Is Acetone The Same as Denatured Alcohol? (2024)

FAQs

Is Acetone The Same as Denatured Alcohol? ›

While acetone is not the same as denatured alcohol, they are used in some of the same processes. Both solvents can be used in the production of plastics, cleaning, degreasing, and as an additive for fuel. While there is overlap some, there are industries or uses exclusive to either acetone or denatured alcohol.

There are a few substitutes for denatured alcohol, including methanol and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Keep in mind that these substitutes may not work as well as denatured alcohol, and they may not be compatible with all finishes or products.

​For example, you'll find that acetone is good for removing stubborn stains on porcelain, paint, and melted plastic on surfaces. On the other hand, denatured alcohol is best for cleaning plastic and dissolving the finish on surfaces without damaging the underlying paint.

Yes, you could use acetone if you wanted, but denatured alcohol is our preferred solvent recommendation for surface prep, diluting and clean up mainly because it is safer to use from a health and physical hazards standpoint.

Alternatives to denatured alcohol

Grain alcohol – Grain alcohols, such as Everclear and Graves, are often found in your local liquor store. The higher the proof, the more pure it is, so many woodworkers prefer 190-proof grain alcohol.

In summary, isopropyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol that has not been treated with additives (with the exception of water). Denatured alcohol is primary alcohol mixed with additives to make it unpalatable and, in some cases, even more toxic.

Both can be used as cleaning agents, and as solvents in a variety of industries. The main difference is that IPA shouldn't be used in certain applications because it won't be as effective as denatured alcohol, whereas the latter shouldn't be used to replace IPA because it is highly toxic and could be dangerous.

Denatured alcohol is a versatile solvent, stain-remover, thinner and cleaner: As a solvent, it thins shellac, lacquers, resins and inks. It's used to clean up oil- and shellac-based paints off equipment and tools. You can simply soak a brush in a bowl or bucket of denatured alcohol, then wipe with a rag or paper towel.

AcraStrip - A Woodworker's Acetone Replacement

This type of green paint remover is 100% biodegradable, HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants) free, non-hazardous, environmentally neutral and recyclable. AcraStrip industrial paint remover can also be used anywhere that traditional chemical-based solvents like acetone are used.

You can use acetone or paint thinner, just make sure it has had enough time to be completely dry. I also recommend using tack cloths right before you spray. Yes acetone works fine, but it takes longer than wax/grease remover to dry.

Is mineral spirits denatured alcohol? ›

Mineral spirits and denatured alcohol are organic solvents, and their compositions and applications are different from each other. The key difference between mineral spirits and denatured alcohol is that mineral spirits appear as clear liquids, whereas denatured alcohol appears in violet colour.

# 4 – 91% Isopropyl Alcohol – 8 Cents an Ounce

Advantages: Inexpensive, does not burn as hot as denatured alcohol or Everclear. Disadvantages: High, yellow, sooty flame that is a bit smelly and messy to clean off pots.

Denatured alcohol is what I've always used to prep wood for final sanding before finishing. Isopropyl alcohol will work, but the water content makes it less effective and it tends to raise the grain a bit more. Why do you feel like you need to remove oil from the wood? Tru oil adheres to just about everything.

Denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol have similar uses, but they differ chemically. Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with toxic or bad tasting additives that make it unsuitable for consumption. The chemical formula of ethyl is C₂H₆O and the formula for isopropyl alcohol is C₃H₈O.