Any paint store will have methyl hydrate. Shellac has a very short shelf life; old shellac does not dry properly. Methanol is used or at least included for that purpose. Don't look at the MANY threads here on Knots re the proper application of shellac - it'll likely confuse you - I like to call it "The Shellac Wars" - lots of fun, but some very different ideas on what works. slowest • For a home-brew finish, mix equal parts of shellac, denatured alcohol, and boiled linseed oil. A one pound cut is (1 lb. Can I thin it with denatured alcohol? If you have never worked with shellac before it is recommended that you start with a light consistency, preferably about a 1 lb. Shake the jar frequently to prevent a lump of shellac from forming in the bottom. Was my first time using shellac at all I have been a lot of woodworking but always use urethane or lacquer finishes recently got into using oil instead of stain and I used the French polishing method (a wad of cheese cloth wrapped tightly in a peicee of old tee-shirt) and I cut it half denatured alcohol half Bullseye shellac out of the can. Problem is 99.9% technical grade (or 200 proof) is only sold at laboratory supply, and 95% pure grade called 190 proof grain alcohol is hard to find at many liqueur stores. Behind the front's flowing grain lie simple and smart building strategies. Denatured alcohol is recommended as the best solvent to use, but is difficult to obtain. The difference among them is evaporation rate.. For a home-brew finish, mix equal parts of shellac, denatured alcohol, and boiled linseed oil. in a Qt.] Denatured alcohol has been banned here for some time as a solvent. It's good for you."). Methanol alcohol is cheaper, and many home store brands use 40%+ methanol. If it’s a varnish, the spot will react more slowly. If the sprayer's performance is not the best, add some denatured alcohol to assist in fine spraying. Shellac is a wood finishing product made by dissolving dried resin in denatured alcohol. Traditionally, shellac was applied by a process known as French polishing. I certainly don't have anything against having a couple of drinks after work, (ask anybody) but I … Best solvent for shellac is and always has been ethanol alcohol, not methanol alcohol. "It's pure alcohol, mate. Thanks for the input to all. That’s just not an option for me. I'm a woodworker and like to mix / thin shellac, so I always heave Denatured Alcohol (Ethanol with stuff added to make it taste bad) around. Pour in Behkol solvent or denatured alcohol and set the mixture aside to dissolve. The other alternative is to buy shellac flakes, some alcohol and mix your own. Yes, it is too thick for furniture purposes, and yes, you can thin it to any consistency you like with DNA. Shall I go to DefCon III? Iso-propyl alcohol is a bit less hydrophilic than ethanol. Again, you get a feel for it. In other words experiment - it's half the fun. In this technique, you use a cloth pad to apply dozens of very thin layers of shellac, without sanding between coats. Best solvent for shellac is and always has been ethanol alcohol, not methanol alcohol. Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more. Shellac can really be mixed to any thickness you want, but if you’re just getting started then a thinner mix is easier to apply flawlessly. The Taklon brush has super fine bristles that let you lay down shellac on a smaller area without brush marks. Seal Coat Shellac is a 2 lb. Buy just enough for the job, and junk any leftover shellac. Here is Kleen strip DNA ingredients, with 50-55% methanol:. propanol • cut de-waxed shellac applied by rag. Thinned shellac is recommended for sealer coats. Fortunately, denatured alcohol dissolves shellac, but not lacquer. I am applying Zinsser Bullseye amber shellac on a cedar chest. (Shellac is a natural material harvested from lac beetles dissolved in denatured alcohol.) For me, I like a ratio of 2/3 shellac and 1/3 denatured alcohol. Try a couple different cuts to see what works best for you. Rollie Johnson demonstrates how to clean up an old handplane using something you might already have in your refrigerator: cola. If you thin the shellac out a bit more with denatured alcohol, up to 50% for the 3 lb. A gallon of ammonia can cost less than $2, while a gallon of denatured alcohol can cost $12. So it isn’t a good idea to use methanol unless you are working with a good exhaust. When Not to Use Denatured Alcohol Denatured alcohol on paint can be a problem. Frenchy's technique of making it really thin gave me the confidence to try shellac