Turpentine is a natural solvent made from distilled pine resin and is best known in the art world for its long-standing role in oil painting. But in 2025, with numerous modern alternatives available, artists still ask: What is turpentine, and what is turpentine used for today?
The answer lies in its versatility. Turpentine is still one of the most effective substances used for thinning oil paint, cleaning brushes, and preparing custom painting mediums. It’s fast-drying, sharp in scent, and deeply embedded in the classical oil painting tradition.
Artists, DIY enthusiasts, and restoration professionals continue to use it for its performance, even as safer options become more widely available.
Why Do Painters Use Turpentine?
Painters use turpentine because it allows them to dilute oil paint without damaging the color integrity or consistency. When used in the early stages of painting, turpentine thins paint into a light wash that dries quickly and is ideal for blocking in shapes, tonal values, or compositions. Many artists follow the “fat over lean” rule, where turpentine is used in lean, first layers to help later, oil-rich layers sit properly without cracking.
Turpentine also improves flow and brush control, making it a favorite among those who enjoy traditional oil techniques. For brush cleaning, turpentine is incredibly effective at breaking down fresh oil paint before it dries—more so than most other solvents.
What Does Turpentine Do in Art?
In oil painting, turpentine acts as a solvent, thinner, cleaner, and medium mixer. Artists use it to achieve transparent effects during underpainting, speed up drying time, and modify the paint’s texture.
It pairs well with linseed oil or damar varnish to form mediums that help with blending, glazing, and layering. Some professional painters still rely on turpentine to strip areas of wet paint or to wipe back highlights during the creative process.
How to Use Turpentine for Painting
Using turpentine in painting requires proper proportions and safety awareness. You only need a small amount mixed with oil paint to thin it down. This is especially helpful for creating loose underpaintings or value maps. Some artists mix turpentine with equal parts linseed oil to make a custom medium that balances drying time and flow. Turpentine should only be used in the early “lean” layers of a painting. For later stages, stick with oil-rich mixes.
To clean brushes, dip them into a small container of turpentine and gently swirl. Repeat until the color is mostly gone. Then finish with soap and warm water to preserve the bristles.
Is Turpentine Used for Acrylic Paint?
No. Turpentine is not suitable for acrylic paint. Acrylics are water-based, while turpentine is an oil-based solvent. Mixing the two results in separation, poor adhesion, and potential brush damage.
Beginners often make the mistake of thinking turpentine is a universal cleaner—it’s not. To thin acrylic paint, use water or acrylic-compatible mediums. For cleaning, soap and water or an acrylic-safe brush cleaner are the correct tools.
What Is Turpentin Used For at Home?
Beyond the art studio, What Is Turpentin used for in a home or workshop setting includes tasks like degreasing machinery, cleaning wax from antique furniture, and restoring wood surfaces.
It’s also found in some traditional wax polishes. However, turpentine is a strong chemical and must be used carefully. Always test it first on a small area before applying it to a larger surface, especially with wood or varnish.
In the past, turpentine was included in medicinal salves and liniments, but these uses are now outdated due to safety concerns. Today, its home applications remain largely focused on natural cleaning and restoration.
Turpentine vs Other Solvents: Which Is Best?
Artists comparing solvents often look at odor, drying time, toxicity, and performance. Turpentine is strong in scent but fast in evaporation, making it a preferred choice for traditionalists. Others prefer safer alternatives.
| Solvent | Odor Level | Drying Speed | Toxicity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turpentine | Strong | Fast | High | Thinning oil paint, cleaning, underpainting |
| Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS) | Moderate | Medium | Moderate | Safer brush cleaning, medium mixing |
| Gamsol | Low | Medium | Low | Indoor use, low-tox studio environments |
| Citrus Solvent | Pleasant | Slow | Low | Eco-friendly cleaning, low-odor spaces |
Most modern artists now use Gamsol or OMS for health reasons, especially when working indoors. However, many still feel turpentine offers better results in terms of pigment behavior and drying control, especially in the early layers of classical oil painting.
How to Clean Brushes with Turpentine
Cleaning oil brushes with turpentine is straightforward. First, wipe the brush on a rag to remove as much paint as possible. Then dip it into a container of turpentine and gently swirl the bristles. Repeat the process with fresh solvent if needed.
