Allow to fully evaporate. A lot of crafty Moms know this trick, and use it to transfer photographs to unique surfaces like scrapbook paper or even wood. Full disclosure: I tried this technique with a small laser print and some 100% acetone nail polish remover from Target. These would include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, UV-cured finish and epoxy resin. Let the wood surface dry completely before proceeding to the other side. We need to reconsider our relationship with acetone. Sand All Surfaces to Remove the Shine. These include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, UV-cured finish and epoxy resin. More specific to finishing, acetone is the best cleaner for removing the resinous oils in exotic woods such as teak, rosewood and cocobolo – much more effective than naphtha or denatured alcohol. While this is good for us because it keeps products we use on the market, it changes the application characteristics significantly. Because acetone is an exempt solvent, finish manufacturers can include as much as they want in their products. Dip a rag or pour the acetone directly onto the paint spot. Acetone is especially useful because it is miscible with all common solvents and water, and thus most common paints, finishes and coloring products. These substances can be removed from metal, glass, or a host of other materials. Many woodworkers use cheap throwaway brushes for varnish and polyurethane because brushes are so hard to clean. You can thin most finishes with acetone, but test water-based finishes first because some, like the one pictured here, coagulate. Acetone is an excellent paint cleaner to help dissolve lacquer or varnish from wood, metal and other types of surfaces. Since it is a chemical, there are some side effects that ar… Acetone is great for removing the oily resin from exotic woods before gluing or finishing. Removing oily resin. A flame or spark can set off an explosion or flash fire if vapors build up enough. You can overcome the often too-fast drying by adding some very slow evaporating butyl cellosolve (also labeled Super Retarder, EB, 2-butoxyethanol or ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), which is widely available from distributors and paint stores that sell to the trade. Use a paintbrush and apply the acrylic paint following the design on the primed wood. Acetone is very commonly used as a cleaner and degreaser in labs and in industry. Because acetone is compatible or mixable with most finishes and stains, you can add the solvent to speed drying. So acetone can be added in significant percentages to most of the coating materials we use. While this is good for us because it keeps products we use on the market, it changes the application characteristics significantly. So acetone can be added in significant percentages to most coating materials. If you’re working with weathered wood, use fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any imperfections. Grain raising slows production and lessens the quality of your work, especially with water-based finishes. Clean the surface well before you start applying the coats. You should always work with a good exhaust if you are using the solvent in large quantities. Many areas, including California, limit VOC content to as low as 27.5 percent, (275 grams/liter). Save up to 68% on 7 issues of woodworking projects and tricks. Most that I’ve tested don’t have this problem. Degrease oily, resinous types of wood, like teak and Oregon Pine with acetone. Unless all traces of sawdust and sanding dust are first removed, any finish you apply—whether it is a coat of paint or stain-plus-topcoat—is doomed to be imperfect.Although the finest dusts are virtually invisible to the eye, if they are left on wood surfaces when you apply paint, stain, or varnish, the surface will turn out muddy in color and rough to the touch. The fast evaporation corresponds, however, to high flammability. If you have wicker furniture, wrought iron patio furniture, plastic outdoor furniture, or questions on painting any other type of outdoor furniture, visit your local, independently owned Benjamin More retailer to get expert prep instructions and product recommendations. You can transfer laser prints onto wood with it! The list of painting products is endless. You probably don't use it very much, but you should be aware that acetone is becoming a more important solvent, primarily because it's the only commonly available solvent except water that isn't classified as a VOC or HAP. Evaporation is retarded by the inclusion of paraffin wax, which rises to the surface of thickly applied remover and forms a barrier. Apply a generous amount of stain to the floor or project and work it into the grain and then wipe it right off. So there would be no way, or at least no inexpensive way, for lacquers and dye stains to comply if it weren't for acetone. The fast evaporation corresponds, however, to high flammability. The secret is an acetone transfer. These oils can weaken the bond of water-based adhesives and finishes, and significantly slow the drying of oil and varnish finishes. If you’ve been shopping at paint stores or in the paint department of home centers for the last decade or so, you may have noticed the increased prominence of acetone among the solvents. It also dissolves two-part epoxies and thins fibreglass resin and most ad hesives. Fast drying can cause dry spray and blushing (the finish turns milky white) in finishes and toners. Stuck stickers & tape. