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Odorless mineral spirits, usually shortened to OMS, are the solvent most oil painters now keep beside the easel instead of turpentine. A good artist-grade OMS thins paint and mediums, cleans brushes and evaporates fully, all with far less smell. The best odorless mineral spirits for painting are highly refined, with the aromatic fraction removed, and sold in containers that make it easy to pour only what you need.
Two things are worth knowing before you shop. First, “odorless” describes smell, not safety: you are still breathing solvent vapor, so ventilation still matters. Second, the hardware-store gallon and the small art-store bottle are not always the same product, even when both say odorless mineral spirits on the label. This guide explains where each fits.
Quick answer: Gamblin Gamsol is the safest all-round pick for oil painting: a petroleum distillate made for artists that the listing says evaporates completely and leaves no residue in paint layers. Buy the 4.2 oz bottle to start and the 128 oz jug once you know you will use it. U.S. Art Supply OMS is a good budget art-store alternative, and Klean-Strip’s gallon is the economical choice for brush cleaning only.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Gamblin Gamsol — Best overall odorless mineral spirits for oil painting
- U.S. Art Supply Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best budget artist OMS
- KOVIEDE Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best leak-resistant bottle for travel kits
- Bellisinno Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best small starter bottle
- Klean-Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits (1 gallon) — Best for bulk brush cleaning
- Rust-Oleum Low VOC Mineral Spirits — Best low-VOC option for cleaning and tool care
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamblin Gamsol (4.2 oz / 128 oz) | Thinning paint and mediums | Petroleum distillate, 100% evaporation | Made by an artist paint maker | $ / $$$ |
| U.S. Art Supply OMS | Budget studio thinner | 125 ml | Also softens colored pencil wax | $ |
| KOVIEDE OMS | Plein air and travel | 150 ml, sealed piston | Anti-leak design | $ |
| Bellisinno OMS | Trying OMS for the first time | 100 ml | Free of aromatic solvents (listed) | $ |
| Klean-Strip OMS | Cleaning brushes and tools | 1 gallon | Large volume | $$ |
| Rust-Oleum Low VOC | Cleanup with lower VOC content | 32 oz | Low odor, no residue (listed) | $$ |
How We Chose
Picks are based on the Amazon listing details and specifications for each product as checked in October 2026, how well each solvent’s stated purpose, refinement and container suit fine-art oil painting, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not run lab analysis on these solvents, so we rely on what manufacturers state and on well-established facts about mineral spirits.
- Intended use: artist-formulated solvents rank above general-purpose thinners for use inside paint layers.
- Stated refinement: removal of aromatic solvents and residue-free evaporation.
- Container: small bottles for beginners and travel, larger volumes for regular studio use.
- Versatility: thinning, cleaning, and secondary uses such as colored pencil blending.
- Clarity of labeling: listings that state what the product is and how to use it.
Best Odorless Mineral Spirits Reviewed
1. Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best Overall for Oil Painting
Gamsol is the reference point most oil painting teachers mention, and it is made by Gamblin, an oil paint manufacturer. The listing describes it as a petroleum distillate that evaporates 100 percent and leaves no residue in paint layers, which is exactly what you want from a solvent you mix into underpaintings and mediums.
The 4.2 oz bottle is a sensible first purchase. Once you are painting regularly, the Gamsol 128 oz jug lowers the cost per ounce and is described as suitable for thinning mediums and for brush and studio cleanup. Decant from the jug into a small bottle or a lidded brush washer rather than working straight from the large container.
Best suited for: Oil painters who thin paint for underpaintings and lean early layers, mix Gamblin mediums, and want one solvent for both painting and cleaning.
Key features (from the listing):
- Petroleum distillate formulated for artists
- Evaporates fully and leaves no residue in paint layers (listed)
- Low odor
- 4.2 oz bottle, also sold in a 128 oz container
- Made in the United States
Pros:
- Designed specifically for fine-art use
- Works with Gamblin mediums
- Two sizes cover beginners and busy studios
- Widely recommended in oil painting instruction
Cons and limitations:
- Costs more per ounce than hardware-store spirits in the small size
- Still a solvent that needs ventilation
- The large jug is heavy to pour from directly
Buying consideration: Use a small amount. Oil painting needs far less solvent than most beginners think, and a lidded jar lets used Gamsol settle so you can pour off the clear solvent and reuse it.
2. U.S. Art Supply Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best Budget Artist OMS
U.S. Art Supply sells a 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) bottle aimed at artists. The listing describes a highly refined solvent that thins oil paints, stains and varnishes and cleans brushes, tools and equipment with minimal residue. It also notes a useful secondary use: blending and softening wax-based colored pencil work.
