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During repair and construction work, it becomes necessary to make paint, mastic, putty not so thick. To do this, use solvents – special compounds that do not change the properties of the source material. One of them is white spirit. This is probably the most inexpensive and popular tool with similar properties.
What is white spirit
White spirit is one of the organic solvents, which is obtained by direct processing (distillation) of oil. The name of this solvent is a transliteration of the English name – white spirit, which literally translates as “white spirit”. It is a clear, slightly oily liquid. It belongs to substances with a low level of danger (group 4), but, with prolonged inhalation of vapors, symptoms of poisoning may appear.
White spirit contains a significant amount of volatile substances (according to GOST 3134-78 no more than 16%, according to TU – as you wish), which gives it a specific smell. To reduce discomfort, add substances that smell more pleasant. It’s hard to say that this improves the situation, but …
In fact, white spirit is one of the varieties of kerosene (light fractions) or dehydrated refined gasoline. It contains a larger amount of volatile and “aromatic” substances, therefore it is rarely used as a fuel, since it emits little heat.
White spirit does not have a specific formula, since it is carried out by distillation and the composition depends on the feedstock. Some types – with additional after-treatment – have a weak smell, due to a larger number of purification steps. The odorless solvent is usually of Western origin. It has a more complex cleaning technology, but the dissolving power is lower, and the price is higher. Nevertheless, it is also quite popular, since the absence of smell is often important – when working with paints for a long time, for example.
Application area
White spirit is used mainly as a solvent for any fractions of oil, sulfur compounds, nitrogen, oxygen. They can also dissolve vegetable fats. The ability to dissolve fats is used when it is necessary to clean the surface before priming, applying paint, etc. It is actively used before applying paint and varnish coatings (LKP) on metals.
For cleansing
You should not use this solvent to clean fabrics or highly absorbent surfaces – you will fight the smell for a long time and hard. It is very difficult to defeat him. The most effective method is hot (superheated) steam treatment. So that the substances that give the smell are heated and evaporated. It is worth knowing that white spirit begins to boil at 165°C, and evaporates completely at 200°C. If it is possible to heat the surface to a similar temperature, volatile substances evaporate, the smell becomes less.
With smooth surfaces there are no such problems – it evaporates instantly. Outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, the smell is faint. During repair and construction, white spirit can be used as a means to remove old paint, putty, oil and grease stains. Another useful property is that it removes well the glue that remains after removing the adhesive tape, rosin stains.
White spirit is also used to degrease genuine leather. Since there is no chlorine in the composition, it does not change the properties, color and texture. It can be used to protect or “treat” wood from mold and fungus. The liquid penetrates deep into the pores, destroying the source of damage. In addition, the paint lays down better, the consumption is reduced. That is, white spirit can be used as a primer and antibacterial protection for wood.
Like a solvent
Despite the fact that the dissolving power of white spirit is average, it is often used to dilute many formulations to the desired consistency. In this case, a solvent is introduced into the composition, and not vice versa. Mix thoroughly until smooth. As a solvent, white spirit is used with the following compositions:
- oil paints;
- antibacterial impregnation for wood;
- olifu;
- alkyd enamels;
- alkyd varnishes;
- bituminous mastics;
- rubber mastics.
It is better to work with gloves, use a wooden stick
When combined with paint, white spirit reduces its viscosity. The composition is better applied and distributed, consumption is reduced. But it is worth remembering that after drying the surface will be glossy. If you need matte, look for another solvent.
Dilute to a more liquid state with white spirit and putty. But only those that have an appropriate basis:
- ML – melamine,
- M – oil and alkyd-styrene;
- PF – pentaphthalic;
- MP – urea;
- VN – divinylacetylene.
White spirit is popular with car owners as a tool for removing car mastics. Cleans all bitumen-based compounds and shale mastics. It removes well greases that are used to treat parts for corrosion protection (auto-preservatives). Just remember that the liquid has a high corrosive activity. That is, do not allow prolonged contact with the surface. If a puddle has formed, it must be quickly removed, wipe the place dry.
Properties and characteristics
As already mentioned, the characteristics and properties of white spirit are standardized: GOST 3134-78. But it is very difficult to find a solvent made in accordance with GOST on sale. Most of it is produced according to specifications, which have their own rules. In particular, the maximum content of volatile substances changes.
For example, Nefras-C4-155/205 is widespread. Its qualitative characteristics are lower than those required by GOST. But it is produced according to TU, which does not contradict the law. The list of GOST requirements is given in the table.
Pay attention to such a characteristic as flash point. According to GOST it is +33°C. This means that when heated to this temperature, ignition is possible. So you need to be very careful when using and storing. There is another feature – the liquid accumulates a static charge. Therefore, the container is plastic or glass.
Storage and use
White spirit is a flammable substance (category 2), self-ignition temperature 270°C. Vapors mixed with air create an explosive mixture. Given these features, pay special attention to the storage location. This solvent should be kept in a dark, cool, ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. There should be no heat sources nearby, including heaters. The storage period is usually indicated on the bank, but it is not fundamental. If there is liquid inside and not jelly, it can be used.
When opening and operating, the following requirements must be met:
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- It is unacceptable to be near open flames or sources of sparks.
- When opening the container, mixing the compositions, do not use devices that can spark.
- White spirit begins to evaporate at a temperature of +20°C. For quick drying of paint, mastics, putty, it is necessary to work in the warm season or in a warm room.
- If the solvent is spilled indoors, open windows and doors as much as possible – collect and take out of the room. Wipe the place where white spirit was spilled with a rag. To remove a greasy stain, you can use detergents that dissolve fats. If spilled on the street, cover the puddle with sand, which is then taken out.
- In case of fire, do not extinguish with water. Apply foam, sand, powder, felt.
According to the degree of impact on the human body, it belongs to substances with low danger. May cause burning, dermatitis and allergic eczema in contact with skin. Therefore, it is better not to allow even a short contact. The best thing you can do is wear gloves. If you have to work for a long time indoors, it makes sense to wear a respirator.
Which is better: ours or imported?
Despite the fact that the production technology is the same, imported mineral spirits have a weaker smell (and higher prices). This is due to the fact that the product goes through more purification steps, which rid it of volatile compounds. It’s good – it’s easier to work, there is no headache and all other symptoms.
The bad thing is that the dissolving power decreases during the cleaning process. This means that the flow rate will be higher. This is if we talk about adding to paints or mastics. The second point is that stains will be rubbed off worse. This is if you use the substance as a stain remover. On the other hand, if you try to remove a stain from a fabric with a low-cleaning mineral spirits, it is extremely difficult to get rid of the smell (note that repeated washing does not help). It is clear that the less odorous liquid, the easier the problem is solved. Perhaps for this reason, some manufacturers produce this type of solvent in several degrees of purification (for example, Tikkurilla – with blue and yellow labels). Different tools for different tasks.