Turps, short for "turpentine," is a noun that refers to a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor. It is derived from the resin of various coniferous trees, such as pine, and is commonly used as a solvent for paints and varnishes. Turps serves multiple purposes in the field of painting, including cleaning brushes, thinning paint, and removing paint from surfaces.
As a solvent, turps effectively dissolves and removes oil-based paint and varnish, making it an essential tool for artists and craftsmen. Due to its volatile nature and distinct odor, turps should be handled with caution and used in well-ventilated spaces. It is often used in conjunction with linseed oil as a medium for oil painting.
The term "turps" is frequently used in the context of artists' supplies and workshops. Painters, both amateur and professional, commonly refer to turps to discuss painting techniques, cleaning processes, or solvent-related concerns. It is also found in art-related instructional content, discussions, and communities.
In summary, turps is a liquid solvent derived from coniferous trees, predominantly used in the field of painting. Its primary functions include cleaning brushes, thinning paint, and removing paint from surfaces. While it has various applications, care must be taken when handling turps due to its flammable nature and strong odor.