The label carries the usual warnings that the product is combustible and harmful if swallowed, and the listing says it is not intended for sale or use in California. That last point is easy to miss and is worth checking if you live there.
Best suited for: Students and hobby oil painters on a budget, and colored pencil artists who use solvent to blend layers.
Key features (from the listing):
- 125 ml (4.2 fl oz)
- Thins oil paints, stains and varnishes
- Cleans brushes, tools and equipment
- Blends wax-based colored pencil
- Low-odor formula for indoor use
Pros:
- Affordable artist-oriented OMS
- Doubles as a colored pencil blender
- Small bottle is easy to manage
Cons and limitations:
- Not for sale or use in California per the listing
- Less brand information about refinement than Gamsol
- Small size runs out quickly if used for cleaning
Buying consideration: If you mainly need a cleaner, a gallon of general-purpose OMS is cheaper. Use this where you want an artist-labeled product in the paint itself.
3. KOVIEDE Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best Leak-Resistant Bottle
KOVIEDE’s 150 ml (5.07 fl oz) bottle stands out for its packaging. The listing describes a sealed piston and anti-leak design meant to prevent spills and spoilage, which is valuable when the bottle lives in a pochade box or a backpack.
The formula is described as high-purity, filtered to remove odor, and suitable for both thinning paint and cleaning brushes and tools. Some marketing claims in the listing, such as preserving minerals or extending artwork life, are vague, so judge it mainly on its container and stated dual use.
Best suited for: Plein air painters, travelers and anyone who has had a solvent bottle leak in a bag.
Key features (from the listing):
- 150 ml (5.07 fl oz)
- Sealed piston, anti-leak design
- Thins oil paint and cleans tools
- Filtered for low odor
Pros:
- Packaging designed for transport
- Slightly more volume than most starter bottles
- One product for thinning and cleaning
Cons and limitations:
- Some listing claims are marketing language rather than specification
- Lesser-known brand
- Small volume for heavy cleaning
Buying consideration: Check airline and local rules before carrying any solvent when traveling. For painting outside, many artists carry only a small amount and clean fully at home.
4. Bellisinno Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best Small Starter Bottle
Bellisinno offers a 100 ml bottle described as made from odorless mineral oil free of aromatic solvents. It is marketed to thin oil paints, colorants and varnishes and to clean brushes, and the listing suggests experimenting with ratios on the palette to reach your preferred consistency.
The small size suits someone trying oils for the first time who does not want a large container of solvent in the house. It also fits classroom kits where each student needs a small supply.
Best suited for: First-time oil painters, workshop students and anyone who paints occasionally.
Key features (from the listing):
- 100 ml bottle
- Listed as free of aromatic solvents
- Thins paint, mediums and varnishes
- Cleans brushes
Pros:
- Low commitment for beginners
- Easy to store
- Covers both thinning and cleaning
Cons and limitations:
- Smallest volume here
- Listing uses “turpenoid” loosely; it is mineral spirits, not a turpentine substitute brand
- Limited technical detail
Buying consideration: Small bottles are perfect for learning. Once you are painting weekly, move to a larger, better-documented solvent to cut cost and waste.
5. Klean-Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits, 1 Gallon — Best for Bulk Brush Cleaning
Klean-Strip is a hardware-store staple. The listing describes it for cleaning up interior jobs, thinning oil-based paint, stain and varnish, and cleaning brushes, equipment and splatters. It is not formulated or documented for use inside fine-art paint layers.
That still makes it useful. Many oil painters keep a general-purpose OMS for the first, dirtiest rinse of their brushes and a small bottle of artist-grade solvent for thinning paint. A gallon goes a long way that way.
Best suited for: Painters who clean a lot of brushes, teachers running classes, and anyone who wants a cheap first-rinse solvent.
Key features (from the listing):
- 1-gallon container
- Thins oil-based paint, stain and varnish
- Cleans brushes, equipment and splatters
- Odorless formula
Pros:
- Lowest cost per ounce here
- Large volume for classes and studios
- Widely available brand
Cons and limitations:
- General-purpose, not artist-documented
- Large can needs careful storage
- Not the best choice for thinning paint in finished layers
Buying consideration: Store it in its original container, tightly closed and away from heat. Decant a small working amount rather than leaving the gallon open.
6. Rust-Oleum Low VOC Mineral Spirits, 32 oz — Best Low-VOC Cleanup Option
This Rust-Oleum product comes from its automotive line in a 32 oz quart. The listing describes low odor, no residue, thinning oil-based paints and stains, and helping increase flow and reduce brush drag. The details note a 300 g/L VOC formulation.
It is a trade product, so treat it like Klean-Strip: good for cleanup and general thinning of house or craft oils, but not documented for artist paint layers. It can make sense if you live somewhere with VOC limits on solvents.
