7 best solvent for varnish options tested in 2025

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a beautifully varnished piece, is there? I’ve spent countless hours in my workshop, from restoring antique furniture to bringing new life to wooden crafts, and I can tell you that the right solvent for varnish makes all the difference. It’s not just about cleanup; it’s about achieving that smooth, durable finish, thinning properly, or even removing old, stubborn layers. In this guide, I’ve put seven popular options to the test, offering my hands-on insights to help you pick the best solvent for varnish for your next project.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	MSA Solvent by GOLDEN, 8 fl. oz. Can, Professional…	View on Amazon
	Xylene (Xylol/Dimethylbenzene) Technical Grade – 1 Gallon –…	View on Amazon
	Grumbacher Damar Final Varnish for Oil Paintings, Jar,…	View on Amazon
	MG Chemicals 4226A Clear Insulating Varnish, 55 ml Liquid…	View on Amazon
	ECO-HOUSE 115 Xtra Mild Paint Thinner – Citrus Scent, Low…	View on Amazon
	Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart, Gloss Clear	View on Amazon
	Chemfulfill Turpentine – Pure Gum Spirits – High Purity,…	View on Amazon

1. MSA Solvent by GOLDEN, 8 fl. oz. Can, Professional…

This specialized solvent from GOLDEN is a must-have if you’re working with their MSA Varnishes. It’s specifically formulated to ensure proper thinning, allowing you to achieve a smooth, even application. I’ve found it incredibly effective not just for application, but also for safely removing MSA varnish layers during restoration, without damaging the underlying artwork. It’s truly a purpose-built solution that ensures professional results for fine art applications.

Key features that stand out:
– Formulated for MSA Varnishes: Ensures perfect compatibility and results.
– Essential for Thinning: GOLDEN MSA Varnishes require thinning before use.
– Restoration-Friendly: Ideal for removing varnish layers during conservation.
– Made in the USA: By an experienced, employee-owned company.

Pros:
– Perfectly matched for GOLDEN MSA Varnishes, guaranteeing performance.
– Excellent for both thinning and removal of specific varnish types.
– Reliable and professional-grade quality.
Cons:
– Its specialized nature means it’s not a universal solvent for all varnish types.

Best for: Artists and restorers using GOLDEN MSA Varnishes who need precise thinning and safe removal.

Expert Opinion: This solvent is less about general varnish stripping and more about precise artistic work. It’s the best solvent for varnish specifically for GOLDEN’s MSA line, offering control and reliability that generic solvents can’t match.

2. Xylene (Xylol/Dimethylbenzene) Technical Grade – 1 Gallon –… ALLIANCE CHEMICAL

When you need a seriously powerful and fast-acting solvent for varnish, Xylene from Alliance Chemical is a strong contender. I’ve used this for tougher jobs where other solvents just wouldn’t cut it, like dissolving stubborn resins, oils, and some industrial coatings. It evaporates remarkably quickly, which can be a double-edged sword – great for no residue, but you need to work fast. Despite its strength, this particular brand boasts a low odor, making the experience a bit more bearable for a heavy-duty product.

Key features that stand out:
– Powerful & Versatile: Dissolves a wide range of substances including resins and varnishes.
– Quick Drying: Evaporates rapidly, leaving no residue.
– Low Odor: A significant plus for a strong chemical solvent.
– Domestically Sourced: Packaged in Texas, ensuring quality control.

Pros:
– Extremely effective for dissolving tough varnishes and resins.
– Fast evaporation means quick turnaround and no lingering residue.
– Lower odor than some other strong solvents, improving work conditions.
Cons:
– Its potency requires careful handling and excellent ventilation.

Best for: Professionals and serious DIYers tackling stubborn, tough-to-remove varnishes or industrial-grade coatings.

Expert Opinion: Xylene is a heavy hitter. If you’re looking for a best solvent for varnish that can tackle the most resistant finishes, this is your go-to. Just be sure to prioritize safety with proper PPE and ventilation.

3. Grumbacher Damar Final Varnish for Oil Paintings, Jar,…

While not a solvent itself, Grumbacher Damar Final Varnish is a classic choice for artists looking to protect their oil paintings with a high-gloss, transparent finish. Damar varnish is made from natural tree resin, giving paintings a beautiful depth and luminosity. Understanding its composition is key to knowing which solvent for varnish to use with it. For thinning Damar varnish for application, or for cleaning brushes after use, pure gum spirits of turpentine is traditionally recommended. This specific product provides a durable, quick-drying layer that safeguards artwork from dirt and scuffing for years.

