Why special metho?

[Bodgy]

Just been on the sponsors web site. I see reference to 100% Industrial Metho or IMS, for use as the dilutant for Shellac flakes.

Could someone explain why?

In my ignorance I've just been using everyday metho (Kmart is the cheapest in 4 litre bottles) with the shellac flakes. To my gross and untutored eye, this has worked fine - exactly as per the instructions. Some pieces are 6 months old and show no signs of the finish deteriorating.

[Sturdee]

Bodgy,

Last year when I first started french polishing, as opposed to just brushing it on with shellac, I used the cheap stuff from Bunnings for the first coffee table and the 100 % stuff from a specialist supplier for the second identical coffee table.

Whilst the final appearance and finish is the same for both, the second was done in half the time it took to do the first. This is because you have to polish out all the water in the metho before a shine starts to appear.

The time saving for the second one was about 8 hours and all for the extra cost of about a 25 cents a litre of metho.:D


Peter.

[silentC]

Water. A lot of common metho has water in it and that can make the shellac turn white.

[Bodgy]

Got it. Thanks

NOTE TO SPONSOR: Next time you edit your Shellac product Web pages, maybe you could add this explanation? Demystifies things for those intellectually challenged clients.

[silentC]

If you bought yourself a copy of The Bible (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/book.html), you wouldn't need to ask!! ;)

[Bodgy]

If you bought yourself a copy of The Bible (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/book.html), you wouldn't need to ask!! ;)

Am reviewing my Sensei's copy currently. If results favourable will request in Xmas stocking, always assuming 'special offer' is forthcoming for the festive season.

[Termite]

Am reviewing my Sensei's copy currently. If results favourable will request in Xmas stocking, always assuming 'special offer' is forthcoming for the festive season.
A funny thing about the polishers handbook, you are advised not to read it straight through and the rebel in me did just that.
On first read it appears to be fairly general, but I did as advised and kept it in a workshop drawer, and you would be amazed at the number of times it comes out for a point of reference. I owe most of my better finishing, and preparation, methods to this book and it's author. Used as it should be, it is a valuable addition to any workshop.

Not bad, I've managed to crawl to both and Neil in the space of 10 mins.:D

[silentC]

You'd better go and wink at SWMBO while you're on a roll, mate :D

[Auld Bassoon]

G'day Peter!

I've been using the Bungoes Meths - and yes it does take some polishing. Where do you get the 100% (ethanol?) meths?

For 25c/L it be a very happy camper not having to do all that extra polishing...
Cheers!

[Driver]

G'day Peter!

I've been using the Bungoes Meths - and yes it does take some polishing. Where do you get the 100% (ethanol?) meths?

For 25c/L it be a very happy camper not having to do all that extra polishing...
Cheers!

You can get it from Haymes Paints. Just bought some this morning.

[Sturdee]

G'day Peter!

I've been using the Bungoes Meths - and yes it does take some polishing. Where do you get the 100% (ethanol?) meths?

For 25c/L it be a very happy camper not having to do all that extra polishing...
Cheers!

Steve,

Last year I bought the 100 % metho, together with a whole lot of other stuf like turps, thinners, paint strippers, shellac flakes and hand cleaners from Advance Chemicals, 4-8 Malton Crt, Altona and they have agents in other states. ( http://www.advancechemicals.com.au/contact.htm)

They sell a whole range of products in the cleaning field as well as french polishing needs, including stains, at very reasonable prices.

The reason for the cheap prices is that they sell it loose into your own containers. So bring your empties for refilling. They will only fill proper containers that are designed for it and that complies with the packaging laws. If you have no containers they will sell them but that will reduce the savings.

Whilst my prices are based on my purchases during August last year the 100% Metho was $ 2.30 a litre which compared very favourable with the 4 lt can of 100 % Haimes metho I bought from PaintRight in Feb that year at $ 26.10.

No doubt these prices have risen but for you info attached is a copy of their counter price list of July 2003. I had to split it into 4 photos because of files sizes. Give them a ring for updated prices. Well worth the trip to Altona.


Peter.


Peter.

[Auld Bassoon]

Thanks Peter!

That's some v. useful info!

Cheers!