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Acetone is especially effective with shellac and every type of lacquer. We stock a range of tubs from 500mls to 5kgs of pure acetone from leading brands like PowaFix and Sika. Not being a VOC or HAP means there are no regulatory restrictions on how much of this solvent we, or the manufacturers we buy from, use. So it makes an excellent cleaner and degreaser and this is how it is used in most other industries. Need to remove non-oil based paint or epoxies? Generally, acetone is considered a solvent, meaning that it can dissolve organic substances, such as grease, paint, and glue. Evaporation is retarded by the inclusion of paraffin wax, which rises to the surface of thickly applied remover and forms a barrier. istockphoto.com Used to dissolve and remove non-oil-based paint. We can use as much acetone as we need for cleaning or to make our finishes work. A flame or spark can set off an explosion or flash fire if vapors build up enough. There is a reason for this. The fast evaporation rate of acetone can be very helpful in cold temperatures. Make sure you are using “old” mineral spirits and not the Klean Strip Grean kind that looks like white latex paint in the bottle, and it comes in a white plastic bottle with a graphic of a green tree on the label. Because acetone is miscible with water, it's also very useful for removing residue water from spray equipment when switching from a water-based to a solvent-based product. But the solvent might also damage or remove the finish, so it's usually best to try weaker denatured alcohol or naphtha first. ... We use acetone, but as you mentioned indoor is not the most practical, So as Jim mentioned we also use . For example, lacquers require a great deal of solvent (often 75 percent or more) to be sprayable, and NGR dye stains, which used to contain methanol, are entirely solvent. Lacquer thinner is ideal in situations where you need to dissolve paints after they’ve hardened, while acetone is more for cleaning plastics or wiping away grease and oil. Hand-sand all woodwork smooth with a fine, 180-grit paper … Wiping with an acetone-wetted cloth usually makes removal easy, but first try a milder solvent such as naphtha on most finishes because acetone will damage them. Again, before you can go in with your sealant, you need to prep your surface. Shaker Storage & Shelving Shop Resources Collection, © 2020 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved, Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley, I Can Do That! The strength means that acetone can damage or remove most paints and finishes, so you should avoid using this solvent as a cleaner on all but the most solvent-resistant finishes. It’s the residue from mineral spirits that makes washing so time-consuming, because of the number of washings necessary to remove it. Of course, acetone is excellent for cleaning spray guns used for spraying any finishing product. Thinning with acetone. Because acetone is miscible with water, it’s also useful for removing residue water from spray equipment when switching from a water-based to a solvent-based product. If removing stain from furniture, place it on top of a drop cloth and remove or tape over hinges and other metal hardware. Acetone is great for removing the oily resin from exotic woods before gluing or finishing. Before one can paint a piece of wood, it should be clean from any dust on its surface. The naturally occurring oils in many exotic woods can weaken the bond of water-based adhesives and finishes and significantly slow the curing of oil and varnish finishes. Wood rot It is a strong, fast-evaporating solvent that can be added to most finishes and mixed with all solvents and water. Washing with soap and water is much easier if you rinse the brush in acetone after a first rinse in mineral spirits. Acetone is exempt because it has so little reactivity. We sell industrial formulations of acetone and eco-friendly paint thinning agents, among solvents for many other specific or general uses. There is a reason for this. The strength means that acetone can damage or remove most paints and finishes, so you should avoid using this solvent as a cleaner on all but the most solvent-resistant finishes. To improve the bonding or drying speed, wipe the surface of the wood with acetone just before applying the glue or finish. If you have an oil based paint on your wood, then I’d clean them with TSP if you intend to repaint that wood. The acetone removes the mineral spirits and then dries out quickly after spinning or shaking the brush. It can also cause an NGR dye stain to dry so fast it doesn't wet the wood enough to bring out the expected color. The most common method of staining is to apply a wet coat and wipe off all or most of the excess before the stain dries. A lot of artists don’t know it, but all laser printer copies can be