Although white spirit and methylated spirit are both solvents, they’re chemically different. White spirit is a petroleum-based solvent, while methylated spirit is an ethanol-based solvent with a methanol additive (hence the name, methylated spirit).
Unlike other solvents, both white spirit and methylated spirit can effectively dissolve cured paint. This makes them very useful for removing dry paint stains from clothing and other unintended surfaces.
Continue reading to learn more about the differences between white spirit and methylated spirit, as well as their common uses and applications.
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Origins & chemical composition of white & methylated spirit
White spirit and methylated spirit are types of organic compounds. They’re both highly volatile clear liquids but the former is derived from petroleum-based while the latter is alcohol-based.
White spirit is a product of petroleum distillation and is produced through industrial processes, whereas methylated spirit is mainly produced via the fermentation process.
White spirit
White spirit is a mixture of various types of hydrocarbons. Its hydrophobic properties – meaning it’s insoluble in water – make it an effective solvent for nonpolar hydrophobic substances. White spirit is known by various names including mineral turpentine, turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirit.
The substance is mainly used as a paint thinner and extraction solvent. It’s also a good cleaning and degreasing agent because it can dissolve a wide range of substances including acrylic paint, wood preservatives, grease, glue, lacquer, and varnish.
Methylated spirit
Methylated spirit (also known as denatured alcohol) is mainly composed of ethanol with methanol and sometimes petroleum hydrocarbons.
Substances like pyridine and the dye methyl violet are commonly added to methylated spirits to make them toxic and thereby discourage human consumption. The pyridine gives it a noxious smell while the dye makes it easily identifiable.
A bittering agent can also be included to prevent people and animals from drinking it.
Physical and chemical properties
Both methylated spirits and white spirits are colourless, highly volatile, and flammable liquids.
However, unlike methylated spirit, white spirit is not miscible in water because it’s composed of nonpolar and hydrophobic hydrocarbons. Methylated spirits, on the other hand, have 80 g/L (20℃) solubility in water and a vapour pressure of 112mmHg at 25°C.
Chemically, white spirit is composed of hydrocarbons. It typically consists of between 80% and 85% aliphatic and alicyclic alkanes by weight, and 15% to 20% aromatic hydrocarbons by weight.
Methylated spirit typically contains around 90% ethanol or ethyl alcohol, with the remaining 10% being additives like methanol and dye.
Key uses and applications
White spirits and methylated spirits have applications across various industries. They’re commonly used as solvents because they can dissolve nonpolar substances such as acrylic paint.
White spirit
White spirit is mainly used to thin paint and clean hardened paint brushes. Some of the other household and industrial applications of white spirit include the following:
- Solvent for products such as varnishes, adhesives, photocopier toners, and printing inks
- Industrial cleaning agent
- Degreasing agent
- Extracting substances
- Home dry cleaning fluid
Methylated spirit
While methylated spirit is primarily used as a solvent, it has a few other applications too. They include:
- Fuel for laboratory alcohol lamps
- Preservation liquid for biological specimens
- Disinfectant for medical equipment
- Cleaning agent for hard surfaces
- An insecticide for plants
- Paint thinner and remover
You can read more about the specific uses of methylated spirit, or denatured alcohol, here.
Purchasing and availability
Both white spirits and methylated spirits are widely available in hardware and DIY shops. They can also be purchased online from specialist suppliers and chemical manufacturers, either in bulk or in customised amounts and containers. Many countries, including the UK, impose age restrictions when buying these types of substances.
Buying methylated spirits
You can purchase methylated spirits from your local hardware shop, although as an individual, there will usually be restrictions on the amount you can buy.
If you need to purchase in bulk for your business, you’ll probably have to contact a manufacturer directly. At ReAgent, we sell denatured alcohol in various sizes to businesses, and offer discounts for bulk orders.
Buying white spirits online
Buying white spirits onlineYou can easily buy white spirits online, either in bulk or in custom amounts. If you choose this route, look for reputable suppliers or manufacturers that have an online presence.
You can normally buy directly from their website or you may wish to contact their customer services department to discuss your specific requirements.
Conclusion
Although white spirits and methylated spirits have similar uses and physical properties, there are distinct differences between the two. The former is derived from petroleum whereas the latter is derived from ethanol. Unlike methylated spirits, white spirits are not miscible in water. Depending on the exact makeup, white spirit isn’t generally as poisonous as methylated spirit but, of course, it’s still unsafe to drink.
