What's the difference between paint thinner and mineral spirits?

Paint thinner and mineral spirits are both solvents used to thin paint and clean brushes, but they are made from different chemicals. Paint thinner is usually made from mineral spirits, but it may also contain other chemicals like acetone or turpentine. Mineral spirits, on the other hand, is a specific type of paint thinner that is derived from petroleum. Overall, mineral spirits are considered to be less harsh and less smelly than traditional paint thinners.