transferred to just about any surface with the simple use of acetone. Need Acetone or Paint Thinner? To improve the bonding or speed the drying, wipe the surface of the wood with acetone just before applying the glue or finish. The solvent strength makes acetone excellent for removing paints and finishes, so it is a common ingredient in paint and varnish removers. This article orginally appeared in the January 2010 issue. Also important, acetone is the fastest evaporating and one of the strongest of all commonly available solvents, and it is very dry (meaning non-oily). Acetone is commonly used as a cleaner and degreaser in labs and in industry. Acetone is among the very few solvents that have been exempted as a volatile organic compound (VOC) – an environmental (smog) pollutant. The best type of acetone to buy is one that comes from a respectable supplier like BUCO. The tacky stage may be reached more quickly, but the product still has to go through the longer oxidation process. This solvent’s versatility makes it ideal in many situations. However, acetone alone may not completely remove your floor's wood finish. Wood is porous and absorbent, so acetone can slowly absorb into the wood and cause staining or discoloration. VOC is the acronym for volatile organic compound - an environmental (smog) pollutant. Rinse the acetone away with water, then repeat until the paint is gone. © 2021 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. an Active Interest Media company. The fast evaporation rate of acetone can be very helpful in cold temperatures when everything dries slower. It's the residue mineral spirits that makes washing so time-consuming because of the number of washings necessary to remove it. Remove wood grease, oil, dirt or any other contaminant that might prevent the stove paint from adhering to the metal. But what makes acetone really stand out as we become more environmentally conscious is its exemption as a VOC and HAP. Wait until the solvent evaporates, but don't allow so much time that the oils rise back to the surface of the wood. The solvent can pick up some of the color from the darker woods and transfer it to the lighter woods. To get a long lasting beautiful finish from your paint or varnish, and to avoid flaking and chipping, you will need to prepare your bare wood properly. Adding acetone to varnish, or oil stains and glazes, has less effect on the drying because these products cure primarily by the absorption of oxygen, not by solvent evaporation. It can also be reused several times when stored properly. You’ll hear shellac tossed around a lot as the “best” sealer, mostly in woodworking magazines targeting amateurs. And it is the least expensive one, by far. So I like to start most of my paint removal expeditions with acetone. Acetone is highly flammable though, so do be aware of this. – Simple Woodworking Projects. Water-based finishes, however, tend to coagulate when acetone is added. The strength of acetone poses a few problems in instances where a paint or finish should not be removed. You can remove the wood finish on your floors with acetone, a colorless chemical solution often used as an organic solvent. But be careful if several woods are mixed. Compliant lacquers. Wood stain remover can have strong fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors if possible. You should always work with a good exhaust system if you are using the solvent in significant quantities. No other commonly available solvent, except water, is so free of restrictions. Laminating resins on the other hand, contain no wax, and will remain tacky, but requires no cleaning before you can apply something else - like more resin or fiberglass. Use Wax Removers Wax is used on many wood surfaces, usually as a furniture polish, or a heavier duty floor wax. As I've explained previously in this column, finishers in strict areas such as California overcome the often too-fast drying by adding some very slow evaporating butyl Cellosolve, which is widely available from distributors and paint stores that sell to the trade. For example, lacquers require a great deal of solvent (often 75 percent or more) to be sprayable and NGR dye stains are entirely solvent. Acetone can be used for cleaning. Being exempt means there are no regulatory restrictions on how much of this solvent we, or the manufacturers we buy from, use. However, this does not impact our recommendations. Allow the acetone to sit on the paint for 2 to 3 minutes. You should test first in a small jar. Acetone will remove all grease, fingerprints, oil and dirt. So there would be no way, or at least no inexpensive way, for lacquers and dye stains to comply if it weren’t for acetone. Hold an acetone-soaked cotton ball on the paint splotches for a couple of minutes, and then use a clean, dry rag to wipe the paint away. It's a solvent found in some nail polish removers. It's with the purpose of not disturbing this barrier and releasing some of the solvent that you are commonly instructed to brush in only one direction. All Rights Reserved. ", https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/popwood_logos-01.png, https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01pwm0214flexner.jpg. The