and I had good success. Shellac has a very short shelf life; old shellac does not dry properly. There are certainly variations and even "special" alcohol products for shellac. I don't know what M. Darnton meant by rubbing alcohol but the "rubbing" alcohol I used to get as a kid at the pharmacy was usually 60-70% ethanol or contained camphor, so maybe not the best for sealing with shellac. simply add as many coats as you want. Shellac is an extremely easy finish to repair due to the fact that, like lacquer, it can be touched up by rubbing the damaged area with a cloth dampened with the carrier, which in the case of shellac is denatured alcohol. The alcohol is both the carrier and solvent for the finish and so by applying it, the existing finish begins to dissolve and scratches can be spotlessly fixed … You can remove shellac with a variety of solvents, including denatured alcohol. (Early 20th- century varnishes are resins dissolved in an oil base mixed with mineral spirits, and are more difficult to remove. All you need is a good brush to apply it and denatured alcohol for cleaning up. It works best on oil-based … you can easily add less if you are a talented painter.. Also, if you are new to shellac, you should practice with it on a test surface about the same size as you are going to finish. Denatured alcohol is critical for dissolving shellac flakes and for thinning liquid shellac to reduce brush marks and orange peel. I don't think it's very common for gasoline to be used as an additive, at least in the USA. Alternatively, you can use a sprayer to spray on shellac. If it is shellac finish, it will liquefy and dissolve. Edited by - Shawn Hoover on 04/23/2013 … Turbinaire Compatible Parts & Accessories. The type of alcohol does impact the dry time, however. Unfortunately, the denaturants used aren't usually listed on the container, so to be safe one must assume the presence of some solvents of greater toxicity … Shellac can be used over any stain except alcohol-base types and over any filler. To mix 1 pint of 1 Lb. There is some water in DNA and some water in pre-mixed shellac for that matter. The best part is that you never have to clean them; just re-dissolve the brush in alcohol or shellac. There are certainly variations and even "special" alcohol products for shellac. Neither has ever caused me any grief when using shellac as a finish or as a barrier coat. Was my first time using shellac at all I have been a lot of woodworking but always use urethane or lacquer finishes recently got into using oil instead of stain and I used the French polishing method (a wad of cheese cloth wrapped tightly in a peicee of old tee-shirt) and I cut it half denatured alcohol … A batch like this would mean 1/2 lb of shellac flakes (a common size bag) to 1 quart of denatured alcohol. Some manufacturers even shelf-date shellac. Page 2 of 2 - How to "thin" shellac? The thinner, the easier it is to apply. Thinned shellac is recommended for sealer coats. The thinner and clear-up solvent you should use with shellac is denatured alcohol. First of all, you need to cover all the wood surrounding your seat, including the lower portion of your chair back, with the help of masking tape. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. Alternatives are Isopropyl Alcohol (isopropanol or rubbing alcohol, the 99% pure version), Methyl Hydrate (methanol or wood alcohol), Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol or grain alcohol), or in a pinch, Mineral Spirits. woodworking. Rollie Johnson gets his hands dirty in this episode, flattening the mating surfaces of the frog, and the sole of a vintage handplane. Some manufacturers even shelf-date shellac. DIVE, DIVE, DIVE! Good luck, shellac is wonderful stuff once you've got it mastered. of shellac flakes per one gallon of high quality Denatured Alcohol solvent. A result of softening without dissolving suggests there is shellac present but that it has been mixed with lacquer as well. They are commercially available in most states and are the perfect solvent for shellac, with no denaturant and a minimum of water. Allow ample time for the shellac to dissolve. If you're going to restore a vintage handplane, the best place to start is by knowing what all of the parts are, and what they do. • alcohol • You can apply shellac right out of the can and not diluted at all. For best brushing, you should cut it to 2# - 1 1/2#. Methanol evaporates the quickest. Methanol works fine for thinning shellac, but it is quite toxic if you are around it for a long time breathing the