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  • Cleaning Paint with Titanium Dioxide: Water vs. White Spirit
    You're asking why you can use white spirit to clean up paint that contains titanium dioxide, but not water. Here's the explanation:

    * Titanium dioxide is a pigment, not a binder. It provides the white color, but it's the binder that holds the pigment together and makes the paint stick to the surface.

    * Water-based paints use water-soluble binders. These binders, like acrylic or latex, dissolve in water, allowing you to easily clean up brushes and tools.

    * Oil-based paints use oil-soluble binders. These binders, like alkyd resins, are not soluble in water. Instead, they dissolve in solvents like white spirit (also known as mineral spirits).

    So, to summarize:

    * Water-based paints (with titanium dioxide): Use water to clean up.

    * Oil-based paints (with titanium dioxide): Use white spirit to clean up.

    Important Note: Always check the paint manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.

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