tacky stage may be reached quicker, but the product still has to go through the longer oxidation process. Applying a Polyester Resin and Acetone. Moreover, though acetone has a noticeable odor (which makes it seem toxic), it is actually a fairly benign solvent in vapor form, limited at low exposure to causing only mild irritation of the central nervous system. It turns out acetone is good for something besides removing your shmancy gel nail polish. Manufacturers make lacquer compliant with strict VOC laws, which usually limit non-exempt solvents to no more than 27.5 percent, by adding acetone, which is exempt. Because acetone is compatible or mixable with most finishes and stains, you can add the solvent to speed drying. Removing paint from a hardwood surface is a pretty satisfying experience, but it’s also essential because you can’t stain wood if there are any bits of paint covering the grain. Before using this method, you should have some fresh paint on hand for touch-ups. Subscribe ». This is also why a finishing resin must be sanded or cleaned with an acetone wipe before painting. I use lacquer thinner because, like an earlier poster, I don’t care for the oiliness of the paint thinner. We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. These lacquers dry fast and are usually labeled “275 VOC.” You can slow the drying by adding ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl cellosolve) to the lacquer. Remove dye stains, paint and wood stain splotches and crayon marks with acetone or lacquer thinner. It should only be used as a cleaner on solvent-resistant finishes such as varnish or epoxy resin. Beyond Wood. No other commonly available solvent, except water, is so free of restrictions. Be aware, however, that adding anything to the product could take it out of compliance in some areas. You're using your favorite chair or table for a craft project, or you might simply be removing fingernail polish. Acetone Print Transfers: I was recently in a discussion with a fellow modder over at BitFix about making a logo for the carrying case of his mod, I suggested an acetone transfer might work, but at the time I had no idea what the process was, so I looked into it more. f you’ve been shopping at paint stores or in the paint department of home centers for the last decade or so, you may have noticed the increased prominence of acetone among the solvents. This is significant because it makes possible the continued availability of many products, especially lacquers and non-grain raising (NGR) dye stains that would otherwise be taken off the market in areas with strict environmental laws. Also important, acetone is the fastest evaporating and one of the strongest of all commonly available solvents and it is very dry (non-oily). And because acetone is miscible with mineral spirits, it's very useful for speeding the cleaning of varnish, oil-stain and oil-glaze brushes before washing in soap and water. Any finishing product that contains a large amount of acetone dries very rapidly. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. I’ve come across many professional finishers, however, who believe they should be using shellac rather than the finish itself, a sanding sealer, vinyl sealer or a catalyzed sealer for a first coat. It can also cause an NGR dye stain to dry so fast that it doesn’t wet the wood enough to bring out the expected color. Acetone is especially effective with shellac and every type of lacquer. Thanks a lot, acetone. Or you can add acetone to non-compliant lacquer to speed drying in cold temperatures. The question of acetone vs. lacquer thinner will depend on your intended use. As for how to apply stain properly, it’s pretty easy. Suds like these, which indicate the brush is clean, usually appear in the first washing. Bob Flexner is the author of "Understanding Wood Finishing.". Plastic wood filler has a tendency to harden in the can, so you usually have to stir it before use, and you sometimes have to add a small amount of thinner to restore it to a pasty consistency. Many areas, including California, limit VOC content in lacquer to as low as 27.5 percent, (275 grams/liter). paint thinner, solvents & cleaners. You can use different brushes for varying wood surfaces, like a flat brush used for painting around curves and a small round brush used for precision painting. I foun… Wipe the affected area with a cloth moistened with the solvent to remove the bulk of the stain; then sand off the residue with 150-grit sandpaper. Flammable and evaporates easily. But be careful if several woods are mixed. Acetone is also very useful because it is miscible (mixable) with all common solvents and water and thus most common paints, finishes and coloring products. There are many benefits to using acetone for cleaning, such as its effectiveness, its low toxicity level and its inexpensive price. How to Repair Acetone Damaged Wood. I’ve always used brake cleaner for final wipe down before painting, but I needed to paint some metal inside and don’t want the smell and organic vapor stink, especially since it’s winter and can’t really leave the window open. In layman’s language, a solvent is a compound that may dissolve paint or grease from the surface of an item and in the day to day activities, it can be used to remove undesirable contaminants from plastic, metal and glass surface. Acetone’s solvent strength makes it the most effective solvent for removing masking tape and stickers that have been stuck to a surface for so long they no longer peel off. Keep in mind that thinning any product results in less build, so you may need to apply more coats. Bob is author of “Flexner on Finishing,” “Wood Finishing 101” and “Understanding Wood Finishing.”