Turps

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OLD FORUM POSTS

Posted by Joe Crumley on March 25, 2004

Are there any of you guys out there who uses real Turpentine and would you be so kind as to give me a brand name, which does not smell.

Thanks to Bill Kent, who advised me that the fowl smelling turps, labeled at pure gum turpentine, was probably cut with dryers, thinners, etc. Three fowel smelling gallons later I am seeking some advice.

The Grumbacher turps from the art supply store smell so nice but is really, really expensive.


Joe

Kimberly Zanetti

Hi all,

My dad always used what he called SUB-turps - I seem to remember him saying it didn't smell as bad as regular turps. He never, ever painted without it. He'd go back and forth...a little dab of turps...a little dab of paint...mixing over and over with the brush (mahlstick in one hand, cigarette hanging out of his mouth)until he got the perfect consistency. I can still see him doing it.

Anyway, my question is...what is sub-turps?

Mike Jackson - Sub-Turps

Kimberly,
I did a Google search and found this:

"Oil-based paints can be thinned using White Spirit or Turpentine Substitute(also known as Sub Turps)"

Paint thinner is commonly called Mineral Spirits. I don't know how that relates to White Spirits, but I bet it is as basically the same thing.

Mike Jackson

Kimberly Zanetti

Thanks Mike.

D. Bernhardt

Heck...turps is great stuff. I also don't mind the smell although it might be "oppressive" in tight quarters. It gives the finish a nice sheen and gives the paint film great integrity. It also takes me back to an art class more years ago than I care to remember, and everyone was "staining" canvas. Some of the ppl complained about the smell and the art teacher replied "now ladies, this is not a cooking class" He realised it was a necessity. I buy it in quarts and keep it handy in an old ketchup bottle.

Mike Jackson

Joe,
I have only used the two types you talked about. When I was doing oil painting, I bought the nice bottle of Turps from the art supply store, but one pint would last most artists years. The more common turps are bought in quarts, half gallons and gallons at the lumber yard or paint store. I am sure there are different levels of quality in those sources, but it always seemed to work for me. The smell never bothered me and if anything it makes me think remember the college years of using the good stuff. Try a quart of Pratt and Lambert or Sherwin Williams turps. It is probably better than the K-Mart/Home Depot stuff.

Mike