvent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,395 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paint solvents list. We found that most customers choose paint solvents with an average price of $23.40.

The paint solvents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paint solvents, including Sunnyside Corporation, KLEAN-STRIP, Alliance Chemical, Speedball, WM BARR & COMPANY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.