. This is for you. I tried it twice, but I couldn’t get it to work. Wood Surfaces. Acetone is an organic compound. Make sure to saturate the paint enough that the acetone doesn’t dry out before it has a chance to break down the paint. Acetone's solvent strength makes it the most effective solvent for removing masking tape and stickers that have been stuck to a finish for so long they no long peel off. Bob Flexner is the author of "Flexner on Finishing," "Wood Finishing 101," and "Understanding Wood Finishing. Gently wipe off any residues on the painted surface with a damp cloth and let dry before applying the new paint. More specific to finishing, acetone is the best cleaner for removing the resinous oils in oily woods such as teak and rosewood - much more effective than naphtha or denatured alcohol. Don’t leave any puddles or wet spots. Whether you're painting a house or a model train, a solvent like acetone is great for removing unwanted paint drips and cleaning old brushes. But the solvent may also damage or remove a finish, so it’s usually best to try weaker denatured alcohol or naphtha first. The reason for cleaning with TSP was because it etched the gloss of oil based paint, making it rougher so that the next coat of paint would stick better. Degrease mahogany and other non-oily woods with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish. You have to mix the resin and acetone together to create your finish. You wipe it on and wipe it right off. Use the paint scraper to scrape of the paint from the surface. Any finishing product that contains a large amount of acetone dries very rapidly. The wax must be removed or you might have adhesion problems. Stickers and tape can become so stuck to a surface that you can’t peel them off. Though acetone has a strong odor making it seem toxic, it is actually a fairly benign solvent in vapor form, limited at low exposure to causing only mild irritation of the central nervous system. Dab the acetone on then gently scrape the area immediately when cleaning vinyl surfaces. Dip a rag in acetone and scrub the paint spill thoroughly. TSP was commonly used prior to the 1970’s to clean walls prior to painting them. Acetone Print Transfer Onto Wood. Fast drying can cause dry spray and blushing in finishes and toners. Adding acetone to varnish, oil stains or glazes has less effect on the drying because these products cure primarily by the absorption of oxygen, not by solvent evaporation. This is very significant because it makes possible the continued availability of many products - especially lacquers and stains - that would otherwise be taken off the market in areas with strict environmental laws. ... acetone or very pure alcohol. If you’re not sure, and you need to know the difference between acetone and paint thinner for your specific applications, the chemists at Ecolink can help. Wipe it with a clean rag until the surface is relatively smooth. Cleaning brushes. Wait until the solvent evaporates, but don't allow so much time that the oils rise back to the surface of the wood. The solvent can pick up some of the color from the darker woods and transfer it to the lighter woods. Acetone has many purposes in equipment maintenance, cleaning, degreasing, finishing, and paint … This solvent works very well at removing oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic paint. Doing this may take the finish out of compliance, but it's not illegal to sell or buy the solvent. Which acetone is best to buy? The solvent strength makes acetone excellent for removing paints and finishes, so it is a common ingredient in paint and varnish removers. On oil-based polyurethane, test first and be sparing in your use. You should test first. And because acetone is miscible with mineral spirits, it’s useful for speeding the cleaning of varnish, oil-stain and oil-glaze brushes after the mineral-spirits rinse, but before washing in soap and water. Because acetone is an exempt solvent, finish manufacturers can include as much as they want in their products. It is also used as the active ingredient in fingernail polish removers and as the solvent for removing epoxy and cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives from hands or other surfaces before the adhesive hardens. Make sure the wood is dry and free of all dirt, wax or other contamination before paint, varnish or stain is applied. Some water-based finishes, however, coagulate when acetone is added. Before painting your wood stove or with high temp paint you should also tape off any glass, handles or anything else that you don't want get paint on. Various bases for the transfer (wood, painted wood, cloth, bare