Best suited for: Artists who also do craft or furniture work with oil-based paints, and those in areas with low-VOC requirements.
Key features (from the listing):
- 32 oz quart
- Low VOC, 300 g/L
- Thins oil-based paints and stains
- Low odor and no residue (listed)
Pros:
- Mid-size container
- Low-VOC labeling
- Works for general oil-based cleanup
Cons and limitations:
- Not marketed for fine-art oil painting
- Low VOC is not the same as low hazard
- Less useful if you only need a small bottle
Buying consideration: Low-VOC formulations can behave a little differently from conventional spirits. Test it on cleaning first before using it to thin any artwork.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Odorless Mineral Spirits
Artist grade versus hardware grade
Artist-grade OMS such as Gamsol is refined and documented for use in paint layers. Hardware-store spirits vary by brand and batch and are formulated for trades. A practical system is two solvents: hardware OMS for the first brush rinse, artist OMS for thinning paint and the final rinse.
Aromatic content and odor
“Odorless” products have most of the aromatic hydrocarbons removed, which is where most of the smell comes from. Less smell does not mean no vapor. Paint with a window open or with airflow across the room, and keep lids on when you are not actively using the jar.
Evaporation and residue
A solvent you thin paint with should evaporate fully so it does not leave anything behind in the film. Gamsol’s listing explicitly states this. For others, look for “no residue” in the description and keep their use to cleaning if the label is unclear.
Container size and decanting
Buy small until you know your usage. Larger volumes are cheaper, but most painters work from a small lidded jar or brush washer filled from the main container. A bottle with a narrow neck or piston makes decanting tidy.
Solvent strength and your mediums
OMS is a weaker solvent than turpentine. That is usually fine, but some resin-based mediums and older varnishes dissolve better in stronger solvents. If a medium manufacturer specifies a solvent, follow it.
Storage and disposal
Never pour used solvent down the drain. Let used OMS sit in a lidded jar until pigment settles, pour off the clear solvent for reuse, and take the sludge to a household hazardous waste site. Oily rags should be laid flat to dry or stored in a sealed metal container because they can self-heat.
Learn More About Using OMS
New to solvents? Start with our explainer on what odorless mineral spirits are and how they differ from turpentine. Once you have a jar of dirty solvent, follow our steps for cleaning and reusing odorless mineral spirits, and read our guide on storing odorless mineral spirits safely. If you plan to glaze with thinned paint, our oil painting glazing technique guide explains how solvent and medium work together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating “odorless” as “safe to use in a closed room.”
- Using a large amount of solvent in later layers, which can weaken the paint film and break the fat-over-lean rule.
- Pouring dirty solvent down the sink instead of letting it settle and reusing it.
- Leaving oily rags in a pile or open trash can.
- Thinning finished layers with a hardware-store product you know nothing about.
- Working straight from a gallon container instead of a small, lidded jar.
FAQs
What is the best odorless mineral spirits for oil painting?
Gamblin Gamsol is the most commonly recommended choice because it is made for artists and its listing states it evaporates completely without residue. Budget artist bottles such as U.S. Art Supply OMS are a reasonable alternative for students.
Is Gamsol the same as hardware-store odorless mineral spirits?
Both are refined mineral spirits, but Gamsol is formulated and documented for fine-art use. Hardware-store products are made for trade work and their refinement can vary, so many artists keep them for cleanup only.
Are odorless mineral spirits safe to use indoors?
They are much more pleasant than turpentine, but you are still breathing solvent vapor. Use ventilation, keep containers closed, use small amounts and avoid skin contact.
Can I reuse odorless mineral spirits?
Yes. Let used solvent sit in a sealed jar until pigment settles to the bottom, then pour off the clear layer into a clean container. Dispose of the sludge at a hazardous waste facility.
Can I clean acrylic brushes with mineral spirits?
There is no need. Acrylics clean up with soap and water while wet. Mineral spirits are for oil paints, alkyds and oil-based varnishes.
How much odorless mineral spirits do I mix with oil paint?
Only in early layers, and only enough to reach a fluid wash for underpainting. Later layers should use less solvent and more oil or medium to keep the fat-over-lean structure sound.
Final Recommendation
For thinning paint and mediums, buy Gamblin Gamsol and move to the 128 oz size once it becomes a habit. If budget is tight, U.S. Art Supply OMS covers the same role in a smaller bottle, and KOVIEDE’s leak-resistant container makes the most sense for travel. Keep Klean-Strip or Rust-Oleum for the dirty first rinse of brushes, where economy matters more than documentation, and you will have the best odorless mineral spirits setup for both quality and cost.
