Do mineral spirits have a shelf life?

Mineral spirits, also known as white spirits, do have a shelf life. However, when properly stored, mineral spirits can last for many years.

What are mineral spirits?

Mineral spirits are a petroleum-based solvent used for thinning oil-based paints and varnishes, cleaning paintbrushes, and general degreasing. They are a light hydrocarbon liquid distilled from petroleum. Some key characteristics of mineral spirits include:

  • Colorless, transparent liquid
  • Mild petroleum odor
  • Lower toxicity than many other solvents
  • High solvency power for greases, oils, and bitumen products
  • Evaporates slower than lighter solvents like naptha

Mineral spirits are often used as a milder substitute for harsher solvents like paint thinner. They are common in wood finishing for thinning varnishes and cleaning brushes. Mineral spirits are also used in automotive applications, construction, and general degreasing.

What causes mineral spirits to expire?

On their own, the chemical components of mineral spirits are stable and do not break down over time. However, there are a few things that can cause mineral spirits to expire or degrade in quality:

Evaporation of lighter fractions

Mineral spirits are a mixture of various hydrocarbons that have different boiling points. As the container is left open, the more volatile, low-boiling fractions will preferentially evaporate over time. This leaves behind the heavier, less volatile components.

Oxidation

When exposed to oxygen in the air, the hydrocarbons in mineral spirits can slowly oxidize over time. This can form gums, varnishes, or insoluble sediments.

Moisture contamination

If water repeatedly condenses inside the mineral spirits container, it can cause the liquid to become hazy and compromise its solvent properties.

Dirt and debris

If mineral spirits are used to clean dirty equipment like paintbrushes, particles of dirt and dried paint can settle to the bottom of the container.

How to prolong shelf life

Proper storage is key for getting the maximum shelf life out of mineral spirits. Some tips include:

  • Store in sealed containers out of direct sunlight – UV exposure accelerates oxidation.
  • Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to minimize evaporation.
  • Do not store mineral spirits in open containers or containers with pop-up dispenser caps.
  • Do not allow water or moisture to accumulate in the container.
  • Store at moderate temperatures. High heat accelerates oxidation.
  • Do not store mineral spirits in the same area as oxidizing chemicals.
  • Purchase only enough mineral spirits for your short-term needs.

Filtering

Filtering mineral spirits through a fine mesh strainer as they are being poured for use can help remove any particulates that may have developed from dirt and dried paints.

Sealing containers

Keeping mineral spirits containers tightly sealed prevents oxidation and evaporation during storage. Some options include:

  • Use containers with tight-sealing lids.
  • Parafilm can help create an air-tight seal on containers.
  • Seal spouts on metal containers with tape.

Blanketing with inert gas

For large storage containers, blanketing the headspace with an inert gas like argon helps displace oxygen and prevent oxidation.

Signs of expired mineral spirits

Here are some signs that mineral spirits may be expired or degraded:

  • Cloudy, hazy appearance
  • Strong chemical odor – ozonolysis of olefins
  • Viscous, syrupy texture
  • Gummy or flaky sediment
  • Reduced ability to dissolve greases and oils

How long do mineral spirits last?

The shelf life of mineral spirits depends on storage conditions. General guidelines for expected shelf life:

Storage Conditions Expected Shelf Life
Open containers 6 months to 1 year
Tightly sealed containers, indoor climate controlled storage 3 to 5 years
Nitrogen blanketed storage tank 5 to 10 years

However, mineral spirits may last much longer than these estimates if stored properly in sealed containers. Their quality and performance should be evaluated before use after prolonged storage.

How to test old mineral spirits

To evaluate whether older mineral spirits are still usable, some simple tests can be performed:

Appearance

Inspect old mineral spirits visually in good lighting. Cloudiness, haziness, or specks indicate contamination.

Odor

Give the mineral spirits a sniff. Rancid, chemical odors suggest oxidation has occurred.

Solvency test

Drop a small amount of oil-based paint or grease into the mineral spirits. It should quickly dissolve. Poor dissolution indicates reduced solvency.

Evaporation test

Pour a small amount of the mineral spirits in a shallow dish. Time how long it takes to evaporate. Higher quality mineral spirits will evaporate slower.

Brush cleaning test

Dip a used varnish or oil paint brush into the mineral spirits. It should be able to dissolve dried paint and varnish from the brush bristles. Inability to clean the brush suggests poor solvent properties.

Are expired mineral spirits dangerous?

Fresh, high quality mineral spirits have relatively low toxicity, especially compared to harsher solvents. However, as mineral spirits oxidize and degrade over time, they can become more hazardous.

Some risks of using expired or degraded mineral spirits include:

  • Increased irritation when inhaled – vapor is more acrid
  • Skin irritation and contact dermatitis
  • Headaches, dizziness, and nausea from inhalation
  • Possible carcinogenic effects from oxidized byproducts
  • Fire hazard – chemical composition changes make vapor more flammable

It is best to avoid using mineral spirits that show any signs of aging or deterioration. The saving are not worth the potential health risks. Dispose of old mineral spirits properly.

Proper disposal

Expired or otherwise contaminated mineral spirits should not simply be poured down the drain. The best way to properly dispose of unusable mineral spirits is through hazardous waste collection services. Some disposal options include:

  • Hazardous waste drop-off at your local waste management facility
  • Waste pickup services that handle hazardous solvents
  • Specialized solvent recycling companies

Let the service know that the waste consists of mineral spirits or paint thinning solvents. Never mix used mineral spirits with other types of waste oils or chemicals. Follow all regulations for container labeling and handling during transport and disposal.

Conclusion

To summarize, mineral spirits do have a usable shelf life when properly stored, but will eventually expire due to evaporation, oxidation, and contamination issues. Tightly sealed containers kept away from heat, sunlight, and oxygen can prolong shelf life to 3 years or longer. Cloudiness, strong odors, poor solvency, or difficulty cleaning brushes indicate mineral spirits may be expired and unsafe to use. Properly dispose of degraded mineral spirits as hazardous waste rather than pouring down drains or dumping.

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