Methylated Spirit is mainly used for thinning French Polish and shellac finishes. It is also used to clean French Polish brushes after use. It has a variety of uses including dissolving essential oils, french polish, castor oil, shellac and ballpoint ink. Also used for cleaning glass, jewellery and mirrors. It is sometimes used as a cooking and heating fuel and to light barbecues.
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Priory Polishes Methylated Spirit is a versatile solvent commonly used by furniture restorers, French polishers and woodworkers. It is particularly useful for thinning French Polish and shellac finishes and for cleaning brushes and tools after French polishing.
Methylated Spirit, often referred to as meths or denatured alcohol, evaporates quickly and is widely used in traditional furniture restoration and wood finishing.
It can also be used for cleaning suitable glass, mirrors and jewellery, as well as dissolving substances such as shellac, essential oils, castor oil and some inks.
Priory Polishes Methylated Spirit is available in 250ml and 1 litre sizes.
Methylated Spirit is an important product for traditional French polishing. It can be added to French Polish and shellac to adjust the consistency and help the polish flow more easily during application.
Adding small amounts gradually allows the consistency of the polish to be controlled without unnecessarily over-thinning it.
It can is also used during French polishing to clean brushes, polishing tools and other equipment after use.
For restorers working with traditional shellac finishes, keeping Meths available in the workshop is therefore particularly useful.
If your French Polish is too thick or needs to be adjusted for application, Methylated Spirit can be added in small quantities.
As a general guide, we recommend adding up to approximately 10% when using as a thinning agent.
The correct consistency will depend on the particular French Polish, the application method and the stage of the finishing process.
Methylated Spirit is also useful for cleaning French polishing brushes after use.
Cleaning brushes promptly after use helps prevent shellac and French Polish from drying in the bristles.
Methylated Spirit can be useful when preparing wooden surfaces during furniture restoration. It can help remove suitable residues, grease and contaminants after stripping and before applying a new finish.
It is particularly relevant to traditional furniture restoration where a surface is being prepared for French Polish, shellac or another spirit-based finish.
Always test first on an inconspicuous area as it can affect existing finishes, including shellac and some polished or painted surfaces.
Although French polishing is one of its most important uses, Methylated Spirit is a versatile solvent with a number of other applications.
When using on any finished surface, always test a small, inconspicuous area first. It can dissolve or damage some existing finishes.
It is a versatile solvent used for thinning French Polish and shellac, cleaning French polishing brushes and preparing suitable surfaces. It can also be used for cleaning glass, mirrors and jewellery.
Yes. This is commonly used to thin French Polish and shellac. Add it gradually in small quantities until the desired consistency and flow are achieved.
We recommend adding small amounts at a time, usually up to approximately 10% when used as a thinning agent. The correct amount depends on the particular polish and the application method.
Yes. This is a suitable solvent for shellac and is commonly used when preparing, thinning or cleaning up shellac-based finishes.
Yes. This can be used to rinse and clean French polishing brushes after use. It helps dissolve remaining French Polish and shellac before the brush is dried and stored.
It can be used on suitable bare or prepared wood to remove certain residues and contaminants, particularly during furniture restoration. Always test first because Meths can dissolve or damage existing finishes.
Yes. This can dissolve shellac and French Polish. This is why care should be taken when using it on finished furniture or other surfaces with an existing shellac finish.
Yes. It can be used to clean suitable glass surfaces. Apply a small amount to a cloth and wipe the glass. Take care around painted or polished frames, as Meths can affect some finishes.
Yes. It can be used on suitable mirror surfaces to remove dirt and residues. Avoid allowing it to contact surrounding frames or finishes that may be solvent-sensitive.
It can be used for cleaning some suitable jewellery, but care is required. Some stones, coatings, adhesives and finishes may be damaged by solvents, so always check suitability and test first where appropriate.
This is commonly called meths or denatured alcohol.
Yes. This can sometimes used as a fuel in suitable spirit burners, stoves and other equipment designed specifically for this type of fuel. Follow the instructions for the equipment and keep the spirit away from unintended sources of ignition.
Yes. This is highly flammable. Keep it away from flames, sparks, heat and other ignition sources. Use it in a well-ventilated area and do not smoke while handling it.
It is particularly useful in traditional furniture restoration because it can thin French Polish and shellac, clean French polishing brushes and help prepare suitable surfaces during the restoration process.
Highly Flammable. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. May cause lung damage if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from sources of ignition – no smoking. Do not breathe vapour. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. A full Safety Data Sheet is available upon request.
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