Once upon a time turpentine was made naturally by distilling the resin of pine trees. Nowadays it’s made almost entirely from petroleum products, but we’re changing that.
Austin’s is bringing turpentine back to its roots with only 100% pure gum spirits turpentine in our Heritage Turpentine. No petroleum products. It’s a difference you can smell and see in its crystal clear appearance. You can literally smell the pine trees in the bottle!
Using Turpentine?
Turpentine has a wealthy of uses in restoration and painting, but excels as a more natural and effective thinner to use for oil-based paints and varnishes that performs better than petroleum based paint thinner, and mineral spirits. It also excels as a cleaner for brushes.
Cleaning Brushes
Pour enough turpentine into a small container and swirl brushes around in solution vigorously to remove paints and finishes.
Pour used turpentine into a metal or glass container to store. Repeat the process until the turpentine comes out clear and the brush is clean. Shake the brush dry, and store it to dry in a well-ventilated area.
After 48-72 hours the solids will have settled out of the used turpentine and the remaining turpentine can be recaptured to use as a “first rinse” for future brush cleanings.
Thinning
Add a small amount to oil-based paints, primers, varnishes, or polyurethanes and mix thoroughly. Thinning aids in penetration of initial coats on prepared wood surfaces and also prevents brush marks.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as to how much thinning is recommended or allowed for their products.
Warnings
Storage: Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Do not store in plastic containers. Store only in glass or metal containers that are resealable. Dispose of used turpentine at any hazardous waste location. Do not pour down the drain.
- Do not use near open sparks, heat, or flame
- Keep out of reach of children
- If accidentally swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Immediately call your poison control center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately for instructions. Drink large quantities of water to dilute substance.
- Work in a well ventilated area
- Rags, steel wool, or waste soaked with turpentine may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately after use, place rags, steel wool, or waste in a sealed, water-filler, metal container.