White spirit (UK) or mineral spirits (US), also known as mineral turpentine, turpentine substitute, petroleum spirits, solvent naphtha (petroleum) , varsol, Stoddard solvent, or, generically,  paint thinner , is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting and decorating.se [edit]. White Spirit is a petroleum distillate used as a paint thinner and mild solvent. In industry, mineral spirits are used for cleaning and degreasing machine tools and parts, and in conjunction with cutting oil as a thread cutting and reaming lubricant.