Paint Thinner & Solvents (92 items found)

Paint thinners and solvents are essential for many renovation tasks. They dilute paints and lacquers for easier application, prepare surfaces for painting, and clean up brushes and rollers when finished. Ace Hardware's paint solvent selection includes all the products you need, including acetone solvents, denatured alcohol, mineral spirits and more.

The Difference Between Paint Thinner and Lacquer Thinner

Paint thinner is a general term for any liquid product that dilutes oil-based paints for easier application or cleaning brushes after use. Typical paint thinners include mineral spirits and denatured alcohol, although various chemicals or natural products can be used.

Lacquer thinner, on the other hand, is a much stronger paint solvent that uses carefully blended chemicals to loosen up thick lacquers, varnishes or adhesives before application. It’s more expensive than regular paint thinner and is usually more hazardous, so it should only be used when its greater strength is necessary.

Acetone Solvents for Lacquer Thinning and Adhesive Removal

Acetone solvent is one of our strongest lacquer thinner products. It can also be used to clean up adhesives, inks and other tough-to-shift substances. It's possible to use acetone as a general paint thinner or stripper, but its strength means it should be used carefully to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.

Mineral Spirits for Oil-Based Paint

If you're working with oil-based paint, mineral spirits make a great paint thinner and brush cleaner. Mineral spirits are more highly refined than regular solvents for painting, with lower odor levels and more effective thinning action, so you can use a smaller amount to get the job done.

Denatured Alcohol for Shellac-Based Treatments

If you're staining wood with a shellac-based treatment, denatured alcohol is the thinning, stripping and cleaning product to turn to. Made from ethanol but with added chemicals that make it toxic, it's an economical product that can also be used to clean metal surfaces before painting.

Naphtha for Thinning Varnish and Enamels

Naphtha is a high-strength paint thinner and solvent that can clear grease from surfaces or dilute oil-based paints. Its relatively fast drying time makes naphtha a good choice when you need to paint multiple coats in a limited time.

Trusted Paint Solvent and Thinner Suppliers

Whichever paint solvent or thinner type you need, we carry products from reputable manufacturers. From Crown to Klean Strip, you can rely on quality, effectiveness and safety with every purchase.

Shop Paint Thinner and Solvent Products at Ace Hardware

Tackle your next painting job with confidence when you use Ace's professional-grade paint thinners and solvents. Even the highest-quality paints won't produce good results if they're applied without careful preparation. Make sure your surfaces are ready for painting with our essential cleaners and chemicals, including paint strippers, adhesive removers, and wood cleaners to suit any renovation task.

At Ace, you’ll also find paint and painting supplies to help with various home renovation tasks. If you need advice about choosing the safest and most effective paint thinner for your task, shop paint thinners near you at Ace, and our friendly staff will be happy to help.