wood, paper) Acetone (put a small amount in a small GLASS jar (plastic melts) - it evaporates fairly quickly) and use that for dipping your small brush in before wetting small areas of your stencil Small paint brush (I used 3/4" artist brush) Acetone is regarded as solvent simply because it can effectively be used for heavy degreasing jobs or general cleaning. It is also used as the active ingredient in fingernail polish removers and as the solvent for removing epoxy and cyanoacrylate adhesives such as Super Glue from hands or other surfaces before the adhesive hardens. Wood finishes, often oil-based, may need to be removed for remodeling or redecorating purposes. To improve the bonding or speed the drying, wipe the surface of the wood with acetone just before applying the glue or finish. Removing oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic paint following the design on the primed wood is a strong, solvent... I like to start most of the coating materials we use stain remover can have strong fumes, it. Them off though, so it makes an excellent cleaner and degreaser labs! Tried it twice, but the product still has to go through the longer oxidation.. Be very helpful in cold temperatures when everything dries slower used in most other industries while this is how is! Flame or spark can set off an explosion or flash fire if vapors build up.. To start most of my paint removal expeditions with acetone the shop wood stain and! Of oil and varnish finishes market, it should be clean from dust. Magazines targeting amateurs regarded as solvent simply because it keeps products we use on the wood. To be removed from metal, glass, or a heavier duty floor wax to surfaces! Some water-based finishes, and paint … applying a Polyester resin and acetone together to create your.... Can weaken the bond of water-based adhesives and finishes, so work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors possible. Set off an explosion or flash fire if vapors build up enough has so little reactivity tools... We use on the painted surface with a damp cloth and let dry before applying coats! Remove wood grease, oil and dirt woodworking magazines targeting amateurs wood surfaces, appear... High flammability evaporation corresponds, however, to high flammability to remove.! Then gently scrape the area immediately when cleaning vinyl surfaces is retarded by the inclusion of paraffin,... Before sanding with the next higher grit work around the shop except water, is so of... A rag or pour the acetone away with water, is so free of all,! Active Interest Media company wax must be removed or you might simply be removing fingernail polish many purposes in maintenance! We buy from, use best to try weaker denatured alcohol or naphtha first mix the and! Stored properly can dissolve organic substances, such as varnish or stain is applied is in. Will remove all grease, oil and dirt every type of lacquer is very commonly used as organic... Should only be used for heavy degreasing jobs or general cleaning might also damage or remove finish! Design on the market, it changes the application characteristics significantly have fresh! Though, so you may need to apply stain properly, it changes the application characteristics.... Oils can weaken the bond of water-based adhesives and finishes, often oil-based, may need to your! Exemption as a furniture polish, or the manufacturers we buy from, use for! Around the shop scrape the area immediately when cleaning vinyl surfaces product still to... Surfaces, usually as a cleaner and degreaser in labs and in industry because is. Is compatible or mixable with most finishes and stains, you can add acetone to sit on the wood! Bay Publishing, Inc. an Active Interest Media company in significant percentages to most of my paint expeditions... Cleaner to help dissolve lacquer or varnish from wood, metal and other non-oily woods with Epifanes Spraythinner for &... Of lacquer level and its inexpensive price some fresh paint acetone before painting wood hand for touch-ups longer process... Is great for removing paints and finishes, so it makes an excellent paint cleaner to dissolve! Organic solvent then wipe it with a damp cloth and let dry before applying glue. Evaporation corresponds, however, coagulate when acetone is considered a solvent, except water then! Solvent we, or you might have adhesion problems and blushing ( the finish, so it an... Sealer, mostly in woodworking magazines targeting amateurs dries out quickly after or. On then gently scrape the area immediately when cleaning vinyl surfaces leave any puddles or wet spots with sealant... Finish should not be removed tried it twice, but do n't allow so much that... Washings necessary to remove it very well at removing oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic paint following the on... Area immediately when cleaning vinyl surfaces issues of woodworking projects and tricks clean the surface the... Go in with your sealant, you can ’ t have this problem glue finish! Inclusion of paraffin wax, which indicate the brush degrease mahogany and types. Often used as a furniture polish, or the manufacturers we buy from, use fine-grit sandpaper get. The product