Eh... i think i might be using the wrong paint thinner for my oil paintings, is this bad?

So im taking an intro. to oil painting class. And we were told to purchase paint thinner for some of our at home assignments. But im guessing its a different one than we use in the class. It smell different and it has a yellow label, mine has a blue. it worrks the same though.


The problem is i live in the dorms, i have a private room but i share a ';suite'; with another girl. so im worried that it might be stinking up our semi shared living spaces. i usually open the window while i use a tiny amount in a plastic cup. but is it possible that the fumes or vapors can make me ill. another difference if noticed is that one night i left a little bit of thinner at the bottom of the plastic cup and in the morning it ate through it and clear red liquid was on my desk. very bad. i know *shakes head*


i might be kind of high off it right now. :-/


what is the right kind of thinner that is safe to use in the dorms?





hmm i wrote more than i needed to. sorry.Eh... i think i might be using the wrong paint thinner for my oil paintings, is this bad?
ARTIST QUALITY odorless mineral spirits or


odorless turpenoid





NOT PAINT THINNER!!!!! NOT TURPENTINE!!! Both of these are industrial and for use in highly ventilated environments. Even the odorless mineral spirits and turpenoid should be used with open window, fresh air ventilation.


NEVER EVER LEAVE SOLVENTS OPEN AND UNSEALED. Can cause rapid cerebral capillary dilation and bleeding, lung damage and scaring, asphixiation, fume build-up and flash fire....c'mon, get a grip girl!Eh... i think i might be using the wrong paint thinner for my oil paintings, is this bad?
An oderless thinner would do like turpenoid ( a turpetine substitute but doesn't smell) and turpenoid natural is also oderless. Also liquin by Winsor and Newton can thin out paint and less drying time. Here's the link on what they look like. Also can be purchase at a hobby lobby, Michaels or your nearest art store.
When working in a space that is not well ventilated, you need to be careful with what solvents you decide to use. Not only can it be harmful to you, but you'll be exposing other people (with different sensitivities) to it as well.





When purchasing a solvent, look at the label. Makers of solvents will name their product any number of things, but the label never lies. The label will list ingredients. Avoid getting anything with ';petroleum distillate'; in it. This includes Mineral Spirits (white spirits), Odorless Mineral Spirits (including odorless Turpenoid), GamSol, etc. Some mediums contain it too including Liquin.





Avoid turpentine. It is traditional but also has the highest evaporation rate than all other solvents. That means it become airborne faster and can be breathed in an absorbed very fast. Some folks are very sensitive to it (though I think it smells nice).





Turpenoid Natural is a citrus-based brush cleaner. It is non-toxic but it is not suggested you use it as a painting medium. It's great for swishing and cleaning brushes though, just be sure to wipe off excess before dipping your brush into paint. I personally don't like the smell of it.





Do some research on non-toxic oil paint set ups. Some artists use walnut or linseed oils. Linseed oil though non-toxic is flammable as it cures so be sure to dispose of painting rags thoroughly.





I make this sound hazardous, don't I? It's not, really, but please be educated with what chemicals you're using. Invest in a window fan that exhausts out (forced ventilation). That helps a lot too.





Oh, and use glass jars to store your solvents.





Links below.
Personally I would not use paint thinner at all. Your instructor may disagree.





There are more expensive options such as turpenoid natural. It has a pleasant scent and it's certified non toxic.





I really enjoy using baby oil. It cleans my brushes well and conditions them, and it's very affordable. There are some things to consider if you choose to use baby oil:





1. For smaller brushes you'll clean as usual and dry your brush with a paper towel or rag. For larger brushes it will be necessary to use paper towels to squeeze out the excess oil.





2. Traditional paint thinners allow paint to settle quickly because it's such a thin liquid, essentially making the liquid reusable. Baby oil will allow the paint to settle, but it's much slower. You are better off just dumping the oil and using new whenever possible, and it's not a bad option considering the price.





3. Reusing paint thinner will often result in crusty or hard bristles. Since I've switched to baby oil, I haven't had this problem. The baby oil conditions the brushes very well and they are always workable.