Solvents, Thinners and Strippers Buying Guide

Lowe's


Which Do I Choose?
Once the type of finish is determined, choose the appropriate solvent, thinner or stripper to get the job done right.
If you are applying a finish to an existing finish, the effect of the thinner contained in the new finish will have is to:
Dissolve the existing finish.
Soften, blister or partially strip and separate from the wood.
Prevent bonding based on the base of existing finish (oil or water).
Strippers are easier to choose because by law manufacturers are required to list ingredients and their specific uses. It is very important to read the ingredients and manufacturers' specifications before purchasing.
The chart below includes oil-based and water-based finishing products:


Finish
Solvent
Thinner
Stripper
Water-Based Stain
Denatured alcohol
Lacquer thinner
Xylene (xylol)
Water (Never use more than one part water to four parts finish.)
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and varnish removers
Liquid paint strippers
Oil-Based Stain
Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Turpentine
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and Varnish Removers
Liquid Paint Strippers
Gel Stain
Mineral spirits
Methylene chloride and methanol
Boiled Linseed Oil
Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Turpentine
Methylene chloride and methanol
Danish Oil or Rubbing Oil
Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Turpentine
Methylene chloride and methanol
Wiping Varnish
Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Turpentine
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and varnish removers
Oil/Varnish Blend
Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Turpentine
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and varnish removers
Water-Based Polyurethane
Denatured-alcohol
Lacquer thinner
Xylene (xylol)
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and varnish removers
Liquid paint strippers
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Mineral spirits
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and varnish removers
Liquid paint strippers
Paste Wax
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Turpentine

Liquid paint strippers
Shellac
Denatured-alcohol
Lacquer thinner
Alcohol
Methylene chloride and methanol
Liquid paint strippers
Lacquer
Denatured-alcohol
Lacquer thinner
Lacquer thinner
Xylene (xylol)
Methylene chloride and methanol
Paint and varnish removers
Liquid paint strippers