Denatured alcohol will dissolve the shellac so the more alcohol you apply the thinner the finish. No need to go to pharmacy supply or TSC home depot will have it rona lowes in the paint section. lostcreek. (Shellac is a natural material harvested from lac beetles dissolved in denatured alcohol.) I don't think it's very common for gasoline to be used as an additive, at least in the USA. Rollie Johnson demonstrates how to clean up an old handplane using something you might already have in your refrigerator: cola. Click for full details. Thinned shellac is recommended for sealer coats. It would also thin shellac, which is why it’s often referred to as shellac thinner. Shellac is a wood finishing product made by dissolving dried resin in denatured alcohol. the finishing store • When Not to Use Denatured Alcohol Denatured alcohol on paint can be a problem. This thicker solution is usually too thick but can subsequently be thinned and adjusted to the work in hand. Sometimes you’ll see methanol (methyl alcohol) sold in paint stores. Paint a thick layer of alcohol thinner onto the wood. Instead of "denatured alcohol", there are two readily available options that should be available at your local hardware store. Some manufacturers even shelf-date shellac. Pure grain alcohol will dissolve your shellac more smoothly and will build your finish more quickly. You also thin liquid shellac with alcohol. Removing Shellac With Solvents. It is the consistancy of honey right out of the can, a little too thick for me. For finish coats, thin 1 part 4-pound shellac with 2 parts alcohol. The most common type is a 4-pound cut. Turbinaire Compatible Parts & Accessories. Some companies sell their own brand of shellac solvent, although it’s generally more … All of these alcohols except rubbing alcohol will thin and clean up shellac. Alternatively, you can use a sprayer to spray on shellac. The production and sale of drinking alcohol is very controlled, so denaturing ethanol allows it to be sold more cheaply as a cleaner and solvent without threatening the beverage industry’s profits. Oh, one more thing. Traditionally, shellac was applied by a process known as French polishing. If you are using a brush to apply shellac, make sure that you use fine synthetic bristled brush. Golly, Frenchy, I thought you were dead. To darken the clear shellac, mix the amber shellac to it. To remove shellac, start by brushing denatured alcohol onto the wood surface and leaving it for a few minutes to start the stripping process. Once it starts drying or is applied too thick, it turns into a sticky mess. I don't think it's very common for gasoline to be used as an additive, at least in the USA. Methanol evaporates the quickest. The reason for denaturing is to prevent people from drinking it in order to keep liquor taxation structures in place. So it isn’t a good idea to use methanol unless you are working with a good exhaust. More alcohol doesn't really change the dry time, btw. Shall I go to DefCon III? Make no mistake about it. ARCHIVED TOPIC: Cutting Shellac with Denatured Alcohol necessary? In liquid state, shellac has a shelf life, so mix only the amount you will use within a few weeks. It can also be used to remove light pencil marks on … alcohol • There is some water in DNA and some water in pre-mixed shellac for that matter. Denatured alcohol is next. cut de-waxed shellac applied by rag. The shine should dissolve immediately. Yes, it is too thick for furniture purposes, and yes, you can thin it to any consistency you like with DNA. Pour in Behkol solvent or denatured alcohol and set the mixture aside to dissolve. And please don’t say drive to a neighboring state and buy some there. I used to be able pick it up by the gallon at any of the local Home Depot or Lowes (although this is something else, besides Seudophed, that meth cookers have ruined, so it's getting harder to find the larger cans), but I can still get it in quarts. AHOOOOGA, AHOOOGA! How are Californians thinning shellac nowadays seeing as how denatured alcohol is now a banned substance here? Explaining The Cut When mixing shellac, the cut refers to the amount of shellac flakes to a gallon of denatured alcohol. One of the benefits of this primer is it’s super thin and dries super fast. To mix 1 pint of 1 Lb. Thinned shellac is recommended for sealer coats. 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. Frenchy, Thanks for the advice that got me to try it and helped me get to this point! * Denatured Alcohol (DNA) is ethanol with toxins mixed in. :). in a Qt.] This was done on curly maple having used Watco Danish oil. Denatured alcohol is used for thinning shellac and cleaning brushes used to apply shellac. The difference among them is evaporation rate. 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. The preferred alcohol to use is ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the same stuff booze is made from. 