100% IMS Supplier in Sydney?

I've been trying to source some 100% IMS - does anyone know who would supply this in Sydney (ideally Southern Suburbs)? This is to mix with UBeaut Dewaxed shellac for my grandfathers chest of draws which I'm going to rejuvenate.

I've tried Bunnings, Crockers Paint and Wallpaper (Haymes paint stockist), Porters Paints, Dulux and after talking to all of them they don't seem to have ever ordered it in or have any knowledge about it. The common diggers stuff seems to be about all they have which is listed as 95%.

I then called Retrochem direct this morning who identify it on their website and was told that they used to stock smaller quanties but now only stock industrial quantities now (IBC's and 200L Containers). They also advised me that if you leave 95 metho out overnight in a tray the water will evaporate (which seems contrary to some of the threads which I've read) - does anyone know if this is actually the case?

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Originally Posted by JT

I've been trying to source some 100% IMS - does anyone know who would supply this in Sydney (ideally Southern Suburbs)? This is to mix with UBeaut Dewaxed shellac for my grandfathers chest of draws which I'm going to rejuvenate.

They also advised me that if you leave 95 metho out overnight in a tray the water will evaporate (which seems contrary to some of the threads which I've read) - does anyone know if this is actually the case?

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My chemistry tells me that the alcohol will evaporate before the water.

I got 100% IMS from a Paint-Right store here in Melb - shop around as it has to be available somewhere.

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Originally Posted by JT

They also advised me that if you leave 95 metho out overnight in a tray the water will evaporate (which seems contrary to some of the threads which I've read) - does anyone know if this is actually the case?

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He was either taking the mickey or he is a fool who should not be allowed customer contact.
Yes, the water will eventually evaporate, but so will all the alcohol. The reason only 95% strength is commonly available is that is the highest concentration that can be achieved just by distillation.
Another process is required to get rid of the last fraction of water, hence 100IMS is about twice the price.

Hi JT

About 2 years years ago I bought IMS from Pylon Coatings, 6 Margate St, Botany Ph 9316 8034.

Minimum quantity they sold at the time was 4 litres.

It might pay to phone them first to make sure they still stock it.

Haymes have it - Sold as Methylated Spirits 100%. If it isn't in their shop then it can be ordered.

Most 95%IMS is fine for use with shellac. Seems weird that here in Geelong I want into 3 paint shops and 2 had 100% the third 95%.

The following might help or at least clear up some misconceptions.

• Leave 95 metho out overnight in a tray will not evaporate the water but will actually add water to the metho and if it's a really humid night you could end up wit 90% or even less. The metho acts like a water sponge and whilst it is sucking in water from the air it will also be evaporating off. The person who told you that is a complete and utter Richard Edward (Dick Ed).
• 100%IMS is not quite twice the price of 95% more like 60% dearer.
• 100%IMS is not as readily available in small quantities as 95% because it costs more and consequently not used much by individuals so manufacturers don't supply it. Their bottom line is to make money so what sells best is what they supply.
• Don't go looking for 500ml or a 1 litre as the bulk of it is sold in 4, 20, 60, and 200 litre drums.
• Retrochem definitely stock 20 litre drums of *DAA Industrial (100)
• Haymes sell their 100% as Methylated Spirits 100 and it is available in 1, 4, 20 & 60 litre containers. All Haymes stockists should have it. If not they can get it in... it is one of Haymes biggest selling items.

*DAA Denatured Absolute Alcohol also known as Industrial Methylated Spirits 100 (IMS100) Ethanol IMS 100.

At any one time we (U-Beaut Polishes) have on hand around 600-1000 litres of Ethanol 100IMS for use in the production our Shellawax products and Shellacs' etc. We do not sell it as the cost of freighting it as Dangerous Goods is astronomical and it is worth way more to us in the production of Shellawax than we could ever sell it for retail. Having said that I reckon it might be a good seller as the mark-up from wholesale to retail appears to be between 450% - 500% depending on who's you buy. Whooa.... I'm seeing big $$$$$'s flash before my eyes.

I actually purchased an extra 200 litre drum for my son in law's father to use in his heater because it cost less then a quarter of the price he was paying for it in 20 litre cans.

I hope this has been of some help.

Cheers - Neil :U

PS We won't be selling it any time soon unless there is a cheap way of moving it around the country.

Thanks for all the responses everyone.

I managed to also find some late last week from a chemical wholesaler, they wanted a min $100 purchase but through discussing it with them they made a one off case and allowed me to just purchase a 5L bottle. It came to $32.

Neil,
Perhaps to get around the freight issue it could be sold at the T&WWS (though not sure how much of the stuff you would want to be lugging around the country)

100% IMS can be purchased in 4 litre drums from Floorking Bryce and Duncan 7/7 Stubbs Road Auburn NSW - Floorking Bryce & Duncan

Excellent information from all re this, and especially also Neil's advice.

But herein is also a question, which I think at least is answered by Neil. Why do people actually want denatured IMS, especially as Neil notes 95% will work fine with shellac ? What is the advantage or disadvantages with either. Is it really worth the extra cost, if, as per Neil's advice 95% is perfectly fine to work with ?

Another question, and again for my learning, is what is the difference between dewaxed shellac vrs orange shellac one can buy from most paint outlets and again what are the advantages or problems seen between the two ?

I ask such questions because in all my years of polishing with shellac, apart from milkly clouding occurring when applying shellac under too cold conditions (where upon I either stop or warm up the workshop), I have never had any problems that I am aware of using the normally available metho (assuming it to be 95%) and orange shellac flake.

I recently read about button shellac and again someone mentioned he preferred this to orange shellac. Again can anyone help enlighten me re the differences and/or benefits ?