Turpentine (spirits) is the traditional solvent or thinner for a drying oil (such as Linseed oil) distilled from the resin from certain trees, e.g the European larch, white fir, and American longleaf pine. It is used to 'cut through' the oil in oil paints, however, due to this ability, it has a strong solvent smell so is best used in a well ventilated area.