Alcohol for shellac

[John Coloccia]

Not a home grown solution, but Behkol is about the perfect mix and it's all I use these days except for French polish. For that, I use hi-test Everclear because I'm breathing the fumes for many hours.

[Raphael Weil]

bumping this thread because I'm struggling to find something here in Canada to desolve flakes. 50% of people say isopropyl or methanol, the other half then say don't do it. If neither of those is right and DNA is illegal here, what kind of options am I left with? Thanks guys, for now I use zinsser but I'd love to have more control over the nature of my finish.

[Jebediah Eckert]

bumping this thread because I'm struggling to find something here in Canada to desolve flakes. 50% of people say isopropyl or methanol, the other half then say don't do it. If neither of those is right and DNA is illegal here, what kind of options am I left with? Thanks guys, for now I use zinsser but I'd love to have more control over the nature of my finish.

I did not read the whole thread from two years ago so........

I recently switched to grain alcohol and am happy with it. I was trying to get away from the DNA fumes etc etc. it is about $30 here for this bottle vs a few dollars for the DNA but it's worth it for me. I have used it on 5 or so projects now and I am happy with the results. I am no finishing expert, still learning, but I don't see a difference with results, just smell. If it is available where you are, give it a whirl.

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[Mel Fulks]

Behkol can be shipped ,works well, cheaper than pure grain.

[Prashun Patel]

Rahael-
Use Isopropyl (IPA) if you cannot find DNA (ethanol). Rubbing alcohol is IPA + water, so that's not appropriate to use.

IPA is actually a fine choice for thinning shellac even if the DNA is available. It evaporates marginally slower than Ethanol, which means it actually makes wiping a little bit easier. You may notice a little difference when spraying it. If you spray it thicker, it can run. I don't know that from experience. I am deducing that.

I would not and do not use methanol.

[Raphael Weil]

Rahael-
Use Isopropyl (IPA) if you cannot find DNA (ethanol). Rubbing alcohol is IPA + water, so that's not appropriate to use.

IPA is actually a fine choice for thinning shellac even if the DNA is available. It evaporates marginally slower than Ethanol, which means it actually makes wiping a little bit easier. You may notice a little difference when spraying it. If you spray it thicker, it can run. I don't know that from experience. I am deducing that.

I would not and do not use methanol.

Awesome thanks, I actually have some handy.

Out of curiosity do you agree with the high alcohol % grain alcohol? I've seen others mention it too. The reduction in toxicity is super tempting.

[Raphael Weil]

I found DNA! crisis averted