Just a curiosity on my part whether dissolving dried shellac flakes or cutting Zinsser SealCoat which was prompted by the following commentary by Jeff Jewitt: "Use the right alcohol".
http://www.finewoodworking.com/Materials/MaterialsArticle.aspx?id=28833
All of the BORGs and paint stores sell denatured alcohol: KleanStrip S-L-X or Crown DNA at about $16-17/gallon. KleanStrip is about 45-50% methanol and Crown is about 70-75% methanol; the balance is ethanol and a few % added denaturants. The boiling point difference between methanol and ethanol is about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Have you ever wondered why your shellac finish seemed to just "flash dry" without sufficient working time? :dontknow:
On the other hand, Behlen's Bekhol is 70-100% ethanol with <0.1% methanol. Other ingredients include higher boiling alcohols as denaturants. It's only $24/gallon and $7.75/quart.
http://www.meritindustries.com/shellac.htm
It seems like a small additional price to pay overall for a quality finish and a quality piece. :icon_cheers
What's been your experience with these solvents? Pros/cons/price workability, etc.? Awhile back another member reported that adding a little glycol ethers to his shellac mix worked nicely to extend the working/drying time.
http://www.finewoodworking.com/Materials/MaterialsArticle.aspx?id=28833
All of the BORGs and paint stores sell denatured alcohol: KleanStrip S-L-X or Crown DNA at about $16-17/gallon. KleanStrip is about 45-50% methanol and Crown is about 70-75% methanol; the balance is ethanol and a few % added denaturants. The boiling point difference between methanol and ethanol is about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Have you ever wondered why your shellac finish seemed to just "flash dry" without sufficient working time? :dontknow:
On the other hand, Behlen's Bekhol is 70-100% ethanol with <0.1% methanol. Other ingredients include higher boiling alcohols as denaturants. It's only $24/gallon and $7.75/quart.
http://www.meritindustries.com/shellac.htm
It seems like a small additional price to pay overall for a quality finish and a quality piece. :icon_cheers
What's been your experience with these solvents? Pros/cons/price workability, etc.? Awhile back another member reported that adding a little glycol ethers to his shellac mix worked nicely to extend the working/drying time.