Difference Between Acetone and Paint Thinner

Various substances are used in respective industries to dissolve liquids, solids and even gases commonly referred to as solvents. They are common in the liquid state, but can also be in gas or solid form. Solvents are inert, to ensure they will not react with other substances. They also evaporate easily. Most solvents are colorless and clear and may have a smell. They are commonly used in dry cleaning, nail polish removers, in detergents, spot removers, and also chemical synthesis. Some regularly used solvents include acetone and paint thinners. 

What is Acetone?

This is a volatile, colorless and flammable liquid commonly used as a solvent in many industries, as it is a commendable solvent for synthetic fibers and plastics. Due to its properties of heavy digressing, it is used in the preparation of metal before painting. It is also used for thinning polyester resin, dissolving superglue, removing nail varnishes, removing rosin flux to prevent the rusty bolt effect as well as in the pharmaceutical industries whereby it may be used as an excipient in some medicines. 

What is Paint Thinner?

This is a solvent used to clean up oil-based paints. They basically work by adjusting the viscosity of paint depending on the paint used and the application method. They also regulate and control the drying time hence preventing aesthetic and functional problems such as loss of gloss. Different solvents may be used in paint thinners such as turpentine, acetone, mineral spirits, toluene, butanol and also xylene. Due to the ingredients, paint thinners may be dangerous when inhaled, hence not be inhaled over a long period of time. 

Similarities between Acetone and Paint Thinner

• Both are used as solvents in various industries
• Both are flammable
• Both release toxic fumes, hence should not be inhaled for a long period of time

Differences between Acetone and Paint Thinner

1. Common use of Acetone vs. Paint Thinner

While acetone has a wide array of uses such as the preparation of metal before painting, thinning polyester resin, dissolving superglue, removing nail varnishes, removing rosin flux to prevent the rusty bolt effect as well as in the pharmaceutical industries, paint thinner is commonly used to remove any type of paint in paints and coatings. 

2. Use in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries

While acetone is used in the beauty and pharmaceutical industries, paint thinner is not used in the beauty and pharmaceutical industries. 

Acetone vs. Paint thinner: Comparison Table

Summary of Acetone vs. Paint Thinner

The importance of both acetone and paint thinner cannot be ignored, as they are useful in most industries. However, care should be taken when handling these products as the fumes are hazardous, hence should not be inhaled for a long period of time.  

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