Handy Tips for Using Solvents and Cleaners

Our range of solvents and cleaners are some of our best-selling products - so we thought it was about time we told you a bit more about them! There are so many ways you can use our cleaners, and it's likely you don't know about some of the most handy ones that could help you out at home.

An extra bonus is that there's 10% off all our solvents until the end of May 2016!

We have a great video that shows you the full range of solvents we have in stock.

To help you decide which solvent is the best one for your job, check out the facts below! 

Acetone

The most popular and effective solvent brush cleaner for removing uncured resin from tools. Not for cleaning unprotected hands. It should be kept in covered containers as it evaporates quickly and is highly flammable. Available in 1 litre, 5 litre, 25 litre packs and 200 litre barrels.

Uses: 

• thinning polyester resin 
• cleaning tools used with resin
• dissolving two-part epoxies and super glue before they harden
• heavy-duty degreaser - useful in the preparation of metal, wood and other surfaces prior to painting
• one of the main ingredients in nail polish remover

Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol)

Our Isopropanol is 99% pure, used widely as a solvent and as a cleaning fluid. Available in 1 litre, 5 litre and 25 litre packs.

Uses:

• cleans electronic devices such as contact pins, magnetic tape and disk heads such as those in audio and video tape recorders and lenses of lasers in optical disc drives
• removes smudges and fingerprints from CDs, DVDs and game discs
• removes smudges, dirt, and fingerprints from cell phones and PDAs. 
• removes residual glue from some sticky labels
• cleaning windows and mirrors
• removes chewing gum from hands and surfaces
• forms an effective de-icer when mixed with water

Cellulose Thinners

General purpose thinner for use with a wide range of cellulose base coats and lacquers. Available in 1 litre, 2.5 litre and 5 litre packs.

Uses:

• paint thinning
• cleaning tools and equipment
• excellent for removing wax build-up on GRP moulds.

Methylated Spirit

Also known as denatured alcohol, methylated spirits is for the most part just plain alcohol (ethyl alcohol). Around 90% of methylated spirits is ethanol; so it’s incredibly strong. But before anyone gets ideas about cutting the cost of stocking up their drinks cabinet, read on.

The main additive is 10% methanol, which is highly toxic - hence the name, Methylated Spirit. This is added specifically to stop people wanting to drink it.

Ethanol is made from grains, fruits and vegetables and methanol usually from wood stock, so it can be an effective, green alternative to many chemical-laden, brand name cleaners. Available in 5 litre packs.

Uses:

• cleaning brushes
• thinning of simple paints and varnishes
• good for use as a fuel in camping gas stoves and model steam engines
• cleaning glass
• removing ink stains from fabric
• cleaning bike brake discs
• removes permanent marker from PVC plastics

White Spirit

Popular paint thinner and mild solvent, often used as a less flammable and less toxic alternative to turpentine. Available in 2 litre packs.

Uses:

• cleaning brushes
• thinning paint
• alternative to kerosene in portable stoves

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have another handy way to use any of these solvents at home or anywhere else - please let us know in the comments!

It's always important to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety guidelines before using any chemicals - these are all available on our website. Safety Data Sheets for each individual solvent are available on the corresponding product pages.