[boban]

And if there was ever any doubt he was a bean counter......

good on you Sturdee

[BrettC]

Hi,
Thanks for this info above, I've got a tub of Orange Shellac flakes that I'm wanting to do my latest project with and same as others was wondering about the metho. I've read a few articles on the use of Shellac in FWW and they always say to mix with denatured alcohol.

I went to Bunnies and asked them and the guy looked at me and said he'd never heard of it. I'm assuming that the 'pure' stuff that Haymes and others sell is what's called denatured alcohol in the US?

[BrettC]

Just saw the link at the bottom about 100% Meth - explains everything:o

[Iain]

Bunnies do not sell 100% metho but your local automotive paint supplier should.
Sturdee's info was good and I may just go there one day but if you want it locally try auto places.
Having said that, Super Cheap do not sell it and a number of paint shops have never heard of it.

[ozwinner]

I use Diggers brand metho and dont get any bad results with shellac.
I have used the stuff from Bunnies and get awfull results.

Al :)

[Auld Bassoon]

Where from Al? - the Diggers brand metho, that is...

Cheers!

[ozwinner]

Local hardware shop Steve.

Al :)

[barryr]

The other day I wanted to seal a pool cue butt I'm working on between cuts .
I got out some 5-6 year old orange shellac flakes and mixed it with Black & Gold brand metho . Very roughly strained it through a stocking . Slapped on a number (3-5) of quite thickly runninng coats and I did see a little cloudiness at times , not leaving it long enough between coats .
However , being the easy going polish shellac is it dried clear and hard overnight , just a nice orangy/yellow colour tinge prepared to normal (normal for me is white shellac) .
No complaints here although I do usually use diggers !
I guess if I was doing a grand piano or something like that I'd bother to track down the 100%IMS but everywhere I look hasn't got it so far !:rolleyes:

[Don51]

There is a brand of Methylated spirits called Glendale. It is usually sold by medical suppliers.
Not sure as to it's % rating

Don Scott

[Cagey]

for those interested, i just got 100% metho from "Paintmobile". $8.50 for a litre

[Robert WA]

It hasn't been mentioned yet.

Metho, the waterless variety by whatever name, absorbs water from the atmosphere. Leave it open and it ceases to be waterless after a while.

There is a scientific name for that characteristic, but I can't remember it.

[ozwinner]

Hydroscopic :rolleyes:

Al :D

[Driver]

Hydroscopic :rolleyes:

Al :D


aka Sucksitupic.

[ozwinner]

Owwwwhhhh Mr Driver, it does get in.

Al :eek: :D

[Iain]

for those interested, i just got 100% metho from "Paintmobile". $8.50 for a litre
Sheeee Iiiiite, I've been bitching about $3.50 a litre from my paint bloke in Pakenham.

[Sturdee]

for those interested, i just got 100% metho from "Paintmobile". $8.50 for a litre

Which Advance Chemical ( see my earlier post in this thread ) currently sell for only $ 2.60 a litre.

A tad cheaper than "Paintmobile":p


Peter.

[outback]

I was whinging at $4.something

[Sturdee]

I was whinging at $4.something


That I can understand seeing where you are, but for someone in Melbourne to pay that much.:confused:

Peter.

[Cagey]

did i mention that i didnt pay for it & that it was delivered to my door. If i drove to advanced chemicals just for that it would cost me $15 in juice

[Sturdee]

did i mention that i didnt pay for it & that it was delivered to my door.

No and again No.


If i drove to advanced chemicals just for that it would cost me $15 in juice


Then you must have a real gas guzzler or one of those Toorak tractors.:rolleyes:

Peter.

[Cagey]

Then you must have a real gas guzzler or one of those Toorak tractors.:rolleyes:

Peter.

5.7 litre (350 Chev in old speak) Commodore. Seemed like a good idea at the time. I know how fast im going by watching the fuel guage go down :eek:. I save the driving for quantity buys

[Cagey]

Sheeee Iiiiite, I've been bitching about $3.50 a litre from my paint bloke in Pakenham.
Where exacty is this guy for future reference? Im not far from you

[Iain]

Pakenham Paints, Bald Hill Rd near the roundabout at Koo Wee Rup Rd.
Almost opposite Nestle.
Take your own approved container.

[custos]

Hydroscopic :rolleyes:
Actually the word is hygroscopic. There is no such word as hydroscopic (check your dictionary) although many people incorrectly use it. Sorry to be picky ;)