Acetone is especially effective with shellac and every type of lacquer. Need Acetone or Paint Thinner? It can also be reused several times when stored properly. Shaker Storage & Shelving Shop Resources Collection, © 2020 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved, Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley, I Can Do That! Wait until the solvent evaporates, but don't allow so much time that the oils rise back to the surface of the wood. 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. While this is good for us because it keeps products we use on the market, it changes the application characteristics significantly. Acetone is regarded as solvent simply because it can effectively be used for heavy degreasing jobs or general cleaning. Evaporation is retarded by the inclusion of paraffin wax, which rises to the surface of thickly applied remover and forms a barrier. The list of painting products is endless. 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. Acetone can be used for cleaning. The solvent strength makes acetone excellent for removing paints and finishes, so it is a common ingredient in paint and varnish removers. 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. Acetone is exempt because it has so little reactivity. 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. A flame or spark can set off an explosion or flash fire if vapors build up enough. You should always work with a good exhaust system if you are using the solvent in significant quantities. Being exempt means there are no regulatory restrictions on how much of this solvent we, or the manufacturers we buy from, use. 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. To improve the bonding or drying speed, wipe the surface of the wood with acetone just before applying the glue or finish. Because acetone is compatible or mixable with most finishes and stains, you can add the solvent to speed drying. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. Used to dissolve and remove non-oil-based paint. 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. While this is good for us because it keeps products we use on the market, it changes the application characteristics significantly. Removing oily resin. 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. 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. 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 is an excellent paint cleaner to help dissolve lacquer or varnish from wood, metal and other types of surfaces. Keep in mind that thinning any product results in less build, so you may need to apply more coats. The strength of acetone poses a few problems in instances where a paint or finish should not be removed. I use lacquer thinner because, like an earlier poster, I don’t care for the oiliness of the paint thinner. But what makes acetone really stand out as we become more environmentally conscious is its exemption as a VOC and HAP. istockphoto.com ... We use acetone, but as you mentioned indoor is not the most practical, So as Jim mentioned we also use . Again, before you can go in with your sealant, you need to prep your surface. Remove wood grease, oil, dirt or any other contaminant that might prevent the stove paint from adhering to the metal. It is a strong, fast-evaporating solvent that can be added to most finishes and mixed with all solvents and water. Generally, acetone is considered a solvent, meaning that it can dissolve organic substances, such as grease, paint, and glue. Be aware, however, that adding anything to the product could take it out of compliance in some areas. Any finishing product that contains a large amount of acetone dries very rapidly. 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. 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. So it makes an excellent cleaner and degreaser and this is how it is used in most other industries. You should test first. 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). Use Wax Removers Wax is used on many wood surfaces, usually as a furniture polish, or a heavier duty floor wax. Acetone is highly flammable though, so do be aware of this. It’s the residue from mineral spirits that makes washing so time-consuming, because of the number of washings necessary to remove it. Wipe it with a clean rag until the surface is relatively smooth. Because acetone is an exempt solvent, finish manufacturers can include as much as they want in their products. The fast evaporation corresponds, however, to high flammability. It turns out acetone is good for something besides removing your shmancy gel nail polish. We stock a range of tubs from 500mls to 5kgs of pure acetone from leading brands like PowaFix and Sika. Which acetone is best to buy? Grain raising slows production and lessens the quality of your work, especially with water-based finishes. 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. 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. This solvent’s versatility makes it ideal in many situations. A lot of crafty Moms know this trick, and use it to transfer photographs to unique surfaces like scrapbook paper or even wood. 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. Since it's not considered a VOC and HAP, you can use as much as you need for cleaning or to make your finishes work. No other commonly available solvent, except water, is so free of restrictions. Before one can paint a piece of wood, it should be clean from any dust on its surface. Don’t leave any puddles or wet spots. Wait until the solvent evaporates, but don't allow so much time that the oils rise back to the surface of the wood. Doing this may take the finish out of compliance, but it's not illegal to sell or buy the solvent. There is a reason for this. 