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Alcohol Type for Shellac?

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cputnam Offline
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#15
Question  08-10-2016, 07:53 PM
Drugstore is not selling DNA let alone 90% DN ethyl alcohol. They have lots of 91% Isopropyl. Everything I've read says to use Everclear as a matter of choice, but that is spendy. What difference does Alcohol type have on shellac performance and durability?
Thanks,  Curt
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Rob Young Offline
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#16
08-10-2016, 09:46 PM (This post was last modified: 08-10-2016, 09:46 PM by Rob Young. Edit Reason: Typo )
(08-10-2016, 07:53 PM)cputnam Wrote: Drugstore is not selling DNA let alone 90% DN ethyl alcohol.  They have lots of 91% Isopropyl.  Everything I've read says to use Everclear as a matter of choice, but that is spendy.  What difference does Alcohol type have on shellac performance and durability?

Everclear is first choice.  DNA from KleenStrip or Sunshine from hardware store second choice.  They use a LOT of methanol as the denaturant now. Some claim that reduces mixed life and/or softer end finish. So far neither has been a problem. Fresh flakes dissolve for me in hours and I'm only mixing it a pint or two at a time so it gets used up in a timely fashion.
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Gregory of Sherwood Forest Offline
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#17
08-10-2016, 11:56 PM
Yeah, I keep meaning to try the Everclear, but Grandma keeps finding it before the weekend.


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Dave S® Offline
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#18
08-11-2016, 08:48 AM
(08-10-2016, 11:56 PM)Gregory of Sherwood Forest Wrote: Yeah, I keep meaning to try the Everclear, but Grandma keeps finding it before the weekend.


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brnhornt Offline
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#19
08-11-2016, 08:26 AM
Jeff Jewitt personally recommended Behlen's Bekhol.  Never tried Everclear (can't get it here in Ohio) but always been really happy with the Bekhol.
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MichaelMouse Offline
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#20
08-11-2016, 08:43 AM
(08-11-2016, 08:26 AM)brnhornt Wrote: Jeff Jewitt personally recommended Behlen's Bekhol.  Never tried Everclear (can't get it here in Ohio) but always been really happy with the Bekhol.

Behkol is a blend, mostly featuring ethanol. http://www.behlen.co.uk/safety/B650-2816.pdf   Other times has mentioned anhydrous propanol or isopropanol as a good "slow" alcohol for brushing.  I agree, works fine, and I can't get 95% EtOH at state liquor stores either. 

That said, look at the label of the denatured product you're buying at the store, and get the one with highest ethanol  % if you believe methanol is ALSO harmful to the finish.  Haven't found it so, personally, but it's undeniably not the choice for skin and lungs.
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cputnam Offline
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#21
08-12-2016, 12:17 PM
Thanks for the help, y'all. Kleenstrip it is.
Thanks,  Curt
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