DNA vs Isopropyl

[Rockytime]

I have not used DNA during finishing but I do have a lot of isopropyl alcohol. Will it work in the same as DNA?

 

[Monty]

Depends on what percentage the isopropyl is and what you are using it for in finishing.

 

[Rockytime]

Depends on what percentage the isopropyl is and what you are using it for in finishing.

It is rubbing alcohol.

 

[Edgar]

Ordinary rubbing alcohol has a high water content - about 30% I believe. Generally not good for cleaning wood blanks as a finishing prep or sanding dust cleaner.

DNA is generally only about 3% water. I buy it by the gallon & keep the can sealed except when refilling my squeeze bottles to keep it from absorbing water. I also keep my squeeze bottles capped except when squirting some DNA onto a paper towel.

 

[its_virgil]

Alcohol attracts moisture...moisture in the air readily dissolves into alcohol of either kind. As soon as the lid is removed water enters. I do not use alcohol on any turned items. Lacquer thinner or acetone are my choice...they evaporate very quickly. One method of drying wood is to submerge the wood in a container of alcohol and water moves from the wood into the alcohol...at least that is what I understand about the process. I'm sure (and it is OK) I will be corrected if wrong.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Ordinary rubbing alcohol has a high water content - about 30% I believe. Generally not good for cleaning wood blanks as a finishing prep or sanding dust cleaner.

DNA is generally only about 3% water. I buy it by the gallon & keep the can sealed except when refilling my squeeze bottles to keep it from absorbing water. I also keep my squeeze bottles capped except when squirting some DNA onto a paper towel.

 

[low_48]

Alcohol attracts moisture...moisture in the air readily dissolves into alcohol of either kind. As soon as the lid is removed water enters. I do not use alcohol on any turned items. Lacquer thinner or acetone are my choice...they evaporate very quickly. One method of drying wood is to submerge the wood in a container of alcohol and water moves from the wood into the alcohol...at least that is what I understand about the process. I'm sure (and it is OK) I will be corrected if wrong.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Ordinary rubbing alcohol has a high water content - about 30% I believe. Generally not good for cleaning wood blanks as a finishing prep or sanding dust cleaner.

DNA is generally only about 3% water. I buy it by the gallon & keep the can sealed except when refilling my squeeze bottles to keep it from absorbing water. I also keep my squeeze bottles capped except when squirting some DNA onto a paper towel.

No kidding, gin always attracts tonic at my house!

 

[Rockytime]

Thanks for the responses. Makes sense.

 

[bigcountry11]

You can buy 95% iso and it works great for cleaning. I like to buy it in small bottles as its hydroscopic and can be diluted quickly over time.

 

[KenV]

Don Ward is right on target. Cheap DNA from the big box stores is well known for having lots of water in the can. The much more expensive container from a paint specialty store will have a stated maximum water content and will be suitable for shellac flakes. I know a shellac purist or two who get 190 proof everclear for mixing shellac.

 

[Rick_G]

I get my isopropyl at a farm supply place and it is marked 99%. That's probably accurate until it is opened. DNA is really hard to get in Canada for some reason so I use the isopropyl with no problems in place of DNA.

 

[Marmotjr]

Out of curiosity, what about HEET fuel line de-icer? It's about a buck or two at the gas station, and is >99% methanol. Since it's main use is water remover, I would guess it would have similar properties. I only ask because it is very common to use HEET in alcohol based backpacking stoves, and we'd used to save a bundle buying this over the 'brand name' stove fuel.

http://dogflying.com/iaf/MSDS/MSDS Heet Yellow Bottle.pdf