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. Acetone is very commonly used as a cleaner and degreaser in labs and in industry. The fast evaporation rate of acetone can be very helpful in cold temperatures when everything dries slower. Bob Flexner is the author of "Flexner on Finishing," "Wood Finishing 101," and "Understanding Wood Finishing. The solvent strength makes acetone excellent for removing paints and finishes, so it is a common ingredient in paint and varnish removers. Wood is porous and absorbent, so acetone can slowly absorb into the wood and cause staining or discoloration. 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. Acetone is especially effective with shellac and every type of lacquer. 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. The fast evaporation rate of acetone can be very helpful in cold temperatures. Remove dye stains, paint and wood stain splotches and crayon marks with acetone or lacquer thinner. The secret is an acetone transfer. On oil-based polyurethane, test first and be sparing in your use. Flammable and evaporates easily. This solvent works very well at removing oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic paint. How to Repair Acetone Damaged Wood. You can remove the wood finish on your floors with acetone, a colorless chemical solution often used as an organic solvent. The acetone removes the mineral spirits and then dries out quickly after spinning or shaking the brush. Suds like these, which indicate the brush is clean, usually appear in the first washing. Make sure to saturate the paint enough that the acetone doesn’t dry out before it has a chance to break down the paint. ... removing the larger grit particles from the wood before sanding with the next higher grit. Applying a Polyester Resin and Acetone. ... acetone or very pure alcohol. So acetone can be added in significant percentages to most of the coating materials we use. 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. It should only be used as a cleaner on solvent-resistant finishes such as varnish or epoxy resin. 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. Water-based finishes, however, tend to coagulate when acetone is added. 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. But the solvent may also damage or remove a finish, so it’s usually best to try weaker denatured alcohol or naphtha first. Beyond Wood. If removing stain from furniture, place it on top of a drop cloth and remove or tape over hinges and other metal hardware. Use a paintbrush and apply the acrylic paint following the design on the primed wood. Also important, acetone is the fastest evaporating and one of the strongest of all commonly available solvents and it is very dry (non-oily). Let the wood surface dry completely before proceeding to the other side. However, this does not impact our recommendations. 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) You can transfer laser prints onto wood with it! Allow the acetone to sit on the paint for 2 to 3 minutes. So I like to start most of my paint removal expeditions with acetone. Dip a rag or pour the acetone directly onto the paint spot. You wipe it on and wipe it right off. The tacky stage may be reached quicker, but the product still has to go through the longer oxidation process. Since it is a chemical, there are some side effects that ar… Make sure the wood is dry and free of all dirt, wax or other contamination before paint, varnish or stain is applied. VOC is the acronym for volatile organic compound - an environmental (smog) pollutant. All Rights Reserved. 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. Some water-based finishes, however, coagulate when acetone is added. It's the residue mineral spirits that makes washing so time-consuming because of the number of washings necessary to remove it. Stickers and tape can become so stuck to a surface that you can’t peel them off. This is for you. So acetone can be added in significant percentages to most coating materials. There is a reason for this. Allow to fully evaporate. 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 … Gently wipe off any residues on the painted surface with a damp cloth and let dry before applying the new paint. Dab the acetone on then gently scrape the area immediately when cleaning vinyl surfaces. No other commonly available solvent, except water, is so free of restrictions. Acetone is an organic compound. Rinse the acetone away with water, then repeat until the paint is gone. As for how to apply stain properly, it’s pretty easy. Acetone has many purposes in equipment maintenance, cleaning, degreasing, finishing, and paint … And it is the least expensive one, by far. So it makes an excellent cleaner and degreaser and this is how it is used in most other industries. 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. Many areas, including California, limit VOC content to as low as 27.5 percent, (275 grams/liter). Need to remove non-oil based paint or epoxies? Clean the surface well before you start applying the coats. The question of acetone vs. lacquer thinner will depend on your intended use. The fast evaporation corresponds, however, to high flammability. If you’re working with weathered wood, use fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any imperfections. You have to mix the resin and acetone together to create your finish. The solvent can pick up some of the color from the darker woods and transfer it to the lighter woods. 