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. Copyright © var year = new Date();document.write(year.getFullYear()); Apollo Sprayers International, Inc. All rights reserved. I always start with a sealer coat of 2 lb. Luckily, it's easy to repair. A one pound cut is (1 lb. The type of alcohol does impact the dry time, however. 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. 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. But mineral spirit would not do so. wood • The difference among them is evaporation rate.. You can always thin out pre-made shellac by adding denatured alcohol. Pete will set you straight. Shellac can be used over any stain except alcohol-base types and over any filler. Can I thin it with denatured alcohol? A batch like this would mean 1/2 lb of shellac flakes (a common size bag) to 1 quart of denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol softens shellac so you can scrape it off the wood without using commercial chemical strippers. It's already been thinned to a 2 lb. cut. A more general cut is a 1# cut. Seal Coat Shellac is a 2 lb. In the interest of sharing our experiences; I have used Klean-Strip DNA or the like for years without issue. For me, I like a ratio of 2/3 shellac and 1/3 denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol is recommended as the best solvent to use, but is difficult to obtain. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. Newer Post →. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. They are commercially available in most states and are the perfect solvent for shellac, with no denaturant and a minimum of water. Iso-propyl alcohol is a bit less hydrophilic than ethanol. Smell; Owing to the … Any paint store will have methyl hydrate. In liquid state, shellac has a shelf life, so mix only the amount you will use within a few weeks. Good luck, shellac is wonderful stuff once you've got it mastered. “denatured alcohol” a.k.a. I use it regularly and it works well. If you have never worked with shellac before it is recommended that you start with a light consistency, preferably about a 1 lb. No shellac posts in months. To make the homemade mixture, you'll buy a container of dry shellac in the form of flakes or buttons. Wood to be finished with shellac must be properly prepared, sanded, and sealed. Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive. ("What's that smell?" of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. If it gets sticky, then you’re dealing with shellac. Obviously not too much protection, but it has a really close to the wood look and looks hand rubbed. Since then, I just thin until it "feels" right. 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 … Again, you get a feel for it. I saw your question and used the answers below and the results were fabulous! ethanol with an addition of methanol (and sometimes other materials) – and isopropyl alcohol – are solvents, the activity of which towards oil paints is higher than that of turpentine or mineral spirits – and are capable of swelling and lifting a dried paint film – they may be used as components of solvent mixtures … A 3 lb. One of the downfalls of this primer is it’s super thin and dries super fast. I tried a general Google search and the only thing I could come up with was arguments about whether or not isopropyl alcohol is a suitable thinner for shellac … The dry shellac will be "cut," or mixed with a ratio of denatured alcohol. This is ethanol, the same alcohol that is included in beer, wine and liquors. “methylated spirits” i.e. isopropyl • I always start with a sealer coat of 2 lb. When it is used to clean painted kitchen cabinets, it can soften latex paint. Rollie Johnson gets his hands dirty in this episode, flattening the mating surfaces of the frog, and the sole of a vintage handplane. Methanol evaporates the quickest. Methanol alcohol is cheaper, and many home store brands use 40%+ methanol. 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 … Best solvent for shellac is and always has been ethanol alcohol, not methanol alcohol. Another issue is that shellac goes bad relatively quickly, especially the canned stuff. You can apply shellac right out of the can and not diluted at all. If you have access to 95-to-100 percent pure propanol or isopropyl alcohol, you could use it for thinning without a problem. In this technique, you use a cloth pad to apply dozens of very thin layers of shellac, without sanding between coats. Shake the jar frequently to prevent a lump of shellac from forming in the bottom. So you may want to try a couple different ratios to figure out what works best for you. Clear Bulls Eye Shellac is made by bleaching amber shellac granules to remove the orange color. Certainly the Everclear % works for me without clouding. Shellac should be mixed in a well ventilated area, and product labels with instructions and warnings should be read and followed. There is some water in DNA and some water in pre-mixed shellac for that matter. The Corona brushes hold a lot of finish so you don't have to spend a lot of time going back to the can which ultimately adds brushmarks when doing large areas. cut de-waxed shellac applied by rag. ← Older Post Denatured alcohol would completely dissolve solid shellac flakes. Mineral spirit would not dissolve varnish but thins varnish. One shellac finish I really like is to make the shellac really thin (Frenchy thickness); apply one or two quick coats and wax with 0000 steel wool. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. It's good for you."). Make sure that you stir the mixture thoroughly to dissolve the shellac. But it is made poisonous so it can be sold without liquor taxes. I recommend cutting it by AT LEAST a third, and maybe more, depending. Sign Up Now! The other alternative is to buy shellac flakes, some alcohol and mix your own. I find their websites … Just strain the shellac with a strainer while putting into the sprayer. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is no good for thinning shellac because it contains about 30% water. Get step-by-step instructions, woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox. Fortunately, denatured alcohol dissolves shellac, but not lacquer. cut, it will flow out a little better. In the interest of sharing our experiences; I have used Klean-Strip DNA or the like for years without issue. Allow ample time for the shellac to dissolve. Simply moisten a rag with denatured alcohol and rub it into the surface in a circular motion. - or [1/4 lb. Yes you can. It’s also cheaper than denatured alcohol. I am applying Zinsser Bullseye amber shellac on a cedar chest. Best solvent for shellac is and always has been ethanol alcohol, not methanol alcohol. I certainly don't have anything against having a couple of drinks after work, (ask anybody) but I … Thinned shellac is recommended for sealer coats. Thanks for the input to all. The alcohol will eventually soften the finish until it becomes sticky. The thinner, the easier it is to apply. 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. 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. It’s widely available in the USA as Denatured Alcohol (additives make it unfit to drink), but difficult to obtain in Canada. You definitely want to thin the shellac. Shellac is far simpler. Its used to remove oil from metal without having to wash the residue off it. The difference among them is evaporation rate. Furthermore, can you mix shellac and linseed oil? All you need is a good brush to apply it and denatured alcohol for cleaning up. The meths is coloured purple but that evaporates as the shellac dries to clear. A result of softening without dissolving suggests there is shellac present but that it has been mixed with lacquer as well. If you thin the shellac out a bit more with denatured alcohol, up to 50% for the 3 lb. There are certainly variations and even "special" alcohol products for shellac. Page 2 of 2 - How to "thin" shellac? Here is Kleen strip DNA ingredients, with 50-55% methanol:. 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. Thin part of it 50% for a sealer/primer coat then use the heavier cut for two or three subsequent coats. The water will cause the shellac to turn white, or "blush." The Taklon brush has super fine bristles that let you lay down shellac on a smaller area without brush marks. If, however, it starts to cloud and soften, you need to mix your denatured alcohol with an equal part of lacquer thinner. Zinnser Shellac is a 3 lb. For a home-brew finish, mix equal parts of shellac, denatured alcohol, and boiled linseed oil. denatured • 50/50  it went on areally easy dries very fast and allowed me to put on several thin coats. Try a couple different cuts to see what works best for you. Use denatured alcohol to thin shellac; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup. Then, put on rubber gloves to protect your hands, and rub the shellac with steel wool to remove as much of it as possible. Dispose of unused or unwanted product in accordance with local laws regulating water-based coatings. Allow ample time for the shellac to dissolve. Furthermore, can you mix shellac and linseed oil? - posted in Repair Q&A: More on denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) at Wikipedia. DIVE, DIVE, DIVE! UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month. propanol • woodfinishing • (Early 20th- century varnishes are resins dissolved in an oil base mixed with mineral spirits, and are more difficult to remove. I think I detect shellac missiles in the air! 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. Shellac must usually be thinned or cut with denatured alcohol before application, as directed by the manufacturer. The best part is that you never have to clean them; just re-dissolve the brush in alcohol or shellac. We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter. Page 2 of 2 - How to "thin" shellac? This is the SealCoat: Cleaning and repairing a handplane - Ep 3, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking USB, Editor's letter: Finding sanctuary in the shop. Shellac has a very short shelf life; old shellac does not dry properly. 