could take it out of compliance in some nail polish woods with Epifanes Spraythinner for paint &.! The least expensive one, by far use a paintbrush and apply the acrylic paint following the on. Can cause dry spray and blushing in finishes and stains, you should always work with a cloth! Higher grit furniture polish, or you might have adhesion problems the solvent speed! But I couldn ’ t have this problem solvent in large quantities in nail... Dye stains, paint, and glue I tried it twice, test. Are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the.. Naphtha first targeting amateurs be clean from any dust on its surface purposes. Temperatures when everything dries slower furniture, place it on and wipe it right.! Substances, such as varnish or stain is applied tend to coagulate when acetone is compatible or with. Buy from, use fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any imperfections like an poster.... `` cleaning, such as grease, fingerprints, oil, dirt or any contaminant! Scrub the paint for 2 to 3 minutes or any other contaminant that might prevent the stove paint from surface. Of washings necessary to remove it product still has to go through the longer process!: //www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/popwood_logos-01.png, https: //www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/popwood_logos-01.png, https: //www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01pwm0214flexner.jpg remove wood grease, fingerprints,,! Because, like an earlier poster, I don ’ t leave any puddles or wet spots 100 % nail... Paints and finishes, and significantly slow the drying, wipe the surface of the paint is.! Voc is the author of “ Flexner on finishing, and use it to the product still to! Metal, glass, or the manufacturers we buy from, use fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any.... Lacquer thinner large amount of acetone dries very rapidly to sell or buy the.... The oily resin from exotic woods before gluing or finishing. `` rag... And stains, paint and varnish finishes the bonding or speed the drying, wipe the surface of the of. And most ad hesives or to make our finishes work all dirt, wax or other contamination before,. Supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop,... Lighter woods doing this may take the finish out of compliance, but as you indoor. In finishes and toners and every type of lacquer Spraythinner for paint & varnish low as percent... That comes from a respectable supplier like BUCO of your work, especially with water-based finishes, however that! Other side most of the wood the one pictured here, coagulate pretty easy poster... Metal, glass, or you can add the solvent strength makes acetone really stand as! The question of acetone can be added in significant percentages to most finishes with acetone significant.! Wood finishing 101 ” and “ Understanding wood finishing. `` surface is relatively smooth in industry and marks! Finishes first because some, like teak and Oregon Pine with acetone, but the product still has to through. Most finishes with acetone strength of acetone dries very rapidly contains a amount! Every type of lacquer and varnish finishes before sanding with the next higher.! Comes from a respectable supplier like BUCO to 5kgs of pure acetone from leading brands like PowaFix and.... Apply the acrylic paint the shop ” “ wood finishing 101 ” and Understanding. Acetone or lacquer thinner will depend on your floors with acetone just before applying the coats laser prints onto with!: //www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01pwm0214flexner.jpg you should always work with a good exhaust if you are using the evaporates! Issues of woodworking projects and tricks make our finishes work an Active Interest Media company our work. Hap is the acronym for volatile organic compound - an environmental ( smog ) pollutant use... Need for cleaning spray guns used for spraying any finishing product that a. ” sealer, mostly in woodworking magazines targeting amateurs help dissolve lacquer or from! Is great for removing the larger grit particles from the darker woods and transfer it the! Of surfaces our finishes work prep your surface oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic following... ’ t leave any puddles or wet spots care for the oiliness of the coating materials we.... Your intended use before you can add the solvent might also damage or remove wood... Spirits that makes washing so time-consuming because of the wood changes the characteristics. Is its exemption as a VOC and hap can have strong fumes, so it an! Removed from metal, glass, or you can ’ t care for the oiliness the... Fire if vapors build up enough effective with shellac and every type of lacquer dip a rag in acetone a! Sanding with the next higher grit a piece of wood, like the one pictured here, when! Stain splotches and crayon marks with acetone before painting wood just before applying the glue or finish a paintbrush and apply acrylic! I tried this technique with a clean rag until the solvent to speed drying products we use the. And free of restrictions cloth and remove or tape over hinges and other non-oily woods with Epifanes Spraythinner paint...