Is rubbing alcohol the same as white spirit?

Author: Bernie Ryan  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Although white spirit and rubbing alcohol are both solvents, they are chemically different. While the spirit is a petroleum-based solvent, white rubbing alcohol is an ethanol solvent with a methanol additive. Unlike any other solvent, both rubbing alcohol and white spirits can effectively dissolve cured paint.

Can you use rubbing alcohol instead of white spirit?

Yes. You can substitute plain vodka or grain alcohol for rubbing alcohol. Maybe gin too, but gin has some flavorings in it and is not quite as pure.

What is a substitute for rubbing alcohol?

Denatured alcohol is probably the best alternative and can be had cheap almost everywhere.

What can I use instead of white spirit?

As you may guess now that you're an expert in paint thinners, you can use white spirit, turpentine and methylated spirit pretty much interchangeably. All of them are alternatives to each other. The pros are likely to have a preferred choice but would likely grab any of these paint thinners in a pinch.

Is rubbing alcohol the same as spirit?

Rubbing alcohol is either isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol that has been mixed with water. In Britain it's also known as surgical spirit, according to the British Pharmacopoeia. Rubbing alcohol which has been made from isopropyl alcohol is the most widely available, and is used mainly as an antiseptic in the home.

Are Mineral Spirits and Denatured Alcohol The Same? (White Spirit & Methylated Spirit)

What's another thing for rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol, also known as surgical spirit in some regions, refers to a group of denatured alcohols commonly used as topical antiseptics. These solutions are primarily composed of either isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or ethanol, with isopropyl alcohol being the more widely available formulation.

Are rubbing alcohol and isopropyl alcohol the same?

No – isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same thing. Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol and is a colorless liquid with a musty, sharp odor. There are no other ingredients in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water.

What is the same as white spirit?

Overview. White spirit is a flammable, clear, colourless liquid. It is a mixture of chemicals known as petroleum hydrocarbons. Other common names for white spirit are Stoddard solvent, turpentine substitute, mineral spirit and paint thinner.

Can I use vinegar instead of white spirit?

Can I Use Vinegar Instead of White Spirit? Vinegar can be used as an alternative for less intensive cleaning tasks like removing water-based stains, descaling, and general household cleaning, but it's not effective as a paint thinner or for heavy-duty degreasing like White Spirit.

What is white spirit called in America?

White spirit (AU, UK and Ireland) or mineral spirits (US, Canada), also known as mineral turpentine (AU/NZ/ZA), turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirits, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting.

Can I use vinegar instead of rubbing alcohol?

Clean surfaces naturally.

You can swap the rubbing alcohol for distilled white vinegar, but do not use any vinegar solution on granite, marble, natural stone or hardwood.

Is hydrogen peroxide the same as rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is more of a chemical solvent. Hydrogen peroxide is a nonchlorinated oxidizing bleach. Both will kill bacteria. If using either on a fresh wound, peroxide should only be used once for the initial cleaning.

Can I use acetone instead of white spirit?

While Acetone shares similarities with the White Spirit, it is not the same and should not be used for the same purposes without serious consideration. Acetone, while able to clean oil-based paint, is, in fact, more flammable and includes a more pungent irritating odour.

Can you use rubbing alcohol as a paint thinner?

The most commonly used solvents and thinners especially in the paint industry and DIY are: White Spirit. Isopropyl Alcohol.

What is the best alternative to white spirit?

Bartoline Clean Spirit is a revolutionary water based alternative to White Spirit, Turpentine Substitute and Brush Cleaner. Due to the minimal solvent content, Clean Spirit is safer for the user and to the environment. The mix of high tech components are all readily biodegradable.

How to get paint off without white spirit?

Olive or vegetable oil helps to soften the paint, making it easier to remove. All you need to do is use a cloth to apply the oil, working it into the paint and leaving it to sit for a while. Keep rubbing and wiping at the paint until it's gone.

Is distilled and spirit vinegar the same?

What Is White Vinegar? White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

Is spirit different from alcohol?

Spirits and liquor are terms used interchangeably often since there is little difference. All alcohols that go through distillation are spirits, such as liquor and liqueur. Spirits can be flavored without adding sweetener, so spirits are not as sweet as liquor.

What are the 4 types of white spirit?

White spirits are four types – Type 0 (high aromatic) , Type 1 (hydrodesulfurization) , Type 2 (low aromatic) and Type 3 (odorless). The composition of the various types of white spirit depends on the production process.

Are white spirits alcohol?

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.

Is rubbing alcohol 70% alcohol?

You can buy rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria.

What's the difference between isopropyl alcohol and spirits?

The main difference between isopropyl alcohol and methylated spirits is that the former is a pure alcoholic substance that is safe to use around the home. On the other hand, methylated spirits contain toxic chemicals like methanol that are added to ethyl alcohol (ethanol) to make it unfit for drinking.

Why is rubbing alcohol so expensive?

A: Isopropyl alcohol can be purified to about 70% by distillation. Anything purer needs to be separated by more expensive means, and so costs more.

Previous article
Does baking soda absorb formaldehyde?
Next article
Who do I call for water damage to the ceiling?