I've been told not to use mineral spirits (known as white spirits here in Norway) after sanding my teak wood table. While online sources suggest it's great to wipe down the surface before applying an oil finish, most people I've talked to shake their heads and say 'absolutely not!' They believe that because white spirits are oil-based, it will damage the newly sanded wood. Can anyone help clarify this? Are the properties of mineral spirits in the US and white spirits in Norway different?
3 Answers
I recently found out that not all white spirits are created equal. Some low-odor variants can behave differently and potentially leave residues, so just make sure to check the label on the one you have before using it.
Always good to be cautious! A test patch could save you headaches down the line.
Generally, using white spirits after sanding wood is fine. It’s actually just the same as mineral spirits, just with a different name in Norway. Some folks might be confused, thinking you meant something like mineral oil, which definitely isn't the same. It should help clean up dust without harming your wood finish. Just make sure it's properly ventilated, and you're good to go!
I thought the same! White spirits are the petroleum-based type, as you said, but they shouldn't affect your end result as long as you apply it correctly.
Yeah, I've used it before with no issues. Just make sure you're using the right type, and it should evaporate quickly without jacking up the wood.
I've used mineral spirits to clean sanding dust on teak and it works well! If you’re unsure, it might be a good idea to test it on a scrap piece or in an area that isn't visible. That way, if something does go wrong, it won’t ruin the whole table!
That's exactly what I would do! Testing first is a smart way to avoid any potential disaster.
And if you're really worried, you could vacuum or use a tack cloth to get rid of the dust instead!
True! I had a similar experience with a low-odor type that didn't work as well as the standard stuff.