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Every oil painter needs a solvent for two jobs: thinning paint for early, lean layers and cleaning brushes at the end of a session. The question is which one you are comfortable breathing for hours in a closed room. That is why most painters today choose a highly refined odorless mineral spirit, and why the best solvent for oil painting is one that is genuinely low in aromatic content, evaporates cleanly, and comes in a size you will actually use.
This guide compares six odorless solvents sold on Amazon, from Gamblin’s widely used Gamsol to budget odorless mineral spirits and a starter pack that pairs solvent with refined linseed oil. We also explain how solvents differ from mediums, how much you really need, and how to set up a safer solvent routine at home.
Quick answer: Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits, 16.9 oz is the benchmark: the listing describes it as safer for painters and the environment than turpentine and harsh mineral spirits, and the brand states it evaporates completely without residue. For a lower-cost large bottle, PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner is a hydrotreated, low-odor petroleum distillate in 500 ml. Beginners who also need a medium can start with the lockmio odorless mineral spirits and linseed oil set.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits, 16.9 oz — Best overall solvent for oil painting
- PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner, 500 ml — Best value large bottle
- U.S. Art Supply Odorless Mineral Spirits, 500 ml — Best for heavy brush cleaning
- lockmio Odorless Mineral Spirits and Refined Linseed Oil — Best beginner solvent-and-medium set
- KOVIEDE Odorless Mineral Spirits, 150 ml — Best leak-resistant bottle for small studios
- Bellisinno Odorless Mineral Spirits, 100 ml — Best small bottle to try odorless solvent
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamblin Gamsol 16.9 oz | Everyday studio solvent | 500 ml odorless mineral spirits | Established artist-grade standard | $$ |
| PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner | Value large volume | 500 ml hydrotreated distillate | Low odor, ASTM D4236 | $$ |
| U.S. Art Supply OMS | Brush and tool cleaning | 500 ml odorless mineral spirits | Also blends colored pencil | $$ |
| lockmio OMS + Linseed | Beginners needing a medium | 4 fl oz OMS + 3.4 fl oz linseed oil | Solvent and medium together | $ |
| KOVIEDE OMS | Small studios, travel | 150 ml, sealed piston anti-leak | Leak-resistant design | $ |
| Bellisinno OMS | Trying odorless solvent | 100 ml | Low entry cost | $ |
How We Chose
These picks are based on Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, how well each solvent fits typical oil painting use (thinning, medium mixing and cleaning), and how widely each is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We did not test evaporation or odor ourselves; those characteristics are described as the listings state them.
- Odor and refinement: odorless or low-odor, with aromatic solvents removed.
- Clean evaporation: leaves no residue in paint layers, per listing.
- Volume: enough for regular cleaning without waste.
- Container: pour control and leak resistance.
- Clear labeling: safety conformance and use instructions.
We included one bottle size per product. Gamsol is also sold in a 4.2 oz bottle, which suits plein air kits, but it is the same solvent as the 16.9 oz pick.
Solvent Types for Oil Painting, Briefly
Odorless mineral spirits (OMS)
Highly refined petroleum distillates with aromatic compounds removed. They are the default modern choice because they are much less smelly and less harsh than traditional options. “Odorless” does not mean harmless: vapors are still present, so ventilation still matters.
Turpentine
Distilled from pine resin, with a strong odor and higher toxicity. Some traditional painters still prefer it for dissolving certain resins. Most home studios are better served by OMS.
Hardware-store mineral spirits
Less refined and often still smelly. They clean brushes but are not ideal for thinning paint in an indoor studio.
Solvent-free approaches
Some painters avoid solvents entirely, thinning with oil or medium and cleaning brushes with vegetable oil and soap. It works, but layers then follow fat over lean differently and drying is slower.
For most home painters the practical choice is between a branded artist solvent like Gamsol and a budget odorless mineral spirit. Both do the same two jobs. The difference is mostly in how clearly the maker documents refinement and evaporation, and in price per ounce. Many painters split the difference by thinning with the premium solvent and cleaning with the budget one.
Best Solvent for Oil Painting Reviewed
1. Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits, 16.9 oz — Best for everyday studio use
Gamsol is the solvent many teachers and studios standardize on. The listing describes it as an excellent solvent for thinning mediums and for general painting, and as safer for painters, paintings and the environment than turpentine and harsh mineral spirits. Gamblin states that Gamsol evaporates completely and leaves no residue in paint layers.
The 16.9 oz (500 ml) size is practical. It covers months of thinning and cleaning for most hobby painters, and because Gamblin designs its mediums around Gamsol, it is a safe match if you use their Galkyd or Solvent-Free products later.
