Can turpentine be used to clean paint from leather surfaces?

Answer 1

Yes, turpentine is a gum spirit and is an extracted oil. It is soluble in oil and thus can thin almost any type of oil based paint, especially when the paint is wet. Paints with an acrylic base polymer do not respond well to this solvent and the best way to remove it is by scrapping it off/using some form of abrasion. However, turpentine is a very strong solvent and can damage the natural fibers of certain types of leather, ex: lambskin, suede. Cowhide and other tough leathers should be able to withstand it. Always test a small sport first, and use either diluted turpentine or as little as possible and wipe off within seconds, reapplying a little each time--you don't want it to soak into the leather, which harms more than helps it. After all the paint is removed, moisturize the leather with leather lotion or neatsfoot oil. Do not use silicone polishes, mineral oil or other oils. Waxes like carnuba wax or beeswax can restore the shiny surface.

Answer 2

i am like 95% sure that is a yes

A Bit of Clarification

If the paint you are removing is oil based, still wet and it is on your brushes or in a small drip or spill, the answer is 100% yes.

If the paint is water based (latex, acrylic, emulsion etc.), still wet and is on your brushes or in a small drip or spill, then the answer is no. You are better using soap and water for the brushes and small spill and a damp cloth for the drip.

If the paint is dry (oil or water based) your best bet for spills, drips etc. is to peel or scrape small amounts and sand (where possible) large areas.

As for old dried paint in a brush, if the brush is worth the effort, get a good commercial paint brush cleaner/restorer and give it a go.

Otherwise, replace it with the best quality brush you can afford (particularly if you are a painting professional) and learn the correct manner of cleaning and maintaining.

Answer 3

if you're using it to remove paint from paintbrushes then you need to pour some turpentine into a smaller container (an old jam jar or similar) that you don't want to use again and soak the brushes in it.

If you want to remove a small amount of paint from a surface then put some turpentine on an old cloth and rub it over the paint.