Oil Paint

What odorless paint thinner does Bob Ross use?

Bob Ross used his branded odorless paint thinner during The Joy of Painting, mainly for cleaning oil-paint brushes and adjusting paint when the technique called for solvent.

Published

In the 'Joy of Painting,' Bob Ross uses his own brand Bob Ross odorless paint thinner. The paint thinner he uses to make the paint thin and clean the brush and equipment. In another article, I already explained how he uses paint thinner for brush cleaning.

In this article, I will explain the following:

  1. Bob Ross odorless paint thinner and some alternative and natural alternatives.
  2. Is Bob Ross paint thinner safe?
  3. How you can use paint thinner on a painting project

Bob Ross odorless paint thinner and alternative

Bob Ross-brand thinner is an odorless mineral-spirit-type solvent; compatible artist-grade odorless mineral spirits can serve similar roles when used according to their labels.

Paint thinnerGradeNote
Bob Ross ODORLESS THINNERArtistic grade & Bob Ross brand Bob Ross signature paint thinner.
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits BottleArtistic gradeBest alternative and premium product, an odorless thinner. Safe thinner
Speedball Art Products Mona Lisa Odorless ThinnerGood cheap alternative
Clove oilNatural oilSafe product and a good natural alternative. Mix directly with paint to thin paint.

Is Bob Ross odorless paint thinner safe?

Odorless thinner still releases solvent vapors and can be flammable or harmful with exposure, so use good ventilation, avoid skin contact, and follow the safety data.

Bob Ross odorless paint thinner is a processed product. It evaporates very slowly than natural solvent. Different harmful materials have been removed and reduced. 

However, it is a solvent, so you should not touch it when you use it. Try to use gloves for big projects like brush cleaning. 

How to use Bob Ross odorless paint thinner?

Use only as much solvent as the painting or brush-cleaning task requires, keep containers closed when not in use, and follow label guidance for ventilation, storage, and disposal.

For thin paint, put the right amount of thinner with paint (quantity depends on what is your goal for thickness and the paint amount), but you can generally mix it 1:1 resio. This thickness is especially good for liner brushes for painting old trees. Then mix it properly and apply it.

I already described how paint thinner is used for brush cleaning.

Explore related Bob Ross materials for brush cleaning, paint flow, transparent mediums, and wet-on-wet oil painting.