Best suited for: Most oil painters, from beginners to professionals, who want a reliable, widely recommended odorless solvent.
Key features:
- 500 ml odorless mineral spirits
- For thinning mediums and general painting
- Described as safer than turpentine and harsh mineral spirits
- Evaporates without residue per brand
Pros:
- Widely used and trusted
- Works with brand mediums
- Large practical size
Cons and limitations:
- Higher price per ounce than budget OMS
- Still requires ventilation
- Combustible like all solvents
Buying consideration: Reuse it: let dirty Gamsol sit in a closed jar until pigment settles, then pour off the clear solvent for cleaning.
2. PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner, 500 ml — Best for value large volume
PHOENIX describes its thinner as made from highly refined, low-odor hydrotreated petroleum distillates, marketed as a safer alternative to traditional solvents like turpentine. It is listed for thinning oil paint while maintaining pigment integrity and as a brush cleaner that is gentler on natural and synthetic bristles, conforming to ASTM D4236, in a leak-proof 16.9 fl oz bottle.
For painters who clean a lot of brushes, a large, lower-cost bottle makes sense for the cleaning jar, with a premium solvent reserved for thinning if you prefer.
Best suited for: Frequent painters who want a large, budget-friendly odorless solvent.
Key features:
- 500 ml hydrotreated petroleum distillates
- Low odor
- Thins oil paint and cleans brushes
- ASTM D4236 per listing
Pros:
- Good value
- Large volume
- Leak-proof bottle
Cons and limitations:
- Less established than Gamsol
- Still needs ventilation
- Specific purity details limited
Buying consideration: Use one jar for dirty cleaning and a separate small cup of clean solvent for thinning paint.
3. U.S. Art Supply Odorless Mineral Spirits, 500 ml — Best for heavy brush cleaning
U.S. Art Supply’s highly refined odorless mineral spirits are listed for thinning and blending into oil paints, stains and varnishes and as an excellent cleaner for brushes and tools after oil work. The listing also notes use for blending and softening wax-based colored pencil.
It carries clear warnings: combustible, harmful if swallowed, and not intended for sale or use in California. Check whether you can use it in your area.
Best suited for: Painters who use a lot of solvent for cleaning, and mixed-media artists who also blend colored pencil.
Key features:
- 500 ml odorless mineral spirits
- Thins paint, stains and varnishes
- Cleans brushes and tools
- Colored pencil blending
Pros:
- Large volume
- Multi-purpose
- Clear safety labeling
Cons and limitations:
- Not for sale or use in California per listing
- Combustible
- Still requires ventilation
Buying consideration: If you are in California, choose a product that is compliant in your area.
4. lockmio Odorless Mineral Spirits and Refined Linseed Oil Set — Best for beginners needing a medium
This set includes 4 fl oz of odorless mineral spirits and 3.4 fl oz of refined linseed oil. The listing describes the solvent as refined to remove harsh odors and the linseed oil as a way to improve flow, increase gloss and transparency, and extend drying time.
For a first oil kit, it covers both sides of fat over lean: solvent for lean early layers, oil to make later layers fatter.
Best suited for: Beginners setting up a first oil painting kit.
Key features:
- 4 fl oz odorless mineral spirits
- 3.4 fl oz refined linseed oil
- For glazing, layering, wet-on-wet, impasto, underpainting
Pros:
- Solvent and medium in one purchase
- Small sizes reduce waste
- Low cost
Cons and limitations:
- Small volumes run out with regular cleaning
- Lesser-known brand
- Linseed oil yellows more than some oils over time
Buying consideration: Mix a simple medium by combining equal parts solvent and linseed oil for middle layers, then use more oil in final layers.
5. KOVIEDE Odorless Mineral Spirits, 150 ml — Best for small studios
KOVIEDE’s bottle uses a sealed piston design to prevent leaks and spoilage. The listing describes high-purity, filtered odorless mineral spirits that do not change paint hues and work for thinning and cleaning.
A smaller, leak-resistant bottle is handy in a shared home, a small apartment studio or a travel kit.
Best suited for: Small studios, shared spaces and travel kits.
Key features:
- 150 ml odorless mineral spirits
- Sealed piston anti-leak design
- Thinning and cleaning
Pros:
- Leak resistant
- Compact
- Affordable
Cons and limitations:
- Small volume
- Brand less established
- Purity claims are general
Buying consideration: Keep solvent containers closed when not in use; evaporation is where most vapors come from.
6. Bellisinno Odorless Mineral Spirits, 100 ml — Best for trying odorless solvent
Bellisinno’s 100 ml bottle is described as made from pure odorless mineral oil free of aromatic solvents, for thinning oil paints, colorants and varnishes and cleaning brushes.