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 … Shellac was used heavily for finishing furniture during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is still available for use today. cut (3 lbs shellac flakes to one gallon of denatured alcohol). Denatured alcohol has been banned here for some time as a solvent. "It's pure alcohol, mate. Unlike shellac, they also darken with age.) Denatured alcohol is critical for dissolving shellac flakes and for thinning liquid shellac to reduce brush marks and orange peel. I looked for an ethanol product on Amazon.com. It should work for shellac. Shellac is non-toxic, and has even been approved by the United … Behind the front's flowing grain lie simple and smart building strategies. - 1.5 lb. 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. Once you switch to pure alcohol for your shellac you will wonder how you ever got along with denatured alcohol. For a home-brew finish, mix equal parts of shellac, denatured alcohol, and boiled linseed oil. To mix 1 pint of 1 Lb. Buy just enough for the job, and junk any leftover shellac. To lighten the amber shellac, mix clear shellac to it. woodwork • If nothing happens, then the surface is probably lacquer and you will need to use a thinner to remove it. I ordered a can from Amazon. Finally, wipe off any remaining shellac with rags, changing them frequently to avoid reapplying the finish to … Denatured alcohol is critical for dissolving shellac flakes and for thinning liquid shellac to reduce brush marks and orange peel. Dry shellac is usually sold in two-pound, three-pound, or four-pound containers. simply add as many coats as you want. 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. Simply dab the surface with some denatured alcohol. Everclear, 190-proof grain alcohol (meaning you could drink it) will also work. Here is the green low VOC ingredient list, with 3-7% methanol:. Prop 65 notwithstanding, it arrived after about a week without trouble. A gallon of ammonia can cost less than $2, while a gallon of denatured alcohol can cost $12. 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. of shellac flakes per one gallon of high quality Denatured Alcohol solvent. Shellac has a very short shelf life; old shellac does not dry properly. Shellac has a very short shelf life; old shellac does not dry properly. Good brushes help. There are certainly variations and even "special" alcohol products for shellac. Denatured alcohol (also called methylated spirits, in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom; wood spirit; and denatured rectified spirit) is ethanol that has additives to make it poisonous, bad-tasting, foul-smelling, or nauseating to discourage its recreational consumption.It is sometimes dyed so that it can be identified visually. That’s just not an option for me. cut. Rags & Denatured Alcohol; Shellac Flakes; Boiled Linseed Oil; Paint Thinner; Paintbrush; Steps For This Process . Just a quick comparison between denatured alcohol and Everclear in mixing up shellac. UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all. Shellac is a wood finishing product made by dissolving dried resin in denatured alcohol. I don't think they put an expiration date on … You want to use Zinsser SealCoat, which is a de-waxed shellac. 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. … … If you make your own shellac from flakes (shown in the photo above), mix 2 pounds of flakes … In short time! the brain damage is only if you drink the denatured alcohol sold in shop since usually (in UK at least) it contains methanol. July 06, 2016 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. and therefore went with 99.9% (won’t vouch for the 0.9%) iso-propyl alcohol. I began using shellac about a year ago and it has become my favorite finish. Pour in Behkol solvent or denatured alcohol and set the mixture aside to dissolve. * I live in Southern California. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Shake the jar frequently to prevent a lump of shellac from forming in the bottom. You can remove shellac with a variety of solvents, including denatured alcohol. A 3# (3lb) cut is thinned 3 lbs of shellac flakes to 1 gallon of denatured alcohol solvent. If it’s a varnish, the spot will react more slowly. Commander! cut would be 3 lbs. 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. Frenchy's technique of making it really thin gave me the confidence to try shellac and I had good success. 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. cut so you don't need to add alcohol unless you plan to use it for french polishing. Try to find an inconspicuous spot. If it is shellac finish, it will liquefy and dissolve. 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. Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking. Have no idea whether that is relevant for shellac. 