Comments

1. 
   Mattk41 | Feb 05, 2022 11:24am | #1

   I haven’t noticed it’s absence in the home centers of Bucks County PA, but a few years ago I became aware of the dangers of using hardware store DNA as it has deadly methanol added (so it doesn’t violate any tax rules associated with booze)…but as many woodworkers have, I stopped using DNA and switched to 200 proof grain alcohol. I buy Everclear at the local liquor store and use it instead. Healthy enough for Jell-O shots (were you so inclined) and dissolves shellac and removes sanding grit better than the hardware store stuff.

1. 
   PhilDom | Feb 05, 2022 12:06pm | #2

   Mee too. but, I still use DNA for cleaning brushes and sprayer. I save the Everclear for reducing or making shellac.

2. 
   saschafer | Feb 05, 2022 01:46pm | #3

   All denatured alcohol, regardless of the denaturing agent, is toxic. That's kind of the point.

   Everclear (or any other brand of food-grade alcohol) is not always an option, as it's not legal to buy in several states. And in others you can buy it, but it has to be below 190 proof, which means it contains a significant amount of water. The presence of water is fine if you're using it for cleanup, cocktails, etc., but not so good when you're using it as a shellac diluent.

1. 
   Mattk41 | Feb 05, 2022 02:47pm | #4

   If you live in a place where 200 proof grain alcohol is not readily available, I’d use Behlen’s Behkol. More expensive but also avoids the toxicity.

1. 
   jvannucci | Feb 06, 2022 03:45pm | #6

   How is toxicity avoided with Behkol? It contains butanol and isopropanol.

   To be clear, it's all toxic, even the ethanol.

   Also, it appears that Behkol is now called Mohawk Shellac Reducer.

2. 
   PhilDom | Feb 05, 2022 05:05pm | #5

   and here I thought I was doing good with the Everclear and shellac, but, it's only 190 proof. So much for that idea. Didn't seem to cause anything bad though.