Key features that stand out:
– High-Gloss & Transparent: Enhances the colors and depth of oil paintings.
– Protective Layer: Shields artwork from environmental damage.
– Quick Drying & Permanent: Provides a lasting finish.
– Natural Resin Base: Suggests compatibility with natural solvents like turpentine.

Pros:
– Delivers a traditional, luminous finish to oil paintings.
– Offers excellent protection against dust and scuffing.
– Dries quickly to a permanent, transparent layer.
Cons:
– Requires a minimum 6-month drying period for paintings before application.

Best for: Oil painters seeking a traditional, high-gloss protective finish, understanding that turpentine is the best solvent for varnish cleanup and thinning with this product.

Expert Opinion: When working with natural resin varnishes like this Damar, selecting the right solvent for varnish cleanup and thinning is crucial. Pure gum turpentine is the historical and often preferred choice for maintaining the integrity and workability of such classic art materials.

4. MG Chemicals 4226A Clear Insulating Varnish, 55 ml Liquid…

This MG Chemicals 4226A is a specialized insulating varnish, designed for electronic components, not typically something you’d thin or remove casually. Its primary purpose is to insulate components and circuits in high-voltage applications, forming a robust barrier against arc and corona. When considering a solvent for varnish like this, it’s usually for cleanup before it cures, or for very specific professional removal processes. It excels at adhering to various substrates and provides crucial protection against corrosion and moisture in demanding environments.

Key features that stand out:
– Insulating Properties: Meets UL EIS Standards for high-voltage applications.
– Corrosion & Moisture Protection: Forms a durable, protective barrier.
– Strong Adhesion: Bonds well to many different materials.
– Specialized Use: Ideal for transformers, coils, and motor windings.

Pros:
– Provides excellent electrical insulation and protection.
– Durable and adheres well to various surfaces.
– Crucial for extending the life of electronic components.
Cons:
– Not a general-purpose varnish, so its solvent interactions are highly specific and less about everyday stripping.

Best for: Professionals working with electronics and high-voltage components, where specific industrial thinners might be used for initial cleanup, but the focus is on the varnish’s protective qualities.

Expert Opinion: This isn’t a varnish you’d typically thin with a common solvent for varnish. Its value lies in its specialized protective qualities. If cleanup is needed before curing, specific industrial solvents or thinners recommended by the manufacturer should be used, but post-cure removal is usually a more involved process due to its resistance.

5. ECO-HOUSE 115 Xtra Mild Paint Thinner – Citrus Scent, Low…

For those who prioritize health and environmental friendliness, the ECO-HOUSE 115 Xtra Mild Paint Thinner is a fantastic option. I’ve found it to be a gentle yet effective solvent for varnish cleanup, especially for natural resins and oil-based finishes. Its natural plant oil formula gives it a pleasant citrus scent, a welcome change from the harsh chemical odors of traditional thinners. It’s a low VOC, low toxicity, and biodegradable choice that lets you work indoors or in sensitive spaces without the usual fumes, making it a truly safe alternative to turpentine.

Key features that stand out:
– Eco-Friendly Citrus Formula: Made from natural plant oils with a pleasant scent.
– Safe Alternative: Low toxicity, low odor, and biodegradable.
– Versatile Artist & DIY Solvent: Ideal for oil paints, brushes, resins, and varnishes.
– Gentle Yet Effective: Cleans tools and surfaces without damaging bristles.

Pros:
– Significantly safer and more pleasant to use than harsh chemical solvents.
– Eco-friendly and biodegradable, reducing environmental impact.
– Effective for thinning natural varnishes and cleaning up oil-based messes.
Cons:
– Might not be as powerful as petroleum-based solvents for extremely tough, cured varnishes.

Best for: Artists, woodworkers, and DIY enthusiasts seeking an environmentally friendly, low-odor, and less toxic solvent for varnish cleanup and thinning of natural or oil-based varnishes.

Expert Opinion: If you’re looking for the best solvent for varnish that won’t compromise air quality or personal health, this Eco-House thinner is an excellent choice. It performs well for common varnish thinning and cleanup tasks while offering a much safer working environment.

6. Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart, Gloss Clear

This Rust-Oleum Marine Spar Varnish is a heavy-duty, oil-based varnish designed specifically for exterior wood surfaces above the water line. While it’s a varnish itself, its properties dictate what kind of solvent for varnish you’d use for thinning or cleanup. Being oil-based, mineral spirits or turpentine would be the go-to for diluting it slightly for application or cleaning brushes. It’s engineered to be exceptionally durable, expanding and contracting with weather changes, and offering superb resistance to UV, salt, and mildew – crucial for marine applications. The result is a beautiful, crystal-clear gloss finish that truly maximizes protection.

Key features that stand out:
– Marine Grade Durability: Ideal for exterior wood, above the waterline.
– Oil-Based Formula: Expands and contracts with weather changes.
– UV, Salt & Mildew Resistant: Provides maximum outdoor protection.
– Crystal-Clear Gloss Finish: Enhances the natural beauty of wood.

Pros:
– Exceptional durability and weather resistance for outdoor projects.
– Provides a high-gloss, protective barrier that lasts.
– Ideal for marine environments and outdoor furniture.
Cons:
– Requires oil-based solvent for cleanup, which can be less eco-friendly than water-based options.

Best for: Protecting exterior wood, especially in marine or high-exposure environments, where mineral spirits or turpentine are the recommended solvents for varnish application and cleanup.

Expert Opinion: When working with a robust, oil-based marine varnish like this, knowing the right solvent for varnish (mineral spirits or turpentine for thinning and cleanup) is key to proper application and tool maintenance. Its resistance to harsh elements also means that once cured, it’s very solvent-resistant itself.

7. Chemfulfill Turpentine – Pure Gum Spirits – High Purity,…

Chemfufill Turpentine is a classic, high-purity natural solvent for varnish, resins, and oils, and it’s a staple in many workshops. Derived from pine resin, pure gum spirits turpentine has a distinct natural scent and is incredibly effective for thinning traditional oil paints and varnishes (like damar), as well as for thorough brush and tool cleaning. Its versatility extends from fine arts to industrial applications, making it a reliable choice for dissolving stubborn materials and ensuring smooth, consistent results. I find it indispensable for working with natural resin varnishes where a chemical-free approach is preferred.

Key features that stand out:
– High Purity Natural Solvent: Distilled for effectiveness in dissolving resins, waxes, and oils.
– Perfect for Resins & Varnishes: Widely used in traditional varnish and paint production.
– Versatile Applications: Ideal for industrial, construction, and fine arts.
– Clear & Efficient Cleanup: Excellent for cleaning brushes and tools.

Pros:
– Highly effective for natural resins, oil-based varnishes, and paints.
– Natural product with a long history of reliable performance.
– Excellent for brush cleaning and tool maintenance.
Cons:
– Strong odor can be overpowering in poorly ventilated areas.

Best for: Artists, restorers, and woodworkers who prefer a natural, highly effective solvent for varnish thinning, cleanup, and dissolving natural resins.

Expert Opinion: For many traditional varnish applications, Chemfulfill’s Pure Gum Spirits Turpentine is arguably the best solvent for varnish. Its natural origin and powerful dissolving capabilities make it a go-to for anyone working with classic oil-based and resin-based finishes, but good ventilation is non-negotiable.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When choosing the best solvent for varnish, you’ll notice a clear split: specialized solvents versus general-purpose options. For instance, GOLDEN’s MSA Solvent is a perfect match, but only for their specific MSA varnishes, ensuring predictable, high-quality results for fine art. On the other hand, Alliance Chemical’s Xylene and Chemfufill’s Turpentine are powerful generalists. Xylene is incredibly fast-acting and strong for stubborn, cured varnishes, while Turpentine is the traditional natural solvent for varnish made from resins and oils, offering excellent thinning and cleanup for these classic finishes.

For those sensitive to strong fumes or looking for eco-friendly choices, ECO-HOUSE 115 Xtra Mild Paint Thinner is a standout. It offers a gentle, citrus-scented alternative that’s surprisingly effective for many natural and oil-based varnishes, prioritizing your health and the environment.

