Solvents & Thinners: Essential Products for Paint and Studio Work
Solvents are a fundamental part of many artistic practices. Used to thin paint, clean brushes, degrease surfaces and create blending effects, they give artists control over their materials at every stage. DeSerres carries a selection of solvents and thinners suited to oil painting, mixed media and general studio maintenance, including turpentine, mineral spirits and low-odour alternatives for safer use in enclosed spaces.
Choosing the Right Solvent for Your Practice
Turpentine is the traditional solvent for oil painting, offering strong thinning power and good compatibility with most oil mediums. Mineral spirits are a more affordable alternative with a milder odour, suitable for thinning paint and cleaning brushes. Odourless solvents are ideal for studio use where ventilation is limited, providing effective thinning with significantly reduced fumes. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for cleaning tools, removing ink and creating blending effects in mixed media work. Always use solvents in a well-ventilated space and follow safe disposal guidelines. Explore our Oil Paint, Oil Mediums and our full Mediums, Varnishes & Resins collection for more options.
