'Violet' Metho?

[Macleod]

Hey guys, new to the forum and this question may be a given.

Well Coles sells Violet metho and not regular(non-coloured). When I'm mixing my shellac solution, will the violet metho effect the actual colour of the finish/end result? Or will the dye disappear with the alcohol?

It'd be easier for me to simply walk to Coles to buy the metho there then have to go all the way to bunnings to get clear regular clear metho.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[NZStu]

I haven't seen clear metho here in NZ. Wasn't aware it existed! I've used the purple stuff, and it worked fine with regular amber shellac over mahogany. White shellac on a pale timber might be a different matter though...

[jmk89]

I don't know abou the slight purple cast that the metho at Coles seems to have. What I do know is that both the Coles metho and the Bunnings rpoduct are "regular' metho and tend to have up to 5% water in them. The problem with the water content is that it cna make the shellac dry somewhat 'cloudy'.

What you should be looking for is 100% metho (often called Industrial Methylated Spirits). I don't know where you can get it in Brissy (although Goods & Chattels of Clayfield may well have it) - in Sydney, you need to go to specialist paint shops to find it.

[Lawry01]

I've succesfully used the Diggers Meths from Bunnies (clear) .....the only time my shellac went cloudy was due to my impatience after cleaning down with a damp cloth! I've successfully mixed a couple of litres of shellac/ french polish with this poduct.

[Macleod]

yea I originally made a batch with the clear metho. I had some violet stuff lieing around from god knows what and was wondering if it would have a negative impact on it.

@ NZStu: Hmm I should go over and sell clear metho at insane prices and say its more effective lol. The purple stuff is a new addition over here(or atleast in my area). I've always known turps and metho to be clear like water with all the other chemicals in a rainbow of colours.

@ jmk89: Yea I think the 5% water content also contains the taste inhibitors(my theory atleast). I heard somewhere that bottle shops used to sell industrial strength metho(or maybe that was only in the US...), but the regular bunnings stuff seems to be doing the job well enough. I'm only re-doing a table top we've had sitting in the garage that's got a pretty cool veneer to it.

[watson]

I don't know abou the slight purple cast that the metho at Coles seems to have. What I do know is that both the Coles metho and the Bunnings rpoduct are "regular' metho and tend to have up to 5% water in them. The problem with the water content is that it cna make the shellac dry somewhat 'cloudy'.

What you should be looking for is 100% metho (often called Industrial Methylated Spirits). I don't know where you can get it in Brissy (although Goods & Chattels of Clayfield may well have it) - in Sydney, you need to go to specialist paint shops to find it.

The correct stuff for shellac is 100% Industrial Metho. Haymes or Sceynes make it.
Believe me it makes a difference.

[BamBam53]

NZStu,

You can get clear methylated spirits in New Zealand. I got a litre of Robyce Methylated Spirits from the Paint and Paper Super Store in Palmerston North Last week.
You should be able to get it at a specialist paint store in Wellington if you need it.

[dr4g0nfly]

I'm sure you can buy 'clear' Meths (Metho) in the UK somewhere but regular outlets only stock the Violet coloured stuff.

As I understand it, it's to warn people that it is not a pure ethanol/alcohol and so not suitable for drinking.

I've never foung it affects any stain or shellac either.

[fxst]

Just add a bit of cranberry juice and it tastes ok. After 3 swallows you don't notice the colour
Pete

[xxlren]

Fortunately methylated spirits is safe to consume in new zealand. It has been since legislation passed in 2007. Not sure about australia, but diggers is good. It's 95% ethanol and 5% water. They add some purple dye solute which is easy to remove. Some other brands add bitrex which is an unbearably bitter chemical at 10ppm.

[elanjacobs]

Nothing like resurrecting a 7 year old thread...