When it comes to the varnishes themselves, like Grumbacher Damar or Rust-Oleum Marine Spar, their type directly dictates the appropriate solvent for varnish use. Damar, a natural resin, pairs beautifully with turpentine for thinning and cleanup. The oil-based Marine Spar Varnish relies on mineral spirits or turpentine. And for specialized products like MG Chemicals Insulating Varnish, the focus is less on solvents for everyday thinning and more on its robust, solvent-resistant properties once cured, with any pre-cure cleanup requiring highly specific industrial thinners. Always match your solvent to the specific varnish chemistry.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best solvent for varnish really boils down to two main factors: what kind of varnish are you dealing with, and what’s your priority?

If you’re an artist working with specific systems like GOLDEN MSA Varnishes, then the dedicated MSA Solvent is non-negotiable for its precision and guaranteed compatibility. For heavy-duty removal tasks or industrial applications where speed and power are key, Xylene from Alliance Chemical is an incredibly effective, albeit potent, choice.

However, if you’re a purist, an artist, or a woodworker dealing with traditional oil-based or natural resin varnishes (like Damar), Chemfufill’s Pure Gum Spirits Turpentine stands out as the time-tested, natural, and highly effective option for both thinning and cleanup. And for those who prioritize a healthy, low-fume working environment, ECO-HOUSE 115 Xtra Mild Paint Thinner is truly a pleasant and effective alternative without harsh chemicals.

Ultimately, the best approach is to always check the varnish manufacturer’s recommendations for thinning and cleanup. But with these tested options, you’re well-equipped to tackle any varnishing project, ensuring a beautiful finish and clean tools every time.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What is the best solvent for varnish removal on old furniture?
A1: For old furniture, the best solvent for varnish removal often depends on the type of varnish. For shellac, denatured alcohol works well. For older oil-based varnishes, mineral spirits or turpentine are good starting points. For tougher, synthetic varnishes, stronger solvents like Xylene or dedicated paint strippers might be necessary. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

Q2: Can I use mineral spirits as a general solvent for varnish?
A2: Mineral spirits are a common and effective solvent for varnish, especially for oil-based varnishes (like Rust-Oleum Marine Spar Varnish) and alkyd paints. It’s good for thinning, cleaning brushes, and general cleanup. However, it’s not suitable for all varnish types, such as water-based or acrylic varnishes, which would require water or specific acrylic thinners.

Q3: Is turpentine the same as mineral spirits? Which is better as a solvent for varnish?
A3: No, turpentine and mineral spirits are different. Turpentine (like Chemfulfill Pure Gum Spirits) is a natural solvent distilled from pine resin, while mineral spirits are a petroleum-based distillate. Both are effective solvents for varnish, particularly oil-based and natural resin varnishes. Turpentine tends to be stronger and more aromatic, often preferred for traditional art materials and natural resins (like Grumbacher Damar Varnish), while mineral spirits are generally milder and less expensive. The “better” one depends on your specific varnish and preference for natural vs. synthetic.

Q4: How do I know which solvent for varnish to use for thinning?
A4: The golden rule for thinning is to always refer to the varnish manufacturer’s instructions. They will specify the correct solvent for varnish thinning to ensure proper application and film formation. Using the wrong solvent can lead to clumping, poor adhesion, or a cloudy finish. For example, GOLDEN MSA Varnishes explicitly require MSA Solvent.

Q5: Are there eco-friendly or low-VOC options for varnish solvents?
A5: Absolutely! Products like ECO-HOUSE 115 Xtra Mild Paint Thinner are excellent examples of eco-friendly, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) options. They are typically made from natural plant oils, have a pleasant scent (often citrus), are biodegradable, and are much safer for indoor use compared to traditional petroleum-based solvents. They are often effective solvents for varnish thinning and cleanup of natural and oil-based finishes.

Q6: What safety precautions should I take when using a solvent for varnish?
A6: Safety is paramount! Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or with an exhaust fan. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses. For strong solvents like Xylene, a respirator is highly recommended. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of fumes. Store solvents in their original containers, away from heat sources and open flames, and dispose of them properly according to local regulations.

Q7: Can I use a solvent to clean up brushes after using water-based varnish?
A7: For water-based varnishes, you generally don’t need a chemical solvent for varnish cleanup. Warm soapy water is usually sufficient to clean brushes and tools while the varnish is still wet. If the water-based varnish has started to dry, some specialized water-soluble brush cleaners might be needed, but traditional solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine are not effective for water-based products.