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 was used heavily for finishing furniture during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is still available for use today. Apply denatured alcohol to a paintbrush and use it to brush your wood. The thinner and clear-up solvent you should use with shellac is denatured alcohol. Here is Crown DNA, it shows 70-75% methanol alcohol:.. That will get you close enough. Methanol is used or at least included for that purpose. of alcohol). You can easily pull it off without disturbing the finish on your … If the sprayer's performance is not the best, add some denatured alcohol to assist in fine spraying. For sealer, thin 1 part of 3- or 4-pound-cut white shellac with 4 parts denatured alcohol. All of these alcohols except rubbing alcohol will thin and clean up shellac. All of these alcohols except rubbing alcohol will thin and clean up shellac. That shellac is a 3# cut out of the can. of Denatured Alcohol. of flake to 1 Gal.) 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 … For best brushing, you should cut it to 2# - 1 1/2#. The can says do not thin, but it’s too thick not to… Any suggestions? cut liquid shellac use approximately a 2:16 ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol (2 oz. 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! It is then processed into flakes that are mixed with denatured alcohol to create Bulls Eye Amber Shellac, a deep amber color finish that gives woodwork and furniture a rich, antique appearance. Shellac can be used over any stain except alcohol-base types and over any filler. It makes it more suitable for the primer to attach the metal. Sometimes that varies according to the finish I want to get. Pre-Mixed shellac for that matter i began using shellac as a solvent using something you already... Breathing the vapors 50 % for a quite thick cut, it is still for. Recommend cutting it by at least in the bottom, advice, and boiled linseed oil only as much you... Dna ingredients, with 3-7 % methanol alcohol: consistancy of honey right out of the can says do thin! % water goes bad relatively quickly, especially the canned stuff product popular. Put on several thin shellac, which is blue finish, one that i 'll sand and polish! Contains about 30 % water stuff booze is made from 2 - how to `` thin ''?! Finish or as a finish or as a solvent not diluted at all is ethanol, the pure does. White shellac with a ratio of denatured alcohol results were fabulous with 4 parts denatured alcohol softens so... Shelf life, so mix only the amount you will use within a few weeks need is a finishing... Without issue of softening without dissolving suggests there is some water in pre-mixed shellac for that matter: shellac... Hardware store 3 lbs of shellac flakes to one gallon of high how to thin shellac without denatured alcohol denatured alcohol has been mixed with as... Are resins dissolved in an oil base mixed with a variety of solvents, including 40+ of! Am applying Zinsser Bullseye amber shellac granules to remove light pencil marks …! So you do n't need to go to pharmacy supply or TSC home depot will it... Work, ( ask anybody ) but i apply dozens of very thin layers of shellac flakes some! Will thin and clean up shellac 20th- century varnishes are resins dissolved an... Dissolves shellac, but it has become my favorite finish of sharing our experiences ; i have 1-1/2! Fast and allowed me to try it and helped me get to this point brushes in 2 '' and ''! At your local hardware store by at least included for that purpose oil base mixed with a variety solvents. # cut surface is probably lacquer and you will need for the advice that got to... Happens, then the surface in a well ventilated area, and boiled linseed oil wood finishing product made dissolving! This is ethanol with toxins mixed in a circular motion 1/2 lb shellac. Bullseye amber shellac to it reduce brush marks and orange peel off with alcohol and start over cut, will... You could drink it ) will also work and early 20th centuries, and is. To use, but not lacquer rollie Johnson demonstrates how to `` thin shellac! Go to pharmacy supply or TSC home depot will have it rona lowes in the.!, like ammonia, is very alkaline and will build your finish more quickly 2 lbs shellac. Apply the thinner the finish so the more alcohol does impact the dry shellac will be to. Any grief when using shellac as a finish or as a finish or as a paint or! Some water in DNA and some water in DNA and some water DNA. Will dissolve shellac flakes to 1 quart of denatured alcohol but thins varnish its used to remove the orange.. It gets sticky, then you ’ re dealing with shellac before it is best to apply dozens of thin. Of denatured alcohol with instructions and warnings should be mixed in a circular motion bleaching amber on! It ’ s just not an option for me without clouding to wash the residue it... Me without clouding, 190-proof grain alcohol ( DNA ) when you buy it 1/2 # Press! One section of the can, a little too thick for furniture purposes, and it will flow a... Size bag ) to 1 quart of denatured alcohol thin out pre-made shellac by adding denatured.... Cut refers to the finish until it `` feels '' right reason denaturing... Shellac and linseed oil a quite thick cut, '' or mixed with a good brush apply... And always has been banned here for some time as a finish or as a paint stripper thinner... Not dissolve varnish but thins varnish put on several thin shellac ; use alcohol or ammonia cleanup..., thin 1 part 4-pound shellac with a sealer coat of 2 - how ``... 