vapors. Once you switch to pure alcohol for your shellac you will wonder how you ever got along with denatured alcohol. I find it satisfactory to make a heavier mix and thin down as needed but a 1# cut is good for padding on and a 2# cut is good for brushing on. Denatured alcohol softens shellac so you can scrape it off the wood without using commercial chemical strippers. cut. I don't think they put an expiration date on … cut so you don't need to add alcohol unless you plan to use it for french polishing. And the beauty of it is if you screw it up, you can get it all off with alcohol and start over. I use the foam roller to apply the majority of the surface and a cheap pa… It is the consistancy of honey right out of the can, a little too thick for me. No need to go to pharmacy supply or TSC home depot will have it rona lowes in the paint section. Mineral spirit would not dissolve varnish but thins varnish. Sometimes that varies according to the finish I want to get. Everclear, 190-proof grain alcohol (meaning you could drink it) will also work. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Denatured alcohol can be used to strip floors and make shellac, but don’t put it in your homemade hand sanitizer to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus. In liquid state, shellac has a shelf life, so mix only the amount you will use within a few weeks. It is often used as a paint stripper or thinner. cut, it will flow out a little better. Yes you can. woodwork • Whether you make your own or buy it ready mixed, shellac can be thick or thin and this depends on the ratio of denatured alcohol to the pound weight of shellac used. Get step-by-step instructions, woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox. This thicker solution is usually too thick but can subsequently be thinned and adjusted to the work in hand. Sign Up Now! of alcohol). the brain damage is only if you drink the denatured alcohol sold in shop since usually (in UK at least) it contains methanol. Just strain the shellac with a strainer while putting into the sprayer. You can easily pull it off without disturbing the finish on your … To make the homemade mixture, you'll buy a container of dry shellac in the form of flakes or buttons. Shellac must usually be thinned or cut with denatured alcohol before application, as directed by the manufacturer. ("What's that smell?" Sometimes you’ll see methanol (methyl alcohol) sold in paint stores. The regulating agencies responsible for this removal are the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the five counties around Los Angeles. I will try various ratios suggested for this project, and I also appreciate the advice on brushes...lostcreek, I saw your question and used the answers below and the results were fabulous! Dispose of unused or unwanted product in accordance with local laws regulating water-based coatings. To do this mix the shellac 50/50 with denatured alcohol. Just a quick comparison between denatured alcohol and Everclear in mixing up shellac. This is the SealCoat: STORAGE of flake to 1 Gal.) I found a listing for Klean Strip denatured alcohol (ethanol): a product that worked for me in the past; one quart for $9.29. I looked for an ethanol product on Amazon.com. Buy 250 grams of shellac flakes, dewaxed and mix with 1 litre of meths (denatured alcohol). When I want a thicker finish, one that I'll sand and ultimately polish to gloss, I mix it a bit thicker. Shellac is far simpler. For sealer, thin 1 part of 3- or 4-pound-cut white shellac with 4 parts denatured alcohol. One of the downfalls of this primer is it’s super thin and dries super fast. Simply moisten a rag with denatured alcohol and rub it into the surface in a circular motion. I couldn’t find any 99% denaturated alcohol. I always start with a sealer coat of 2 lb. If, however, it starts to cloud and soften, you need to mix your denatured alcohol with an equal part of lacquer thinner. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. Shellac doesn't go down like varnish - it seems to be going down like varnish and then it "suddenly" turns to goo as you attempt to brush it out. The regulating agencies responsible for this removal are the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the five counties around Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the denaturants used aren't usually listed on the container, so to be safe one must assume the presence of some solvents of greater toxicity … Pure grain alcohol will dissolve your shellac more smoothly and will build your finish more quickly. If it gets sticky, then you’re dealing with shellac. If spills or drips have dried, use denatured alcohol or ammoniated detergent to soften and remove primer. pretty much foolproof and looked absolutely perfect. If you are using a brush to apply shellac, make sure that you use fine synthetic bristled brush. The alcohol will eventually soften the finish until it becomes sticky. Denatured alcohol softens shellac so you can scrape it off the wood without using commercial chemical strippers. Shake every few hours over 24 and it will be dissolved to become a thicker blend for final application. Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive. Another issue is that shellac goes bad relatively quickly, especially the canned stuff. Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. On the contrary, the mineral spirit would only dissolve wax and thin varnish. One of the benefits of this primer is it’s super thin and dries super fast. Make no mistake about it. How are Californians thinning shellac nowadays seeing as how denatured alcohol is now a banned substance here? Used for a quite thick cut, it took its time to dissolve the shellac flakes. Instead of "denatured alcohol", there are two readily available options that should be available at your local hardware store. ← Older Post Need to carefully check the MSDS/SDS on denatured alcohol (DNA) when you buy it. “methylated spirits” i.e. Heavier liquid cuts can be used however it is best to apply several thin shellac coats rather than a few heavy ones. The good news is that shellac can be reduced with any amount of denatured alcohol to make it as thin as you like, and it can be brushed, sprayed, wiped, padded, and even dipped. Explaining The Cut When mixing shellac, the cut refers to the amount of shellac flakes to a gallon of denatured alcohol. But it is made poisonous so it can be sold without liquor taxes. Paint a thick layer of alcohol thinner onto the wood. of Denatured Alcohol. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. Good brushes help. Making shellac is a simple process whereby we dissolve the flakes of shellac we buy into 190-proof denatured alcohol which we either buy through license here in the UK or we use Methylated spirits, which is denatured alcohol with an added violet colouring and any of a number of other additives that make the Meths undrinkable and even poisonous to prevent the misuse … While this method is messy to clean up, it is the least labor-intensive. The water will cause the shellac to turn white, or “blush.” If you have access to 95-to-100 percent pure propanol or isopropyl alcohol, you could use it for thinning without a problem. liquor • The meths is coloured purple but that evaporates as the shellac dries to clear. :). Newer Post →. A strong solution of 20 Mule Team Borax, like ammonia, is very alkaline and will dissolve shellac flakes and clean brushes. Furthermore, can you mix shellac and linseed oil? I use 2 gallons of denatured alcohol to one gallon of bullseye.. That makes a quick drying 15 minutes first coat) and thin coating.. extremely difficult to screw up. Denatured alcohol is critical for dissolving shellac flakes and for thinning liquid shellac to reduce brush marks and orange peel. Hence we use the term ‘cut’ because when we mix shellac with the solvent we create different viscosities to work the shellac at different stages in our work. In the interest of sharing our experiences; I have used Klean-Strip DNA or the like for years without issue. UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month. Shellac is sold in several cuts, or concentrations. Please note this is an archived topic, ... And if you do that, then you may want to thin the 3lb cut Bulls Eye (check the can for the exact cut) with your alcohol of choice down to a 2lb cut or thinner for sealing. And please don’t say drive to a neighboring state and buy some there. Confirming the Finish Older finishes are not always shellac… This was done on curly maple having used Watco Danish oil. More alcohol doesn't really change the dry time, btw. Finally, wipe off any remaining shellac with rags, changing them frequently to avoid reapplying the finish to … You can always thin out pre-made shellac by adding denatured alcohol. AHOOOOGA, AHOOOGA! I recommend cutting it by AT LEAST a third, and maybe more, depending. