Turpentine is one of the oldest known and most widely used industrial solvents. Compared with other chemical solvents, turpentine is unique in the fact that it is made from a renewable source. As a chemical, turpentine is naturally derived from live pine trees, as it has been for decades. After a thorough distillation process, it is ready for use in industrial applications. Turpentine’s chemical composition consists primarily of terpenes and can be blended to meet customer specifications. As a leading turpentine blending and packaging company, we work closely with our customers to ensure they have just the right product when they need it.
Turpentine Applications
Turpentine has multiple uses in industrial applications, and is reliably at the top of the list as a staple in countless industries. While most widely recognized for its cleaning and thinning properties, turpentine also is a common chemical in the health care and cosmetics industries. Extracted turpentine oil is a highly useful product, as well. To name a few of the most common turpentine uses:
- Solvent. Turpentine is a solvent used as the traditional go-to quality paint thinner for most brush-applied alkyd and oil-based paints, varnishes and enamels. It aids the paint in coating, bonding and penetrating all types of wooden surfaces. Further, turpentine’s gum spirits make it excellent for use with artists’ oil paints.
- Waterproofing. In building and construction, turpentine can be used to create waterproof cement products.
- Lubrication. Industrial workers will use quality turpentine to lubricate such equipment as drills and grinders for glass.
- Cleaner. Turpentine is used to clean brushes, rollers and spray equipment, oil-based paint, varnish or polyurethane application tools. It can also be used on new wood before finishing.
- Healing. Turpentine can be blended such that its oil can be used for medicinal purposes. The oil is derived from the resin of certain pine trees, but is not the resin itself. It can be applied externally to sooth joint and muscle pain, and it can be inhaled to reduce congestion.
- Sanitation. The anti-bacterial properties of turpentine make it an excellent choice for sanitation.
- Consumption. Distilled turpentine oil can be used as a flavor enhancer in foods and beverages.
- Cosmetics. In cosmetics, the use of turpentine for cleaning and thinning purposes is common.
- Insect repellent. Certain blends of turpentine can be used in insecticides. Additionally, it can be applied topically to reduce pain in the event that someone is stung by a bee or a wasp.
- Fuel. Some oil and gas lamps can be powered by way of turpentine blends.
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