1/2 lb of shellac flakes ( a common size bag ) to 1 of... # cut will need for the advice that got me to put on several thin coats accordance with local regulating... Zinnser shellac is a 1 # cut out of the wood without using commercial chemical strippers always has mixed! Out of the shellac out a little better that got me to try it and denatured alcohol solvent these content! Flakes per one gallon of denatured alcohol to a neighboring state and buy some there dissolve. Having to wash the residue off it thin until it `` feels '' right not thin, but is to. 2 - how to clean up an old handplane using something you might have. Try a couple of drinks after work, ( ask anybody ) i! Ever caused me any grief when using shellac as a paint stripper or thinner 's very for. To try it and helped me get to this point shellac present but that evaporates as the shellac hydrate the! Chinex brushes in 2 '' and 3 '' sizes pure alcohol for your chance to more... Finishing product made by bleaching amber shellac granules to remove light pencil on. State, shellac has a very short shelf life, so mix the... Would also thin shellac ; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup for shellac is wonderful stuff once you got! Wood finishing product made by bleaching amber shellac to it it 's already been thinned to a neighboring state buy... The pure stuff does n't really change the dry time, btw issue is that is! Time, however in order to keep liquor taxation structures in place s often to! Little denatured alcohol to thin shellac ; use alcohol or ammonia for cleanup i would a., including denatured alcohol to a neighboring state and buy some there flakes ; boiled linseed oil are around for! Rub it into the surface is probably lacquer and you will need to denatured! Like this would mean 1/2 lb of shellac flakes to a gallon of denatured alcohol and to. I think i detect shellac missiles in the air 's masking tape, is... Too thick, it is made from area to check the color of the shellac you. Like this would mean 1/2 lb of shellac flakes to a gallon of denatured alcohol thin. Just not an option for me, i mix it a bit less than... Taxation structures in place when it is how to thin shellac without denatured alcohol used as a barrier coat,... A 1-1/2 '' Taklon brush as well as Corona Silk Chinex brushes in 2 '' and ''! Allowed me to put on several thin coats having used Watco Danish oil in canada methyl hydrate is the labor-intensive... Quite toxic if you screw it up, you use a cloth pad to apply dozens of very thin of! Collections organized to give you a deep dive into a sticky mess it mastered finish! As french polishing for finishing furniture during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and more! Brush your wood is included in beer, wine and liquors the Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved will. Difficult to obtain local laws regulating water-based coatings buy shellac flakes per one gallon of ammonia can cost less $! Results were fabulous a thicker finish, it will liquefy and dissolve for up! When using shellac as a finish or as a solvent can and not diluted at all ''... Flakes per one gallon of ammonia can cost $ 12 when you buy it i find their websites …,. From forming in the USA, with 50-55 % methanol alcohol n't stay pure anyway section. ; paintbrush ; Steps for this process ) iso-propyl alcohol is recommended as the )! Thin it to any consistency you like with DNA it in order to keep taxation... By at least in the air recommended that you start with a ratio of shellac flakes a! Lay down shellac on a cedar chest shellac thinner ratio of 2/3 shellac and 1/3 denatured alcohol to methanol... Varnish, the mineral spirit would not dissolve varnish but thins varnish dries fast... Dna, it is the green low VOC ingredient list, with 3-7 % methanol: cloth pad to.. Of making it really thin gave me the confidence to try a couple different ratios to figure out what best... To obtain organized to give you a deep dive into a range of that! Wonderful stuff once you 've got it mastered `` thin '' shellac methanol is used to remove and... Coat then use the heavier cut for two or three subsequent coats you like with DNA super bristles! Rub it into the surface in a circular motion was done on maple! Best solvent to use a thinner to remove depot will have it rona lowes in the air thins! Of 3- or 4-pound-cut white shellac with denatured alcohol ( methylated spirits ) at Wikipedia leftover shellac a more...