Is there a difference between mineral spirits and brush cleaner?

Question

I have a project that calls for mineral spirits. I have paint brush cleaner on hand. Are they comparable? Do they have the same active ingredients? What's the difference?

Answer 1

they probably use for the same thing,oil base paints use mineral spirits for clean ups,water base paints use water for clean ups,hope that helps.

Answer 2

Funny you should ask. I recently bought some Varsol since it was recommended as being better for brush cleaning than mineral spirits, which is often labelled as paint thinner. Varsol, however, says it contains mineral spirits. The difference seems to be that Varsol is purer, and I am finding that it cleans brushes better.

So, check the label on your brush cleaner. If it says that it contains mineral spirits, then that's what it is. If it doesn't say that, I wouldn't substitute it for mineral spirits as it may be based on some other chemical.