About Denatured Alcohols A 'high test', 190 proof (5% denaturants), Denatured Ethanol Alcohol is preferred
as a Shellac Flake Solvent. Unfortunately NOT all Denatured Alcohols are equal,
and there is No purity standard or required ethanol content to be labeled “Denatured Alcohol”. It is next to impossible to find a 190 proof alcohol at the ‘big box’ home improvement or hardware stores. Many brands are formulated with as little as 50-60% Ethanol – and the balance are cheaper alcohols and denaturing solvents. Recently we went in search of high test Denatured Alcohol.
Out of ten paint, hardware, and home improvement stores, only a Sherwin Williams paint store had a190 Proof denatured alcohol. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will list the ingredient percentages
of the product (most can labels do not). A ‘denaturant’ is added to Ethanol Alcohol (a drinkable spirit) to make it unfit for consumption.
The original denaturant was Methanol Alcohol, and the term ‘Methylated Spirits’ is used in many parts of the world in referring to Denatured Alcohol. A 190 Proof Denatured Alcohol is operator and earth, ‘Green’, friendly.
"Klean-Strip Green” is a a retail brand of 190 Proof Denatured Alcohol.
If you can find Klean-Strip Green or another high test 190 proof Denatured Alcohol,
buy your shellac solvent locally and save on shipping. Shop Note:
By settling on one brand and using a known Denatured Alcohol proof or purity
you will have more predictable results and eliminate one finishing variable.
Adjust your Shellac mixture for hot weather, drafty conditions, or heat conditions with
Shellac.net SHELLAC Retarder (not a lacquer retarder).
When the shellac is drying too fast due to heat, low humidity, or excessive airflow,
add just enough shellac retarder to enable easy application or flow-out
(add only what is necessary and don't exceed 15-20% by volume)
When spraying shellac, the retarder will help eliminate over-spray and orange-peel.
Avoid over-use; keep in mind that use of the retarder will require longer drying times
between coats of shellac. To avoid costly flammable shipping charges, we ship in quarts, by United Parcel Service Ground.
| FAQs
It is very important to think about the solvent used to dissolve the shellac. Most people simply use commercially available “denatured” alcohol. Denatured alcohol is a general alcohol-based solvent used for a variety of applications across many industries. Mixed with shellac, it will produce a serviceable finish.
What does denatured alcohol do to shellac? ›
Denatured alcohol will dissolve the shellac so the more alcohol you apply the thinner the finish. You can apply shellac right out of the can and not diluted at all. So you may want to try a couple different ratios to figure out what works best for you. For me, I like a ratio of 2/3 shellac and 1/3 denatured alcohol.
What is denatured alcohol solvent? ›
Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and as fuel for alcohol burners and camping stoves. Because of the diversity of industrial uses for denatured alcohol, hundreds of additives and denaturing methods have been used. The main additive usually is 10% methanol (methyl alcohol), hence the name methylated spirits.
What will dissolve shellac? ›
For small or minor blemishes with alcohol, you can try blending in a new coat with a pad, but the best solution is simply to remove the shellac from the entire top and refinish it. Fortunately, shellac is easy to remove. Place doubled-up paper towels on a section of the top and saturate them with denatured alcohol.
What alcohol is used in shellac? ›
Denatured Alcohols (methylated spirits) for Shellac.
Will denatured alcohol dissolve shellac? ›
I've used Kleen Strip Green denatured alcohol successfully. It dissolved shellac from the brush in a few minutes and nicely thinned the shellac from bullseye brand. It appears easy to find, from smaller hardware stores to the big boxes in the US.
What not to mix with denatured alcohol? ›
Bleach and rubbing alcohol create chloroform. This combination is highly toxic and can cause damage to your eyes, lungs, and liver. Combining these products can create peracetic / peroxyacetic acid, which can be highly corrosive and irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
Why is denatured alcohol banned? ›
Formulations, of denatured alcohol, which should be used as a solvent or fuel, intentionally contain 'contaminants' such as pyridine and/or methanol to prevent its recreational use. At the same time, these additives make denatured alcohol toxic and potentially fatal if consumed in large quantities.
What does denatured alcohol do to wood? ›
Denatured alcohol assists in cleaning the wood after sanding it to prepare it for other projects. Wear protective gloves and treat the wood outside in a dry area. Use a lint-free cloth and wipe the wood with undiluted denatured alcohol. The denatured alcohol will dry quickly and clean the wood.
Is denatured alcohol just rubbing alcohol? ›
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and denatured alcohol are not the same. They share some similarities, but have different chemical structures and have different uses. They are similar in that they can NOT be consumed by humans. They are both toxic if ingested.
It is very important to think about the solvent used to dissolve the shellac. Most people simply use commercially available “denatured” alcohol. Denatured alcohol is a general alcohol-based solvent used for a variety of applications across many industries. Mixed with shellac, it will produce a serviceable finish.
What is the best solvent shellac? ›
"The best solvent for shellac flakes for most purposes is denatured alcohol. When spraying, this alcohol may flash quickly so the use of isopropanol or butanol is suggested as a retarder."
What is the best way to dissolve shellac? ›
Place the flakes into a plastic or glass re-sealable container (use only a small amount for your first try). Cover the flakes with the methylated spirits or recommended denatured alcohol, allowing time for shellac to dissolve – making sure to stir frequently. (For best results strain the solution through a stocking).
Can you dissolve shellac in isopropyl alcohol? ›
To dissolve shellac, I like to use anhydrous (or water-free) isopropyl alcohol as the solvent. It might take a bit longer to dissolve the shellac, but the advantages outweigh this slight inconvenience.
What's the difference between isopropyl and denatured alcohol? ›
Although isopropyl alcohol is classified as a toxic substance, meaning that it's dangerous to consume and behaves as a mild skin irritant, it's generally safe to use. Unlike denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol has not had anything but water added to it. However, IPA is toxic in itself and should never be ingested.
What is the main ingredient in shellac? ›
Chemically, it is mainly composed of aleuritic acid, jalaric acid, shellolic acid, and other natural waxes. It is processed and sold as dry flakes and dissolved in alcohol to make liquid shellac, which is used as a brush-on colorant, food glaze and wood finish.
Does alcohol ruin shellac? ›
Shellac will dissolve in any alcohol, including watery alcohol, but if you don't know and can't reproduce the solvent mix, you'll get pretty unpredictable results. Water will slow the evaporation rate.
Does denatured alcohol remove finish? ›
I used a piece of steel wool, grade 0000. I poured a little of the denatured alcohol onto the steel wool and started scrubbing. It worked so well! It was taking off the top layer of finish!
How do you get a smooth shellac finish? ›
Sand with 250 grit after the first coat as shellac causes the grain to rise and air pockets in the wood will also cause the surface to become textured. Sanding will remove any surface nibbing to give your project a smooth finish.
Will denatured alcohol damage varnish? ›
Start by applying denatured alcohol. Alcohol will readily dissolve shellac, and it will slowly soften lacquer. Lacquer thinner will readily dissolve lacquer and will soften shellac. It will cause varnish to swell, crinkle and lift.