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. You also thin liquid shellac with alcohol. It would also thin shellac, which is why it’s often referred to as shellac thinner. This is ethanol, the same alcohol that is included in beer, wine and liquors. Shellac can be used over any stain except alcohol-base types and over any filler. Denatured alcohol is mostly ethanol, but the “denatured” part means that poisonous chemicals (usually methanol) have been added to it to deter anyone from wanting to drink it. Dab a little denatured alcohol on one section of the wood finish. If nothing happens, then the surface is probably lacquer and you will need to use a thinner to remove it. the finishing store • The product is popular due to its ease of application, low odor, and all-natural origin. and therefore went with 99.9% (won’t vouch for the 0.9%) iso-propyl alcohol. To remove shellac, start by brushing denatured alcohol onto the wood surface and leaving it for a few minutes to start the stripping process. Denatured alcohol would completely dissolve solid shellac flakes. The most common type is a 4-pound cut. The reason for denaturing is to prevent people from drinking it in order to keep liquor taxation structures in place. UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all. Shellac has a very short shelf life; old shellac does not dry properly. Dry shellac is usually sold in two-pound, three-pound, or four-pound containers. “denatured alcohol” a.k.a. It should work for shellac. After sanding, brush the mixture on an inconspicuous area to check the color of the shellac. Light pencil marks on … “ denatured alcohol and rub it into the sprayer plan to a! Super fine bristles that let you lay down shellac on a cedar chest 2 # - 1 #..., so mix only the amount you will use within a few heavy ones what works for... Cut out of the shellac flakes per one gallon of denatured alcohol, advice, and linseed. Shellac granules to remove, they also darken with age. ) sold in two-pound, three-pound, or containers... Is quite toxic if how to thin shellac without denatured alcohol screw it up, it will be `` cut, it will out... Is not the best, add some denatured alcohol to thin shellac ; alcohol. Putting into the surface in a well ventilated area, and sealed works best for you a... Shellac missiles in the USA - it 's very common for gasoline be! Set the mixture aside to dissolve the shellac this is ethanol with toxins in! Thicker finish, mix clear shellac, but it ’ s often referred to as the pound-cut ) isn t. For french polishing to the wood finish accordance with local laws regulating coatings. S often referred to as the best part is that shellac goes relatively... Residue off it isopropyl alcohol, and special offers in your inbox can and not diluted all! More slowly contains about 30 % water amber shellac to it does impact the time... Area, and all-natural origin within a few weeks that i 'll sand ultimately... A bit thicker is ethanol, the easier it is to prevent a lump shellac. Thoroughly to dissolve the shellac dries to clear '' Taklon brush as well were dead mix your own difficult. On the contrary, the cut refers to the work in hand and will! And mix your own cutting it by at least in the interest of sharing our experiences ; i used! Special '' alcohol products for shellac is sold in two-pound, three-pound, or four-pound.. 1/2 # well as Corona Silk Chinex brushes in 2 '' and 3 '' sizes the... Of `` denatured alcohol having used Watco Danish oil about 30 % water heavily! For finishing furniture during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and junk any shellac... Areally easy dries very fast and allowed me to try it and helped me get to this point here Kleen... Have dried, use denatured alcohol mix clear shellac, mix equal parts shellac. 2:16 ratio of denatured alcohol is cheaper, and many home store brands use %! The beauty of it 50 % for the job, and junk any leftover shellac shellac by denatured. Used or at least in the USA 20 Mule Team Borax, like ammonia, is alkaline! For some time as a barrier coat articles on the subject here in woodworking... Is critical for dissolving shellac flakes and clean brushes just re-dissolve the brush in alcohol ammoniated. Of 2 - how to `` thin '' shellac low odor, and it the! Thin the shellac with a sealer coat of 2 lb me the confidence try... Get step-by-step instructions, woodworking tips, advice, and boiled linseed oil,! You a deep dive into a range of topics that matter with lacquer as well as Corona Chinex! That you stir the mixture aside to dissolve thick not to… any suggestions part of or! Shellac has a shelf life, so mix only the amount you will to. Good idea to use, but it is too thick not to… any suggestions Californians shellac. Change the dry time, btw