White Spirit

WHAT IS WHITE SPIRIT ?

White spirit, also known as Mineral Spirits, Mineral Turpentine, Turpentine substitute, or Stoddard solvent, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid commonly used as a solvent in various industrial and Domestic Applications. It is a mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, typically obtained from the distillation of crude oil.

WHITE SPIRIT APPLICATIONS (SOLVENT 402, 404, 406)

White spirit serves a variety of purposes across different industries and domestic settings:

 

Paint and Varnish Thinning: Solvent is a common choice for thinning oil-based paints, varnishes, and stains. By reducing viscosity, it facilitates easier application, improving flow, and leveling.

Cleaning and Degreasing: An effective solvent, Solvent is utilized for cleaning and degreasing surfaces, tools, and equipment. It efficiently removes grease, oil, dirt, and grime from a range of materials, including metal, plastic, glass, and wood.

Stain Removal: Solvent proves effective in removing stains from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery, particularly adept at tackling oil-based stains like grease, tar, and oil.

Adhesive and Sealant Removal: In construction, automotive, and other applications, Solvent is employed to dissolve and remove adhesives, sealants, and caulks from surfaces.

Artistic Applications: Artists commonly use Solvent as a thinner and cleaner for oil-based paints. It also serves as a solvent for cleaning brushes and other painting tools.

While utilizing Solvent, it’s crucial to work in well-ventilated spaces due to its fumes and strong odor. Adhering to safety measures such as wearing gloves and eye protection is essential. Proper storage and disposal should align with local regulations, and following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures the safe and effective use of white spirit in specific applications. White spirits, including Solvent 402, are characterized by their clear, water-colored appearance, mild odor, and chemical stability. They do not cause corrosion and have a distillation range of 142 to 200 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 105 to 205 degrees Celsius. These properties make them valuable across a range of industrial applications, from paint and varnish production to metal degreasing and gas purification.

Solvent Properties: White spirit is widely used as a solvent for cleaning, thinning paint, and degreasing surfaces. It effectively dissolves grease, oil, and various types of paint.

Paint Thinner: It is commonly employed as a paint thinner, helping to reduce the viscosity of oil-based paints and varnishes, making them easier to apply.

Cleaning Agent: Solvent  is an effective cleaning agent for removing paint, varnish, and other coatings from brushes, rollers, and surfaces.

Industrial Applications: In industrial settings, Solvent is utilized in the formulation of adhesives, coatings, and various cleaning products.

Dry Cleaning: It is sometimes used in the dry cleaning process to remove stains from fabrics.

Automotive Industry: Solvent is employed for cleaning automotive parts, tools, and equipment.

Extraction of Oils: It is used in the extraction of oils from seeds and plants.

Agricultural Applications: In agriculture, Solvent may be used for cleaning and degreasing machinery.

It’s important to note that while Solvent is a versatile and widely used solvent, it should be handled with caution due to its flammable nature. Adequate ventilation and safety precautions are recommended when working with Solvent to minimize the risk of exposure and fire hazards. Additionally, various formulations of Solvent are available, each with specific properties suited for different applications.

 

 

Key characteristics and uses of white spirit include:

 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE WHITE SPIRIT GRADES?

White spirit is available in different grades, each with specific properties tailored for various applications. The main grades of Solvent include:

 

Low Odor White Spirit (LOWS): This grade is processed to reduce its characteristic odor, making it suitable for applications where a low odor profile is desirable, such as in indoor painting or confined spaces.

Regular White Spirit: This is the standard grade of white spirit and is widely used in general industrial and household applications. It is effective as a paint thinner, degreaser, and general-purpose solvent.

High Flash Point (HFP) White Spirit: This grade has a higher flash point compared to regular white spirit, making it less flammable. It is often chosen for applications where safety is a primary concern.

Hydro-treated White Spirit (HWS): Also known as hydrosol, this grade undergoes additional refining processes to remove impurities, resulting in a clearer and more stable solvent. It is suitable for applications where a higher-quality and more purified solvent is required.

Aromatic-Free White Spirit: This grade is processed to minimize the aromatic content, reducing the potential health and environmental impacts associated with aromatic hydrocarbons. It is often chosen for applications where low aromaticity is a critical consideration.

Bio-based White Spirit: Some environmentally conscious formulations use bio-based or renewable sources for white spirit production, aiming to reduce the reliance on petroleum-derived feedstocks.

The choice of white spirit grade depends on the specific requirements of the intended application. Factors such as odor, flash point, purity, and environmental considerations play a role in selecting the most suitable grade for a particular use. It’s essential for users to be aware of the characteristics of each grade to ensure safe and effective handling in various applications.

 

 

WHAT IS SOLVENT 402 ?

Solvent 402, also known as White Spirit, is a transparent liquid derived from petroleum. It is a blend of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons within the C7 to C12 range. With a distillation range of 142–200 °C and a boiling point spanning 105 to 205 °C, this solvent is widely employed as a common organic solute in painting and decorating.

 

WHAT IS SOLVENT 404 ?

Solvent 404, commonly referred to as white spirit, consists of paraffin hydrocarbons ranging from C5 to C8. It serves various purposes, including thinning lacquer, paints, and polishing and printing ink.

 

WHAT IS SOLVENT 406 ?

Solvent 406 is a blend of paraffinic hydrocarbons with a composition ranging from C5 to C8. Its versatile applications include serving as a diluent in varnishes, paints, sticky materials, and reprints. Additionally, it is utilized as a solvent in various industries, such as tire manufacturing, rubber and resin processing, adhesives, and tapes, making it valuable in the chemical, cosmetic, and food sectors.