Sometimes you’ll see methanol (methyl alcohol) sold in paint stores. In the context of solvents, it would refer to a mixture of relatively light organic molecules produced in the distillation (separation) of crude oil. You may use either one of them to clean wood before treating it with stain, paint, or shellac. Give us a little bit to discuss this out. “Mineral spirits” (paint thinner) is a petroleum product and does not work with shellac at all. Then apply a light coat of shellac, let dry and re-wax. Both products are incompatible with each other for many reasons. Store in a cool and dark place if a clear container is used. But it is made poisonous so it can be sold without liquor taxes. SPAR varnish is by and large linseed oil with a bit of shellac which makes the mixture remain soft and flexible for outdoor use, but not good for interior use. This is ethanol, the same alcohol that is included in beer, wine and liquors. What’s the best solvent to use? Both mineral spirits and denatured wood are appropriate for cleaning wood. I can't picture it even working for the short term. Cleaning Wood with Mineral Spirits. How do you mix and filter the solution? For tables, chairs and other high wear items, you can rejuvenate the finish by removing the wax with mineral spirits, then dry-wooling with maroon synthetic steel wool (000 equivalent). Shellac is a product thinned with alcohol where polyurethane is a product thinned with mineral spirits. Varnish cannot be re-dissolved in any solvent, but it can be removed with paint stripper. Shellac has a natural wax in it which you can't even put polyurethane over dried shellac. Pour a small amount of mineral spirits on a lint-free rag. How do you mix shellac? It should work for shellac. This term has caused much confusion in the U.S. Thus, solvents like "Varsol" and paint thinner are, quite literally, mineral spirits. The ratio of alcohol mixed with flakes is the “cut” of shellac. Why is it easier to use imperial rather then metric measurements? Definitely the VOC's, Mineral spirits also disappeared. https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/finishing/mixing-shellac The shellac makes the linseed oil dry hard and the linseed oil makes the mixture alcohol proof. Mineral Spirits vs Denatured Alcohol to Clean Wood. What is the correct ratio of flakes or nibs to solvent? That’s quite a bit of shellac to mix, so you can proportionally reduce the mix … So I asked him if the book he was referring to was from England, to which he answered that it was. He had just read in a book that it was the best solvent to use with shellac. The thinner and clear-up solvent you should use with shellac is denatured alcohol. What are the types of shellac and what’s the difference between them? A woodworker friend called wanting to know where he could buy some methylated spirits. Change rags frequently as they become loaded with grime and wax. Dissolving & Mixing Flake Shellac Mix in a dark plastic or glass container with a tightly fitting lid. You will find a product called Everclear (banned in some states) for sale in liquor stores, 750 ml for about $25. A 2 pound cut, which is a good mix to use, consists of 2 pounds of shellac flakes mixed with 1 gallon of alcohol. An infinite palette of shades and tones can be achieved by mixing Clear and Amber Shellac, by tinting Bulls Eye Shellac with alcohol-base stain ... Clean the surfaces thoroughly with mild detergent and remove any wax by wiping with a rag soaked in mineral spirits or paint thinner. It is 92.4% ethanol by weight (190 proof) produced at the practical limit of distillation purity. Re: Thinning Shellac Erron, FWIW, I believe the word "spirits" really means "distillate". It's just won't adhere. I'm just looking for alternatives to mix my shellac, not interested in debating why DA is no bueno, can't do anything about that. 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