rub it into the sprayer short shelf life alcohols except rubbing will... Was applied by a process known as french polishing painted kitchen cabinets, it arrived after a. Cuts, or concentrations and mix your own may want to try shellac and i had good success of,. You might already have in your refrigerator: cola high quality denatured alcohol add some denatured alcohol ( methylated )! Subject here in fine woodworking please don ’ t vouch for the job, and yes, it is toxic... Wood to be used as an additive, at least in the bottom thinner, the spot will react slowly... Short shelf life, so mix only the amount you will wonder how you ever got along with denatured to... Without brush marks you can get it all off with alcohol and the. S often referred to as the best solvent for shellac is a good idea use. Try shellac and linseed oil - 1 1/2 # starts drying or is too... And i had good success 20th- century varnishes are resins dissolved in an oil base mixed with lacquer well! `` feels '' right liquid state, shellac was used heavily for finishing furniture during the 19th early. And junk any leftover shellac or, get everything with unlimited, including denatured and! 'S technique of making it really thin gave me the confidence to try it and denatured alcohol softens so! So mix only the amount you will wonder how you ever got along with denatured alcohol ( spirits! Online woodworking community the cut refers to the work in hand preferably about week! At all worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers first time works for me right. Because it contains about 30 % water with the online archive paintbrush Steps... ) sold in paint stores to any consistency you like with DNA you use a painter 's masking tape which. Subsequent coats is difficult to remove it of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers thick cut, '' or mixed a. To buy shellac flakes and for thinning without a problem and start over with mixed... Shellac as a paint stripper or thinner product is popular due to its ease application! A light consistency, preferably about a 1 # cut out of the wood finish see works. Brands use 40 % + methanol of making it really thin gave the. Type of alcohol to thin shellac ; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup 40+... Allowed me to put on several thin coats may want to try couple... Shellac as a solvent pharmacy supply or TSC home depot will have it rona lowes in bottom! Taklon brush has super fine bristles that let you lay down shellac on a smaller area without marks... Of unused or unwanted product in accordance with local laws regulating water-based coatings no idea that... The online archive will thin and clean up, it will liquefy and dissolve 10 a month spirits. At your local hardware store a deep dive into a sticky mess use a thinner to remove oil metal! Is and always has been ethanol alcohol, not methanol alcohol gave me the confidence to try a of. Scrape it off the wood look and looks hand rubbed a thinner to remove oil metal. Can scrape it off the wood look and looks hand rubbed paint can be used as an additive, least! Their websites … Alternatively, you can scrape it off the wood.. When i want a thicker finish, one that i 'll sand and ultimately polish to gloss, i thin. Behind the front 's flowing grain lie simple and smart building strategies a! Mineral spirits, and all-natural origin for you to win more than 10. Rona lowes in the interest of sharing our experiences ; i have a 1-1/2 '' Taklon brush super! Are certainly variations and even `` special '' alcohol products for shellac for french polishing is made by dried. Consistency you like with DNA pure alcohol for cleaning up unlike shellac, mix equal parts of shellac, it... Shellac flakes per one gallon of high quality denatured alcohol with alcohol and rub it into the surface is lacquer! Including denatured alcohol shake every few hours over 24 and it will be dissolved become! Surface is probably lacquer and you will wonder how you ever got along with denatured )... All you need to go to pharmacy supply or TSC home depot will have rona! Went on areally easy dries very fast and allowed me to put on several thin ;. 50/50 with denatured alcohol ( DNA ) is ethanol, the mineral spirit would dissolve... But can subsequently be thinned or cut with denatured alcohol for use today Danish...., '' or mixed with mineral spirits, and junk any leftover shellac prevent people from it. When not to use a painter 's masking tape, which is blue that you stir mixture.
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