Acetone, Quality testing

[MacGyver]

Hey everyone,
Here is a tip to see how good your Acetone is, quality assurance check.

Take a clean mirror, and apply some Acetone to a clean rag. Wipe the mirror with a rag in one sweeping motion.

After the acetone flashes off, it will leave behind a film, or wont.
If it doesnt then the brand you buy is a virgin acetone.
If it leaves a film, then it is a reclaimed acetone.

The reclaimed will leave a film on anything you use the acetone on to clean it off. This film is a possible problem for any coating you apply over the top of it.
Just something to think about when using acetone.

Mac

[Koinonia]

Thats something I didnt know but noticed when using some brands on glass.  Good information!

[dbinvermont]

That little tidbit could be critical info!

[Bob23]

Thanks, Mac:
  In addition to being the official painter of CPYOA member boats, I now nominate you for the position of Chief CPYOA Engineer in charge of Research and Developement. Sounds like an impressive title, eh? but the pay stinks!
  Thanks again for all the technical info you feed into this forum!
Bob23

[capt_nemo]

Once again, Mac comes through!

Thanks for the very important tip for Acetone users.

capt_nemo

[Koinonia]

Ive stopped using acetone for paint prep for about the past 10 years now.  Professional paint supply stores usually carry Prepsol or Prep-all.  These are supposed to be better than acetone for removing contaminates and its never given me a problem.  On another note, this stuff is great for smooth top stove surfaces and doesnt leave any streaks when properly cleaned.  I have my wife using one paper towel for the initial clean with a second paper towel used to get anything left behind.  We have a black Jen air that shows absolutely everything if not kept clean well.

[MacGyver]

Thanks guys!
Acetone is a great solvent, and very easily obtainable. I typically use it to wash out mix cups, etc. After it is dry I will wipe the residue out with a dry rag.
I second Koinonia's Prep-Sol statement. Short for "Preperation Solvent", we used it really heavy in my body shop days. I keep a gallon around at home and at work for other occasions.
I have also used Laquer Thinner, although, that is a pretty tough solvent and use it sparingly as it can re-solventize old dry finishes......

I am pretty sure the mirror technique could be used for other solvents to see what is left behind after they vapor off.

Mac (Chief CPYOA Engineer in charge of Research and Developement  )

[tooboat]

OK, but how one identify virgin aceton PRIOR to purchase?  Thanks for the info.
Ron Blais tooboat

[MacGyver]

Ron,

That is a question I was actually seeking to answer myself after I made the post.
I have access to 3 different kinds of Acetone, and so I looked at each one. No where does it say what is in them besides ACETONE.

Each brand mirror tested differently, and only one said it was water miscible.

Also, Only one brand said do not use for adhesive removal, and also stated that it shouldn't be used for cleaning a surface......

So sadly, I dont have a answer for you on this.... I will try to track down some more information as I talk to some sources in the industry.

Mac