Why can’t I use white spirit to clean down surface prior to painting or woodstaining? White spirit tends to smear contaminants such as grease, resin and oils over the timber surface rather than remove them. This is why we recommend the use of methylated spirits or cellulose thinners.
Consequently, can you use white spirit to clean surfaces?
White spirit is the most widely used solvent in the paint industry. In households, white spirit is commonly used to clean paint brushes after use, to clean auto parts and tools, as a starter fluid for charcoal grills, to remove adhesive residue from non-porous surfaces, and many other common tasks.
Moreover, can you clean old wood with methylated spirits?
Methylated spirits, also known as denatured alcohol, is a commonly used cleaning product. While its strength makes it great for removing permanent marker and tough stains from metal surfaces, it is not a good mix for wood surfaces. This product can also remove wood finishes such as varnish and wax.
What is the best way to clean wood before painting?
Sanding produces dust, which may make it difficult for new paint to stick. As such, you should wipe the old wood surface with a mixture of 1 cup bleach, 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 2 gallons water. Let the wood air-dry before you apply primer. Cleaning kills any mold and mildew in the old wood.
Can I use methylated spirits instead of white spirit?
So, white spirit is a petroleum-based solvent, and methylated spirit is an alcohol-based solvent. But are there any other differences? … You can use methylated spirit in much the same way as you can white spirit.
Does methylated spirit leave a residue?
It also leaves no residue and evaporates very quickly off any surface. It’s what brake manufacturers use and it’s what I would recommend for cleaning stuff. Only downside is it is highly flammable and IF it catches light it burns with an almost invisible flame.