Once the brush appears clean, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any leftover solvent and paint residue. For added care, apply a brush conditioner or mild hair conditioner to keep bristles soft and pliable.
Proper disposal is critical. Do not pour turpentine down the sink. Let it settle, filter the paint sediment, and bring it to a hazardous waste disposal site.
Is Turpentine Toxic?
Turpentine is natural but highly toxic if mishandled. It emits fumes that can cause headaches, eye irritation, dizziness, or nausea if inhaled in poorly ventilated spaces. Prolonged exposure has been linked to respiratory issues. It’s also flammable and must be kept away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
When using turpentine, always work in a space with good air circulation. Store it in a tightly sealed metal or glass container, away from children and pets. If you begin to feel unwell while using it, stop immediately and switch to a safer solvent.
Should You Use Turpentine in 2025?
Turpentine still offers unique benefits for oil painters who follow classical techniques. It supports fast drying, underpainting, and cleaning in a way that modern solvents try to emulate but don’t always match. If you work in a ventilated studio and value traditional materials, turpentine may remain an essential part of your toolkit.
However, if health sensitivity or indoor space limitations are a concern, modern substitutes like Gamsol or odorless mineral spirits can perform just as well for most tasks. The decision comes down to personal preference, studio setup, and how much value you place on the authenticity of your materials.
Conclusion
Understanding what is turpentin and what is turpentin used for gives you control over your materials—whether you’re painting a masterpiece or cleaning a 100-year-old chair.
Turpentine is more than just a solvent; it’s a traditional tool with deep roots in art history and craftsmanship. In the right hands and used responsibly, it still earns its place in today’s creative and professional spaces.
FAQs
Q: Why do painters use turpentine?
A: Painters use turpentine to thin oil paints, especially in the early stages of a painting. It helps create fast-drying washes for underpainting and improves paint flow. Turpentine is also a strong solvent that effectively cleans brushes and tools coated in oil paint.
Q: How to use turpentine for painting?
A: To use turpentine in painting, mix a small amount into your oil paint to thin it for sketching or underpainting. You can also create a custom medium by mixing turpentine with linseed oil and damar varnish. Always work in a well-ventilated area and use turpentine in the leaner layers of the painting.
Q: Is turpentine used for acrylic paint?
A: No, turpentine should never be used with acrylic paint. Acrylics are water-based and require water or acrylic-compatible products. Turpentine can cause the paint to separate and may damage your brushes or painting surface.
Q: What does turpentine do in art?
A: In art, turpentine thins oil paint for quick-drying washes, cleans brushes, and acts as a base in custom painting mediums. It supports layering techniques like fat-over-lean and is especially useful in classical oil painting methods.
Q: What is turpentin used for at home?
A: At home, turpentin (turpentine) is used to degrease tools, remove wax from wooden furniture, and clean oil-based spills. It’s sometimes used in traditional wood polish recipes but should be handled with caution due to its strong fumes and flammability.
Q: How to clean brushes with turpentine?
A: First, wipe excess paint from the brush. Then dip the brush into clean turpentine and gently swirl to remove remaining paint. Repeat with fresh solvent if needed. Finish with soap and warm water to remove all residue and preserve the bristles.
Q: Is turpentine toxic for health?
A: Yes, turpentine is toxic if inhaled in large amounts or used in unventilated areas. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. It is also highly flammable. Always wear gloves, ensure good airflow, and store it safely away from heat or open flames.
Q: What is the best alternative to turpentine for oil painting?
A: Gamsol and odorless mineral spirits are the most popular alternatives. They are safer for indoor use, produce less odor, and are gentler on your health. Citrus solvents are also eco-friendly options but tend to dry slower.
Q: Can turpentine remove dry paint?
A: Turpentine is effective on fresh, wet oil paint but does not work well on dried paint, especially acrylics or latex. For dried oil paint, stronger solvents or mechanical removal methods are usually required.
Q: Should I use turpentine in 2025 or switch to something else?
A: If you prefer traditional oil painting techniques and have a well-ventilated studio, turpentine is still a valuable tool. However, if you’re concerned about fumes or work in a small space, safer alternatives like Gamsol may be a better fit.
