Best Solvents, Strippers & Thinners in the UK: Where to Buy and How to Choose

Introduction: Why the right solvent matters

If you've ever stripped a stubborn varnish or thinned paint to the perfect consistency, you know that the right solvent can feel like a magic potion. Choosing the correct solvent, paint stripper, or thinner doesn't just make the job easier — it protects your finish, your tools, and your lungs. This guide walks you through the main types of solvents, safety tips, and the top UK retailers where you can pick them up, so you can get the job done faster and cleaner.

Understanding solvent basics

Solvents are liquids that dissolve other substances, usually used to thin paints, clean surfaces, or remove coatings. They range from mild spirits for light cleaning to aggressive chemical strippers for heavy-duty jobs. Think of solvents as specialized helpers: some are gentle nannies, others are tough mechanics. Knowing which helper you need saves time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Types of solvents and what they do

There’s no one-size-fits-all solvent. Different formulations are designed for different jobs — from removing old paint to thinning oil-based varnishes. Below are the most common types you'll encounter and the tasks they excel at.

White spirit (mineral spirits)

White spirit — often sold as mineral spirits — is a go-to for many DIYers. It’s great for cleaning brushes, thinning oil-based paints, and degreasing metal surfaces. Sold in cans as small as 8 ounces up to 1 gallon, white spirit balances cleaning power with relatively low odor compared to stronger solvents.

Cellulose thinners

Cellulose thinners are aimed at cellulose and solvent-based paints and lacquers. These are stronger than white spirit and evaporate quickly, making them ideal for fast-drying coatings. Use cellulose thinners when you need quick recoat times, but remember they are more aggressive — store them safely and use a respirator if spraying.

Acetone

Acetone is a fast-acting solvent familiar to many as nail polish remover, but in workshops it’s prized for cleaning resins, removing old adhesives, and dissolving certain plastics. A small 8-ounce bottle can be a miracle worker for sticky, resinous messes. It evaporates fast and can damage some plastics and finishes, so test on a hidden area first.

Methylated spirits

Methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) are fantastic for cleaning and thinning shellac or for wiping down surfaces prior to painting. They’re less oily than white spirit and make a great prep cleaner. Because they burn cleanly, they’re also used for delicate tasks where residue is a concern.

Citrus and bio-based solvents

Less harsh on lungs and skin, citrus-based and other bio-solvents use natural extracts to remove grease and some paints. They’re often slower acting but kinder to the environment and to users who can’t tolerate strong smells. For light-duty stripping or degreasing, they can be a friendly alternative.

Chemical paint strippers

For thick, multiple coats of paint or varnish, chemical strippers — gel or liquid — are the heavy lifters. They lift paint so it can be scraped away, often in layers. Modern paint strippers come in a range of strengths and formulations (including low-VOC and non-caustic options). Use them with protective gloves and eye protection, and follow the instructions to the letter.

How to choose the right product for your project

Ask yourself three quick questions before buying: what coating am I removing or thinning, what surface am I working on, and how much ventilation can I provide? Match the solvent to the coating — shellac gets methylated spirits, oil varnish gets mineral spirits, lacquer-based coatings respond to cellulose thinners. If you're unsure, buy a small bottle first and test in a discreet spot.

Top UK retailers for solvents, strippers & thinners

The UK has many reliable retailers that stock a wide range of solvents in sizes from handy 8-ounce bottles to 1-gallon cans. Below are some of the most popular and accessible places to buy, along with what they’re best known for.

B&Q

B&Q is a widely known DIY retailer with a broad selection of paint-related products, including white spirit, thinners, and basic paint strippers. They’re a solid choice for homeowners who want to pick up an 1-gallon can for renovations or a small bottle for touch-ups. Their product range suits most domestic projects and light trade work.

Screwfix

Screwfix tends to cater to tradespeople and serious DIYers. They stock a comprehensive selection of solvents, from heavy-duty paint strippers to specialist thinners and acetone. If you need an industrial-strength solution or a larger 1-gallon supply, Screwfix is often the first stop for professionals.

Wickes

Wickes combines DIY accessibility with a decent range of trade-grade products. They’re a great option for people working on larger home-improvement projects who want reliable brands and practical pack sizes. Wickes often stocks both the common white spirits and more specialist thinning agents.