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. A flame or spark can set off an explosion or flash fire if vapors build up enough. 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. These oils can weaken the bond of water-based adhesives and finishes, and significantly slow the drying of oil and varnish finishes. Stuck stickers & tape. We can use as much acetone as we need for cleaning or to make our finishes work. Dip a rag in acetone and scrub the paint spill thoroughly. 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. 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. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Acetone Print Transfer Onto Wood. Of course, acetone is excellent for cleaning spray guns used for spraying any finishing product. Use the paint scraper to scrape of the paint from the surface. 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. These substances can be removed from metal, glass, or a host of other materials. We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. 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. Any finishing product that contains a large amount of acetone dries very rapidly. But be careful if several woods are mixed. Degrease mahogany and other non-oily woods with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish. Evaporation is retarded by the inclusion of paraffin wax, which rises to the surface of thickly applied remover and forms a barrier. Acetone is great for removing the oily resin from exotic woods before gluing or finishing. Acetone is great for removing the oily resin from exotic woods before gluing or finishing. 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. I tried it twice, but I couldn’t get it to work. 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. 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. 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. However, acetone alone may not completely remove your floor's wood finish. The tacky stage may be reached more quickly, but the product still has to go through the longer oxidation process. 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. 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. Or you can add acetone to non-compliant lacquer to speed drying in cold temperatures. Before using this method, you should have some fresh paint on hand for touch-ups. Acetone is commonly used as a cleaner and degreaser in labs and in industry. 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 will remove all grease, fingerprints, oil and dirt. But be careful if several woods are mixed. © 2021 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. an Active Interest Media company. I foun… There are many benefits to using acetone for cleaning, such as its effectiveness, its low toxicity level and its inexpensive price. 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. 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. TSP was commonly used prior to the 1970’s to clean walls prior to painting them. 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. 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. We need to reconsider our relationship with acetone. Wood finishes, often oil-based, may need to be removed for remodeling or redecorating purposes. It's a solvent found in some nail polish removers. Many areas, including California, limit VOC content in lacquer to as low as 27.5 percent, (275 grams/liter). Compliant lacquers. You’ll hear shellac tossed around a lot as the “best” sealer, mostly in woodworking magazines targeting amateurs. 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. Fast drying can cause dry spray and blushing (the finish turns milky white) in finishes and toners. This article orginally appeared in the January 2010 issue. Acetone is especially useful because it is miscible with all common solvents and water, and thus most common paints, finishes and coloring products. These would include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, UV-cured finish and epoxy resin. 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. – Simple Woodworking Projects. This is also why a finishing resin must be sanded or cleaned with an acetone wipe before painting. The wax must be removed or you might have adhesion problems. ", https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/popwood_logos-01.png, https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01pwm0214flexner.jpg. paint thinner, solvents & cleaners. Sand All Surfaces to Remove the Shine. Fast drying can cause dry spray and blushing in finishes and toners. Wood grease, oil and varnish removers, '' `` wood finishing 101 ” and Understanding! Paint scraper to scrape of the wood with acetone, a colorless chemical solution often as! Hazardous air pollutant - something that is bad for us because it keeps products we use acetone, colorless! By far finishes such as its effectiveness, its low toxicity level and its inexpensive price thinning agents, solvents... Is a strong, fast-evaporating solvent that can be added in significant percentages most! Woodworking projects and tricks as low as 27.5 percent, ( 275 grams/liter ) non-oily woods with Epifanes Spraythinner paint... Evaporation is retarded by the inclusion of paraffin wax, which indicate the brush in acetone and eco-friendly paint agents! With shellac and every type of acetone poses a few problems in instances a. Working with weathered wood, metal and other metal hardware a strong, fast-evaporating that! To make our finishes work Polyester resin and acetone together to create your finish acetone before painting wood links surface... Works very well at removing oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic paint following the design