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What is a good way to dispose of unused French Polish?

I'm thinking just pouring it in an empty detergent container, putting the lid on and throwing it away.

Any problems with that?

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

I'm pretty sure it is not hazardous waste.  Might depend on the solvent used, but I think the alcohol evaporates anyway.  There might be some trace chemicals in denatured alcohol, but if you're using grain, there should be no issues at all.  The shellac itself is non toxic.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

If it's grain, just roll your M&M's around in it, and it will melt even slower in your mouth and not in your hand.

Just pour it out on the pavement...

Thanks!

Hmmm. I wonder how well it would go with ice cream!!

_________________
Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

The alcohol will flash of to nothin in no time and the shellac is eatable so ther is no despoial issue.

How old is the cut? If it has not gone bad then use it for sealing things like end grain on planks and exposed end grain when inlaying a rosette.

/\ Michael, that's exactly what I use old FP for, sealing planks for drying...

I believe shellac is approved as a food product by the FDA so there shouldnt be a problem with putting it on your compost heap.

The question is whether you use grain alcohol or Methyl alcohol. Grain alcohol such as Everclear is consumable where as methyl alcohol is toxic.

The alcohol will evaporate but because the more toxic solvents remain, not all landfills will take it. Some locales will tax and/or fine any residue that is put in the trash while others do not care and are fine with it.

I pour mine onto my stack of fire wood.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

french polish(ing!) is a process, not a product. the product used in the french polish process is shellac.

and why do you need to dispose of the shellac? it should have a shelf life of about six months after you mixed it. so long as it will cure properly it is fine to use.

Sorry.

See, you can tell a rookie by the terminology that they use.

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

Well, I'd have to say that "French polish" has by now become a compound noun indicating a very thin cut of shellac intended to be padded onto a surface. It's come into common usage now as a descriptive term, not just a verb.   I think we all know what someone means when they refer to mixing up French polish, applying French polish, etc.   We don't have to lock the term up in a temporal box and only use it one way. Language does evolve.

I can always find a board, shelf, even a section of floor, that needs/could use a bit of finish. Even the interior of cabinets/drawers. Any and all old finishes get used up this way.

Huummm, I'm thinkin an eatable guitar

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