Use of Acetone

[gm280]

Okay guys, this is probably going to be a really stupid question. I see that so many resto projects talk about using Polyester and fiberglass clothe and CSM and even 1708 and I think I understand the terms and usages pretty good by now. However, I also read where most everybody talks about washing surfaces before applying the next stage of glassing up most projects and in between tabbing, filleting and such. And I think the use of Acetone is to wash off any dust and/or wax from previous polyester applications. But why Acetone and not Lacquer thinner or some other type-wax cutting solvent? Is there a special reason for the use of acetone verses lacquer thinner or am I missing something? I know you can't use any solvent that would leave an oily film behind (mineral spirits) because of adhesive capabilities would be in jeopardy. But if all you are doing is cutting waxes and/or dust buildup, wouldn't lacquer thinner do as well? The reason I ask is because I can purchase Lacquer thinner in my area cheaper then Acetone and Acetone flashes off quicker then Lacquer thinner meaning I know I would use so much more Acetone to do the job as well. Just wondering if I am missing the reason for the Acetone baths each time... Thanks for answering another stupid question from a resto beginner... :embarassed: :facepalm:

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Use of Acetone

Interesting questions. I thought of using Lacquer thinner myself when I stated working on my boat because I had 4 or 5 gallons in my garage. I called a technical support of a fiberglass supply company and the representative told me to NEVER do that as LT has a damaging effect on fiberglass. The owner of a local – and reputable – marina in my area told me that this was “bogus” and I would be fine with using LT. I did not want to take any chances and decided to use what everyone here in iBoats agrees to be the tried and true method.

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: Use of Acetone

Mek

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Use of Acetone

OK, I have used both at different times...

Here are a few of sites that begin to tell the story...

Understanding Solvents: Part III (Laquer Thinner) @ The Finishing Store News

understand your material: solvents and thinners

Acetone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lacquer thinner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Butanone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Acetone is considered a pure ketone, which basically means that it is a pure chemical compound in and of itself, with out any extraneous additives...
Acetone is somewhat less toxic and less "hot" than LT...
In my personal experience, I have found both to work equally well when working with resins...BUT...
The biggest difference I have noted is the Flash off [evaporation time] of Acetone is much quicker than LT...You need to know what is in the make-up of any particular LT to be sure it will be compatible with resins...some low grade LT's do leave some oily residue behind...these are usually branded as a cleaner/solvent and usually carry a lower price than the better LT's...LT's are a blended solvent made up of various components...
MEK is also a ketone, similar to acetone...

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Use of Acetone

Nice list of resources GT, thanks

In my experience, MEK is more toxic, more aggressive, and more expensive then Acetone. If Acetone eats nitrile gloves, MEK devours them :grumpy: It wouldn't be my 1st choice as an Acetone substitute.

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: Use of Acetone

mek is used in the airline industry for paint prep same characteristics as acetone but don't evaporate like it. use latex gloves

 

[gm280]

Re: Use of Acetone

Ha thanks for the info and I personnaly think all of these chemicals are toxic. I was just wondering if LT would be a good sub instead of Acetone. I too noticed the flash rate of Acetone being so quick that I have to use so much more to accomplish the same thing. I have painted with some very good PPG paints and have used LT without one problem for cleaning the surfaces prior to both priming and base coating paint... Just was wondering...thanks again.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Use of Acetone

Acetone is used because it works better to clean resin off you and your tools, plus it's low in cost and not as toxic as some other solvents, there's no secret reason. Since people already have it on hand there is no need to buy someting else, I don't typically solvent wash most surfaces though.

 

[pauloman]

Re: Use of Acetone

as stated above - LT isn't a specific chemical so you don't really know what you are getting. Acetone is an exempt solvent so when it comes to VOC issues, it probably the only legal thinner - solvents.

From experience I don;t use either on wiping down surfaces. Too strong and it often damage the surface I am trying to prep.
I think denatured alcohol is fine and safer for wipe downs.

paul

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Use of Acetone

Yes, acetone was one of the items not listed (needed to be tracked and reported to the feds and other regulatory agencies due to toxicity and/or pollution) in the beginning. Then it was listed for several years, and then delisted again, so companies are free to use it as needed in most places. There are still some local regulations or insurance reasons why a company may not be able to use though.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Use of Acetone

Okay guys, this is probably going to be a really stupid question. I see that so many resto projects talk about using Polyester and fiberglass clothe and CSM and even 1708 and I think I understand the terms and usages pretty good by now. However, I also read where most everybody talks about washing surfaces before applying the next stage of glassing up most projects and in between tabbing, filleting and such. And I think the use of Acetone is to wash off any dust and/or wax from previous polyester applications. But why Acetone and not Lacquer thinner or some other type-wax cutting solvent? Is there a special reason for the use of acetone verses lacquer thinner or am I missing something? I know you can't use any solvent that would leave an oily film behind (mineral spirits) because of adhesive capabilities would be in jeopardy. But if all you are doing is cutting waxes and/or dust buildup, wouldn't lacquer thinner do as well? The reason I ask is because I can purchase Lacquer thinner in my area cheaper then Acetone and Acetone flashes off quicker then Lacquer thinner meaning I know I would use so much more Acetone to do the job as well. Just wondering if I am missing the reason for the Acetone baths each time... Thanks for answering another stupid question from a resto beginner... :embarassed: :facepalm:

I will answer that question directly for you .. Why acetone is such a good solvent when a wipe down is important..

Its because it evaporates so quickly .. Its Evaporation point is High . .. meaning it lifts off contaminates that might be in your repair zone ( be it a gel repair or fiberglass repair )

Wipe your hands with acetone or some other solvent and you will see Why..

Acetone will lift off when things are Solvent ..

YD.