Toolstation

Toolstation provides quick access to specialist chemicals and packaging sizes aimed at trades. Their shelves tend to include strong stripper gels and quick-drying thinners for lacquer and polyurethane work. If you need a professional-grade product off the shelf, Toolstation is a practical choice.

Homebase

Homebase is tailored toward homeowners and renovators, offering a balanced selection of mainstream solvents and user-friendly strippers. For straightforward paint thinning and brush cleaning, Homebase hits the sweet spot between affordability and convenience.

Travis Perkins and Jewson

Both Travis Perkins and Jewson supply tradespeople and building firms with a wide array of chemicals, including bulk sizes like 1-gallon drums. If you’re working on a large-scale job or need higher-volume supplies, these builders’ merchants are worth checking. They carry both branded and trade formulations suitable for timber treatment, metalwork, and masonry prep.

Amazon UK and specialist online stores

For convenience, Amazon UK and specialist online retailers stock almost every type of solvent you can imagine, often in multiple pack sizes including pint and gallon bottles. Shopping online makes it easy to compare technical specs and customer reviews, and you can usually find obscure formulations that are hard to locate on high-street shelves.

Safety first: protective gear and ventilation

Solvents can be hazardous — fumes, skin contact, and flammability are real risks. Always work in a well-ventilated space, ideally with airflow of at least a few feet between you and the solvent source. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and a respirator if you’re using strong strippers or spraying thinners. Think of PPE as your safety net: it’s cheap compared to the cost of a mistake.

How to use solvents effectively

A little goes a long way with the right technique. When thinning paint, add small amounts — a few ounces at a time — until you reach the desired consistency. When using a stripper, apply a generous coat and allow the product to dwell for the time specified; scraping too early wastes product and can damage the surface. For cleaning brushes, pour a small amount into a jar, agitate, then let the solids settle before decanting the used solvent into a sealed container for disposal.

Disposal and environmental considerations

Used solvents and stripper residues are hazardous and shouldn’t go down the drain. Collect waste in clearly labelled, sealed containers and take them to a household hazardous waste facility or a trade waste service. Many local recycling centres accept solvent waste, and some retailers offer take-back schemes. Think of disposal as part of the cost of the job — plan ahead so you don’t get stuck with a bucket you can’t legally pour away.

Eco-friendly and low-odor alternatives

If you’re sensitive to fumes or working indoors, consider low-VOC products, citrus-based strippers, or water-miscible thinners where compatibility allows. These alternatives often work a bit slower but are kinder to your workspace and to anyone in the house. They’re like switching from a sports car to an electric bike: you lose a bit of speed but gain a lot in comfort and sustainability.

Buying tips: sizes, brands and budgets

Buy the smallest practical size for a one-off job — 8-ounce to pint bottles are handy and cost-effective. For repeated use or large projects, 1-gallon cans save money per ounce. Trusted brands like Ronseal, Zinsser, and Rust-Oleum often provide consistent results, while trade formulations from merchants like Screwfix or Travis Perkins offer heavy-duty performance. Compare technical data sheets online if you’re unsure — they’ll tell you flash point, VOC content, and recommended uses.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most frequent errors? Using the wrong solvent, over-thinning paint, and skipping protective gear. Avoid these by testing on a scrap piece first, thinning gradually, and always wearing gloves and eye protection. Don’t rush stripping jobs — patience pays off when the old finish peels away cleanly instead of leaving a patchy mess.

When to consult a professional

Some jobs — stripping lead-based paint, restoring antique furniture, or dealing with stubborn two-pack coatings — are best left to pros. Professionals have access to specialist strippers, heat techniques, and safe disposal routes that aren’t practical for occasional DIYers. If the surface has historical value or you suspect hazardous materials, get expert advice before you start.

Conclusion

Choosing the right solvent, stripper, or thinner is a bit like picking the right tool from a toolbox: the right match makes the work smooth, safe, and satisfying. Whether you’re buying a pint of acetone for sticky glue or a 1-gallon drum of white spirit for a big renovation, the UK market offers plenty of options through retailers like B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes, Toolstation, Homebase, Travis Perkins, Jewson, and online stores. Prioritise safety, test first, and plan for proper disposal — do that, and your next paint or restoration project will be a breeze.