Priory Polishes Methylated Spirit

Description

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Methylated Spirit for French Polish

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.

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How to thin French Polish with Methylated Spirit

If your French Polish is too thick or needs to be adjusted for application, Methylated Spirit can be added in small quantities.

1. Pour the required amount of French Polish or shellac into a suitable container.
2. Add a small amount of Methylated Spirit.
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Check the consistency and flow.
5. Add a little more if required.
6. Do not add a large quantity at once, as it is easier to thin the polish gradually.

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.

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Cleaning French Polishing Brushes

Methylated Spirit is also useful for cleaning French polishing brushes after use.

1. Pour a small amount of Meths into a suitable jar or container.
2. Rinse the brush thoroughly in the liquid.
3. Work the solvent through the bristles to dissolve remaining French Polish or shellac.
4. Remove excess solvent.
5. Dry the brush with a clean cloth.

Cleaning brushes promptly after use helps prevent shellac and French Polish from drying in the bristles.

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Using Methylated Spirit on Wood

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.

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Other uses for Methylated Spirit

Although French polishing is one of its most important uses, Methylated Spirit is a versatile solvent with a number of other applications.

• Cleaning glass
• Cleaning mirrors
• Cleaning suitable jewellery
• Dissolving shellac
• Dissolving some oils and resins
• Removing suitable ink residues
• Cleaning certain workshop tools and equipment
• Use as a fuel in suitable spirit burners and stoves

When using on any finished surface, always test a small, inconspicuous area first. It can dissolve or damage some existing finishes.

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Important information

• Methylated Spirit is highly flammable. Keep it away from heat, sparks, flames and other sources of ignition. Do not smoke while using or handling the product.
• Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing the vapour.
• Avoid contact with the skin and eyes and wear suitable protective gloves where appropriate.
• Always keep the container securely closed when not in use and store it safely away from children.
• When using Methylated Spirit on furniture, wood, glass or other finished surfaces, always test on a small inconspicuous area first. It can dissolve or damage existing finishes, particularly French Polish, shellac and some coatings.
• For full safety information, please refer to the product Safety Data Sheet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Methylated Spirit used for?

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.

Can Methylated Spirit be used to thin French Polish?

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.

How much Methylated Spirit should I add to French Polish?

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.

Can Methylated Spirit dissolve shellac?

Yes. This is a suitable solvent for shellac and is commonly used when preparing, thinning or cleaning up shellac-based finishes.

Can I clean French polishing brushes with Methylated Spirit?

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.

Can this be used to clean wood?

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.

Will Methylated Spirit remove French Polish?

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.

Can I use Methylated Spirit to clean glass?

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.

Can Methylated Spirit clean mirrors?

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.

Can Methylated Spirit be used to clean jewellery?

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.

What is another name for Methylated Spirit?

This is commonly called meths or denatured alcohol.

Can Methylated Spirit be used as a fuel?

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.

Is Methylated Spirit flammable?

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.

Why do furniture restorers use Methylated Spirit?

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.

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Customer Examples:

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Heath and safety

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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Safety Data Sheet