Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 16, 2006 05:56pm | #1

   [I totally apologize!  Thought I was at Knots; didn't realize I had clicked on the Experts forum; however, since it's Sunday I'll leave this info here.  Sorry Mr. Gedrys!]

   Google to the rescue.  Here's a PDF on Stoddard Solvent.  Petroleum solvent is just another general name/category. 

   "Refined petroleum solvents are usually mixtures of straight and branched-chain alkanes (paraffins), cyclic alkanes (naphthenes), alkenes (olefins) and the aromatics (for example, benzene and its homologues). Due to different manufacturing processes, and the complexity of the mixtures, detailed information on the exact solvent composition may not be available from the manufacturers nor may it be necessary for assessment of occupational exposure." [from here]

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

   
   

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   Edited 7/16/2006 10:59 am by forestgirl

1. 
   user-173684 | Jul 17, 2006 03:42am | #2

   I have no idea what you are talking about.  Can you put this in layman's terms.  Jamie

1. 
   peter28 | Jul 18, 2006 04:06am | #4

   Jamie,

   Stoddard solvent is a mixture of various petroleum based products. It is used as a thinner in varnishes and from what I understand, increases the flow cababilities of a coating.

   PG

2. 
   forestgirl | Jul 19, 2006 09:22am | #5

   What it boils down to is that "petroleum solvents" is a general category not a specific thing.  The salient part of the quote I provided is "Due to different manufacturing processes, and the complexity of the mixtures, detailed information on the exact solvent composition may not be available from the manufacturers...."  25 years ago, I might have been able to explain the chemistry part of the quote, but not today!

   If you got to the PDF linked above, here's the basic take on Stoddard Solvent:

   "Stoddard solvent is a petroleum mixture that is also known as dry cleaning safety solvent, petroleum solvent, and varnoline...."

   Your original question was asked in relation to the MSDS for Penetrating Finish, yes?  The Stoddard and generic "petroleum solvents" are both solvents, not oil (such as Tung or Linseed).  Is there something else you're trying to determine by reading the MSDS. 

    forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   user-173684 | Jul 19, 2006 01:31pm | #6

   Thanks forestgirl.  Really what I am trying to decide is what kind of oil to use to refinish a gun cabinet that my father made and finished with that finish.  I have done very little experimenting with finishes and have a limited knowledge of the different types.  That was the reason I requested the MSDS to begin with.  Peter answered a previous question on the subject and said that tung or danish would probably work.  I hope I'm not misquoting.  That's what I understood.  Just was taking an extra step to see if I could narrow it down a little more. I realize now that what was on the MSDS was just a list of solvents and not oil.  Thanks for the info.  Jamie

1. 
   peter28 | Jul 20, 2006 03:23am | #7

   Jamie,

   This seems to have gotten more complicated than needed. Let's simplify things.

   For a penetrating oil finish there are many choices, Minwax Antique oil, Watco,  Liberon etc.. just to name a few. These are very easy to apply. Just follow the directions. Also, if you don't do much finishing, there are a number of books that explain this type of finishing .

   The oils described above will be compatible with the finish you described. They also contain a small amount of resin which will give you a light surface build. They are essentially a very thin varnish.

   If you want more protection and surface build use a varnish.  There are many choices out there.

   Take the time to read about them and then try a couple. Do you know anyone that does finishing? You might be able to buy a small quantity and try various products out.

   I applaud your desire to learn the components of a coating. However, don't be intimidated to the point of not moving forward and experimenting.

   Like any skill, finishing is learned through practice. There are no shortcuts.

   Relax and have some fun with it.

   Peter Gedrys

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

2. 
   peter28 | Jul 18, 2006 04:00am | #3

   Forestgirl,

   Two things, NEVER apologize for assisting and NEVER call me Mister.

   Thanks for the info. I follow the Knots column when I can and sometimes want to chime in, but I hold back. Don't want to seem like a " know it all "

   There is some great info there as well as give and take. Sometimes there is an overload of finishing info. For some finishing is the most difficult task to master.

   I learn something new everyday. I not only finish furniture, but rooms like paneled libraries etc. The mahogany  room I just completed was to look like an " old English library"

   It took me and a helper nine weeks to complete. It was a fully filled finish. Even though I always follow the saying " Plan your work and then work your plan" there are always little gremlins that pop up. You learn to adjust and do the right thing.

   Thanks again for the info and have fun!

   Peter Gedrys