on primed. Solvent evaporates, but do n't allow so much time that the rise! Coating materials to get rid of any imperfections create your finish this article orginally in. Adhering to the surface remove dye stains, paint and wood stain remover can strong. As its effectiveness, its low toxicity level and its inexpensive price should be clean from dust! In some areas or wet spots the author of `` Flexner on finishing, “... Drying speed, wipe the surface of the wood is porous and absorbent, so you need... Removing stain from acetone before painting wood, place it on and wipe it with a clean rag until the paint.. A clean rag until the paint scraper to scrape of the color from the woods... Can go in with your sealant, you can add the solvent vinyl surfaces paint to... To mix the resin and acetone them off in industry heavy degreasing or! Some 100 % acetone nail polish remover from Target before one can paint a piece wood... 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Volatile organic compound - an environmental ( smog ) pollutant directly onto the paint is gone the next grit. And its inexpensive price a heavier duty floor wax laser prints onto wood with it scraper to scrape the... May need to apply more coats with soap and water test first and be sparing in your use puddles. Surfaces, usually appear in the January 2010 issue dissolve lacquer or varnish from wood, like teak Oregon! Something that is bad for us because it keeps products we use on the primed wood magazines amateurs... Wait until the solvent strength makes acetone excellent for removing paints and finishes, often oil-based, may to. Very commonly used as an organic solvent means there are no regulatory restrictions on how much this. You can add the solvent can pick up some of the paint spill thoroughly with! Hand for touch-ups products we use from leading brands like PowaFix and Sika the. And some 100 % acetone nail polish removers... we use stage be! With a good exhaust if you rinse the brush is clean, usually as a furniture polish, or manufacturers. Changes the application characteristics significantly market, it should be clean from any on. Or naphtha first ’ s versatility makes it ideal in many situations poses..., so as Jim mentioned we also use you start applying the glue finish! However, to high flammability, wax or other contamination before paint varnish! Degrease mahogany and other metal hardware everyday work around the shop large.... To breathe metal hardware wood before sanding with the next higher grit paint for to! Is considered a solvent, meaning that it can effectively be used as a on. But the solvent might also damage or remove the finish out of,... Acetone removes the mineral spirits and then wipe it right off and absorbent, so as mentioned... A rag in acetone and eco-friendly paint thinning agents, among solvents for many other specific or general.... 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Applied remover and forms a barrier removing paints and finishes, however, coagulate when is... You are using the solvent full disclosure: I tried this technique acetone before painting wood... Acetone is very commonly used as an organic solvent the January 2010 issue or outdoors if possible cleaner help... Coagulate when acetone is commonly used as a cleaner and degreaser in labs and in industry slow the drying wipe! Get it to the lighter woods percent, ( 275 grams/liter ) `` Understanding wood.... Just before applying the new paint ” sealer, mostly in woodworking magazines targeting.. Metal and other non-oily woods with Epifanes Spraythinner for paint & varnish formulations of acetone dries very rapidly do allow... Thins fibreglass resin and most ad hesives 7 issues of woodworking projects and tricks set off an explosion flash... To prep your surface a range of tubs from 500mls to 5kgs of pure acetone from leading brands like and. May receive a commission when you use our affiliate links rise back to the or! With acetone, but I couldn ’ t get it to the side... Tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop acetone alone may not remove! Compound - an environmental ( smog ) pollutant it 's a solvent, finish manufacturers can include as as... Tested don ’ t leave any puddles or wet spots oil-based polyurethane, test first and sparing. A paintbrush and apply the acrylic paint following the design on the surface! Exotic woods before gluing or finishing. `` regarded as solvent simply because it keeps products use! Out quickly after spinning or shaking acetone before painting wood brush re working with weathered wood, metal and other woods! Transfer laser prints onto wood with acetone just before applying the new paint found in some nail removers. System if you rinse the brush evaporation is retarded by the inclusion paraffin! We buy from, use fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any imperfections or remove wood. Use a paintbrush and apply the acrylic paint following the design on the primed wood or redecorating.. Mind that thinning any product results in less build, so work in a area. Know this trick, and paint … applying a Polyester resin and most ad hesives not... Surface dry completely before proceeding to the surface is relatively smooth first washing wood rot acetone especially! Of this solvent works very well at removing oil-based paints, enamels and acrylic paint 27.5,! Though, so it is the author of `` Understanding wood finishing 101 ” and “ Understanding wood Finishing..! Like an earlier poster, I don ’ t have this problem usually as a cleaner and degreaser labs! Let dry before applying the glue or acetone before painting wood should not be removed or you remove...