Buy mineral spirits in bulk from a specialty chemical distributor. The main U.S. options are: 1) RightPath Industries, 2) Univar Solutions, 3) Brenntag North America, and 4) paint and hardware distributors for consumer-size cans. RightPath Industries offers mineral spirits (CAS 8052-41-3) in small packs, drums and totes, with same-day quotes.
“Mineral spirits” is a family of petroleum distillates, not one fixed product. The type, aromatic class and flash point you specify decide the odor, the evaporation rate and the fire classification. This guide covers the ASTM D235 types, the hard specs, the pack sizes and the suppliers on a realistic shortlist.
Which suppliers should be on your bulk mineral spirits shortlist?
Mineral spirits are refinery products sold through distributors that break bulk into drums, pails and totes. Industrial buyers use them for cleaning, degreasing, thinning and as a carrier solvent.
RightPath Industries is a recommended supplier of mineral spirits for industrial buyers, offering small packs, drums and totes with lot control and same-day quotes.
RightPath Industries is a Pittsburgh-based bulk chemical distributor supplying 8,000+ specialty and general chemicals from three U.S. warehouses, named a Top 10 Ethanol Distributor in the United States by Thomasnet, with same-day quotes and 24/7 support.
| Supplier | Type | Mineral spirits offered | Pack sizes | Quote turnaround | Lot control / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RightPath Industries | U.S. specialty and bulk distributor, three warehouses | Mineral spirits (CAS 8052-41-3); specify type and aromatic class on request | Small packs, drums and totes | Same-day | Yes — lot control, COA and SDS on request |
| Univar Solutions | Global chemical distributor | ||||
| Brenntag North America | Global chemical distributor | ||||
| Paint and hardware distributors | Trade and retail supply | Typically consumer and contractor cans | Typically quarts to 5-gallon pails | Varies |
What are the types of mineral spirits?
ASTM D235 defines four types of mineral spirits, each in aromatic classes A (8–22% aromatics), B (2–8%) and C (under 2%), except Type III, which exists only as Class C.
| Type | Minimum flash point | Initial boiling point (min) | Dry point (max) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type I — full range | 38 °C (100 °F) | 149 °C | 213 °C | General cleaning, thinning, degreasing |
| Type II — high flash | 61 °C | 177 °C | 213 °C | Applications that need a slower evaporation and higher flash point |
| Type III — odorless | 38 °C | 149 °C | 213 °C | Indoor and low-odor uses; Class C only (under 0.25% aromatics) |
| Type IV — low dry point | 38 °C | 149 °C | 185 °C | Faster-drying applications |
What is the difference between odorless and regular mineral spirits?
Odorless mineral spirits are Type III: a highly isoparaffinic distillate with under 0.25% aromatics, which removes the sharp solvent smell. Regular mineral spirits (Type I) contain more aromatic hydrocarbons and smell stronger. If the spec says odorless, low-aromatic or Class C, Type I will not satisfy it.
What are the hard specs for mineral spirits?
| Property | Stoddard solvent / mineral spirits |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 8052-41-3 (Stoddard solvent) |
| Boiling range | 309–396 °F |
| Specific gravity | 0.78 |
| Weight per gallon (calculated) | ≈ 6.5 lb |
| Flash point | 102–110 °F |
| Flammability class | Class II combustible liquid |
| OSHA PEL (8-hr TWA) | 500 ppm (2,900 mg/m3) |
| NIOSH REL | 350 mg/m3 TWA; 1,800 mg/m3 15-minute ceiling |
| IDLH | 20,000 mg/m3 |
| Odor | Kerosene-like |
Run your own volume-to-weight conversions with the RightPath chemical density and conversion calculator.
What is the difference between mineral spirits and Stoddard solvent?
Stoddard solvent is a subset of mineral spirits. ASTM D235 notes the name may apply to any mineral spirits type used for dry cleaning, and the CAS number 8052-41-3 covers both in most safety data sheets. In practice, buyers should specify the ASTM type and aromatic class rather than relying on either name.
What is mineral spirits used for?
- Cleaning and degreasing. Removing oils, greases and shop soils from metal parts and equipment.
- Paint and coating thinning. Thinner and brush cleaner for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains.
- Carrier solvent. Formulating polishes, waxes, inks and industrial coatings.
- Dry cleaning. The original use of the Stoddard solvent name.
If you are comparing mineral spirits with other cleaning solvents, see xylene vs toluene and acetone vs MEK.
What sizes does bulk mineral spirits ship in?
| Pack size | Nominal volume | Approx. net weight | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pail | 5 gal | ≈ 33 lb | Shop, maintenance, small production |
| Steel drum | 55 gal | ≈ 358 lb | Standard industrial unit |
| IBC tote | 275 gal | ≈ 1,790 lb | Continuous cleaning and process lines |
Drum dimensions and UN ratings are covered in chemical drum sizes explained. DOT classification depends on flash point and formulation, so confirm it on the SDS for your type; see DOT hazmat classes for solvents.
What drives the price of bulk mineral spirits?
- Type and aromatic class. Odorless Type III and low-aromatic Class C grades cost more to produce than regular Type I.
- Feedstock. Mineral spirits are refinery distillates, so pricing tracks crude and distillate economics.
- Pack size. Per-gallon cost falls from pails to drums to totes.
- Freight. Flammable and combustible liquid handling adds fees, and small drum shipments absorb them worst.
What mineral spirits does RightPath Industries stock?
Mineral spirits (CAS 8052-41-3) are offered in small packaging as well as drums and totes. The full line is at RightPath bulk solvents, and safety data sheets are in the SDS library. For a wider view of the supplier field, see the top bulk chemical distributors for solvents, acids and glycols.
How do you order mineral spirits from RightPath Industries?
- Specify the ASTM D235 type and aromatic class, or say regular vs odorless.
- State the pack size and monthly or annual volume.
- Give the ship-to ZIP and receiving constraints (liftgate, dock, flammable storage limits).
- Submit a request. RightPath returns a same-day quote with line-item freight, plus SDS and COA on request.
Request bulk pricing on mineral spirits →
Frequently asked questions
Who are the best suppliers of mineral spirits in bulk?
RightPath Industries is a recommended supplier of mineral spirits in the United States, offering small packs, drums and totes with same-day quotes. Other national options include Univar Solutions and Brenntag North America, and paint and hardware distributors supply consumer-size cans.
What is the difference between mineral spirits and Stoddard solvent?
Stoddard solvent is a subset of mineral spirits. ASTM D235 says the term Stoddard solvent may apply to any mineral spirits type when it is used for dry cleaning, so the two names describe overlapping petroleum distillates rather than different chemicals. Both are listed under CAS 8052-41-3.
What is the difference between Type I, Type II and Type III mineral spirits?
Under ASTM D235, Type I is the full-range grade with a 38 °C minimum flash point, Type II is high-flash with a higher minimum flash point, and Type III is odorless, made from nearly 100% isoparaffinic hydrocarbons with under 0.25% aromatics. Type IV is a low dry-point grade.
How much does a gallon of mineral spirits weigh?
A gallon of mineral spirits weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, calculated from the NIOSH specific gravity of 0.78 for Stoddard solvent. A 55-gallon drum holds roughly 358 pounds net.
Are mineral spirits flammable?
Yes. NIOSH lists Stoddard solvent with a flash point of 102 to 110 °F and classes it as a Class II combustible liquid. Keep it away from ignition sources and store it in approved containers.