White spirit is a clear, petroleum-derived solvent made from hydrocarbons. It is often used in painting and decorating to thin oil-based paints and clean brushes and tools. It has a mild, oily odour and evaporates slowly, which can leave behind a light residue.
Typical uses for white spirit include:
Thinning oil-based paints and varnishes
Cleaning paintbrushes, rollers, and trays
Degreasing metal surfaces and tools
Removing fresh oil-based paint spills
White spirit is not suitable for acrylic or water-based paints. It should always be used with adequate ventilation, and gloves are recommended during handling.
Methylated spirits, also known as denatured alcohol, consists mainly of ethanol with added methanol and other substances to make it unfit for drinking. It is coloured purple to avoid confusion with drinkable alcohol. Methylated spirit is highly flammable, has a sharp alcoholic smell, and evaporates quickly without leaving any residue.
Common uses for methylated spirits include:
Cleaning glass, mirrors, and hard surfaces
Disinfecting countertops and door handles
Removing sticky residue, ink, or nail polish
Because it evaporates rapidly, methylated spirits is ideal for cleaning tasks that require a streak-free finish.
The table below outlines the key differences between white spirit and methylated spirit, helping you choose the right solvent for your task based on composition, usage, and performance.
| Property | White Spirit | Methylated Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical base | Petroleum hydrocarbons (C7–C12 alkanes) | Ethanol (denatured with methanol and dyes) |
| Appearance | Clear, oily liquid | Purple, watery liquid |
| Odour | Mild, petroleum-like | Sharp, alcoholic smell |
| Evaporation rate | Slow | Fast |
| Residue | May leave an oily film | No residue |
| Flammability | Highly flammable | Highly flammable |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble | Soluble |
| Uses | Paint thinning, degreasing, brush cleaning | Cleaning glass, removing ink/stickers, fuel |
| Boiling range | Approx. 140–200 °C | Approx. 78 °C (ethanol) |
Although white spirit and methylated spirit are both solvents, they are not suitable substitutes for one another in most cases. Their chemical differences mean they dissolve different types of substances and evaporate at different rates.
For example, methylated spirit does not effectively thin oil-based paint, and white spirit will often leave a residue if used to clean glass or mirrors. Mixing the two products is not recommended either, as they are not chemically compatible and may cause unpredictable reactions or reduced effectiveness.
If you do not have the correct solvent for a task, it is always better to wait or find a purpose-made alternative rather than trying to substitute.
Before applying any solvent, it’s important to consider the surface material. While white spirit and methylated spirit are both versatile, using the wrong one could lead to staining, surface damage, or reduced effectiveness.
| Surface | White Spirit | Methylated Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Glass & mirrors | May leave an oily film | Excellent – dries fast and streak-free |
| Painted surfaces | Can strip oil-based paint | Can dull or mark surface – test first |
| Plastics | May soften or discolour some plastics | Safer but can still damage certain types |
| Wood | Fine on sealed wood, may darken unfinished | Can raise the grain on untreated wood |
| Leather/fabrics | Not recommended – may leave residue or stain | Not suitable – may discolour or dry out material |
Both white spirit and methylated spirit have long shelf lives when stored correctly. If the bottle remains sealed and is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, they can last for several years.
Signs that a solvent may no longer be effective include:
A strong change in smell
Discolouration or separation
Thickening or gelling in the container
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Contamination with dust or debris
Both white spirit and methylated spirits are flammable and must be handled carefully. Here are some safety tips:
Always use in a well-ventilated area
Keep away from heat, flames, or sparks
Store in clearly labelled containers with secure lids
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Do not pour down the drain or sink
Check local waste disposal guidelines before discarding any leftover product.
White spirit and methylated spirits may serve similar purposes in DIY and cleaning, but they are not interchangeable. For high-quality options, APC Pure offers White Spirit and Methylated Spirits both in a range of sizes to suit every need.