Replies

1. 
   user-6480500 | Sep 02, 2019 08:42pm | #1

   This is poisoned ethanol or we call it denatured. Looks like Amazon has it for about $25.00 a quart. If you want to check all the different brands comparing all the Material Safety Data Sheets you might find one still using ethanol. I stopped using the denatured. I have better performance/results using 190 proof drinkable alcohol. If the State you are living in does not have the higher proof don't use it. It will not perform like it due the higher water content.

2. 
   john_c2 | Sep 03, 2019 06:05am | #2

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2019/08/28/shellac-solvent-grain-alcohol-vs-denatured-alcohol

3. 
   planejane | Sep 03, 2019 10:44am | #3

   Thanks. This is very helpful. Back to prep for finishing. I appreciate your both taking the time to answer.

4. 
   Rob_Sp | Sep 03, 2019 12:41pm | #4

   I have used a lot of shellac, mostly with off the shelf denatured alcohol, have also tried behkol, other than the price I didn't notice much difference. I agree what you want is a large percentage of ethanol so 190 proof grain would be best if you don't mind the expense. Personally I have not tried it but intend to at some point. I have also found that Clean Strip "Green" according to their SDS containes 80% or greater ethanol.

5. 
   fivebirdscustom | Sep 04, 2019 09:51am | #5

   Having recently moved to California, I cannot get denatured alcohol or grain/Everclear. I did get a small container of DNA from Amazon. But, it seemed really expensive to me.

   I have since learned I can use high percentage isopropyl alcohol... Think I'm gonna buy a 5 gallon bucket of it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MEGQ9Q0/?coliid=I30Q19NACD3JLH&colid=27EZC57Y8YABK&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

6. 
   planejane | Sep 04, 2019 11:35am | #6

   For those who are interested, I have found out that the Behkol formula is now sold under the Mohawk brand (Behkol also shows in small print) and is available through Shellac.net in CA. I will certainly try some of the alternatives others have mentioned, but will always be shooting for 190 proof as suggested. Michigan is also a state that does not allow sale of Everclear. Another source I found for 190 proof denatured is Wood Finishing Enterprises in Wisconsin, where I get my shellac flakes.

7. 
   joeleonetti | Jan 21, 2020 08:23pm | #7

   At least as of a year ago I was able to get Behkol alcohol at a local Woodcraft. I switched to 190 proof liquor store alcohol myself. Living in CA, they don't sell it but I pick up a couple of bottles when I'm in Nevada or a friend is going. At most, I go through a half gallon a year so the cost is ok.

8. 
   geedubbee | Jan 21, 2020 08:34pm | #8

   Still using DNA without issue. Have been since around 2002. Maybe I have adjusted to it. Not sure what the issue is :-)

9. 
   fivebirdscustom | Jan 22, 2020 09:59am | #9

   The issues is it is no longer available over the counter in California (and a few other places, I think).

   Finding it online is getting expensive....

10. 
    joeleonetti | Jan 22, 2020 04:10pm | #10

    I just spend 10 minutes on the phone talking to my local Woodcraft in CA. They indeed confirmed Bekhol is no longer sold for two reasons 1. it was a specality item branded for the West Coast 2. there was a recent prop 65 ruling in CA that supposedly impacts all of the denatured ethanol. Supposedly they now sell a different product that does the same job.

    I know about 4 months ago I went to Lowe's and Home Depot and they no longer carried it where I live in CA. I did find it at a smaller hardware store.

11. 
    Matthew_Lohden | Mar 01, 2020 12:40pm | #11

    You can still get DNA in California at marine supply stores. It seems they carved out an exemption for marine stoves. They might do the same for woodworkers if we made a fuss.

12. 
    jdstreet | Mar 01, 2020 02:52pm | #12

    I am a big fan of Mohawk's Shellac Reducer. No methanol. SDS lists no CA Prop65 restrictions. The Mohawk site has a good zip code based dealer locator. https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/products/wood-staining-finishing/reducers-additives/shellac-reducer/