It is the lowest-commitment way to try oils with a solvent before buying a large bottle.
Best suited for: Beginners who want to try oil painting without buying a large bottle.
Key features:
- 100 ml odorless mineral spirits
- Free of aromatic solvents per listing
- Thinning and cleaning
Pros:
- Low cost
- Small, easy to store
Cons and limitations:
- Runs out quickly
- Less information about refinement standards
Buying consideration: If you paint regularly, a larger bottle is more economical.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Solvent for Oil Painting
Odorless and low aromatic content
Choose a solvent described as odorless with aromatics removed. These are less irritating than turpentine or hardware-store spirits.
Evaporation and residue
A good painting solvent evaporates completely without leaving residue that could weaken paint layers.
Volume and usage
Thinning uses little; cleaning uses a lot. Many painters buy a large bottle for cleaning and reuse settled solvent.
Compatibility with mediums
If you use a brand’s alkyd or oil mediums, the matching solvent is a safe choice.
Container and storage
Look for good pour control and tight lids. Use a closed brush washer to reduce evaporation.
Local regulations
Some solvents carry regional restrictions. Check the listing.
How to Use Solvent at Each Stage of a Painting
Solvent use changes as a painting develops. A simple three-stage approach keeps you on the right side of fat over lean:
| Stage | What You Mix | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Toning and underpainting | Paint thinned mainly with solvent | Lean, fast-drying first layers that later paint can grip |
| Block-in and middle layers | Paint with a little solvent and a little oil, or a 50/50 solvent-oil medium | Slightly fatter than the layer below, still workable |
| Final layers and glazes | Paint with medium or oil, little or no solvent | Fattest, most flexible layers on top |
The amounts are small. For thinning, dip only the tip of the brush in solvent and work it into a little paint on the palette. Flooding the palette with solvent makes paint runny and dull and wastes the bottle.
Cleaning brushes with less solvent
Wipe as much paint as possible onto a rag or paper towel first. Swish the brush in the dirty jar, wipe again, then give a final rinse in a small amount of cleaner solvent. Finish with mild soap and water for natural-hair brushes if you will not paint again for a few days, and reshape the tips before they dry. This routine can cut solvent use dramatically compared with rinsing a loaded brush straight in the jar.
Solvent or Medium?
Solvents thin paint and make it lean; mediums, usually oils or alkyds, change flow, gloss and drying and make paint fatter. You often use both, in changing proportions as a painting progresses. Our guide to oil painting medium vs. solvent explains the difference and how to mix them. If you work in transparent layers, see the oil painting glazing technique guide, and when the painting is done, how to varnish an oil painting correctly.
A Safer Solvent Routine
- Ventilate: open a window and use a fan to move air away from you.
- Use a lidded brush washer and keep it closed when not in use.
- Wipe brushes on a rag before rinsing to use less solvent.
- Let dirty solvent settle and reuse the clear top layer.
- Store oily rags safely: rags with linseed oil can self-heat. Lay them flat to dry outdoors or keep them in a sealed metal container with water before disposal.
- Dispose of sludge according to local hazardous waste rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming odorless means harmless. Vapors still need ventilation.
- Using too much solvent in late layers. It makes paint lean and can lead to cracking.
- Leaving solvent open. It evaporates into the room.
- Pouring solvent down the drain. Dispose of it properly.
- Throwing oily rags in a pile. They can self-heat.
- Using hardware-store spirits for thinning indoors. They are usually less refined.
FAQs
What is the best solvent for oil painting?
A highly refined odorless mineral spirit such as Gamblin Gamsol is the most common choice for thinning and cleaning.
Is odorless mineral spirits the same as turpentine?
No. Turpentine is distilled from pine resin and has a strong odor. Odorless mineral spirits are refined petroleum distillates with aromatics removed.
Can I paint with oils without solvent?
Yes. Some painters thin with oil or medium and clean brushes with vegetable oil and soap, though drying and layering behave differently.
How do I reuse solvent?
Let dirty solvent sit in a closed jar until pigment settles, then pour off the clear solvent.
Is Gamsol safe to use indoors?
It is designed to be safer than turpentine, but you should still ventilate and keep containers closed.
How much solvent do I need?
Thinning uses very little. Cleaning uses more. A 500 ml bottle lasts most hobby painters a long time if they reuse settled solvent.
Final Recommendation
Choose Gamblin Gamsol as your main solvent if you want the established standard. For a large, budget-friendly bottle, go with PHOENIX, or U.S. Art Supply for heavy cleaning where it is permitted. Beginners who also need a medium should start with the lockmio solvent and linseed oil set, while KOVIEDE suits small or shared studios and Bellisinno is the low-cost way to try odorless solvent.
