Strippers, Thinners & Spirits

Paint Strippers, Cellulose Thinners and Methylated Spirits

Shop professional paint strippers, lacquer thinners and furniture-finishing spirits for removing old coatings, thinning compatible products and cleaning brushes, spray equipment and workshop tools.

Livedale supplies cellulose thinners, methylated spirit, non-caustic paint and varnish stripper and xylene thinners for furniture restoration, cabinet making, wood finishing and general workshop use.

These products may also be described as:

• Furniture-restoration solvents
• Paint and varnish removers
• Lacquer thinners
• Cellulose solvents
• Shellac thinners
• French-polishing spirit
• Paint-equipment cleaners
• Wood-finishing solvents
• Coating reducers
• Brush-cleaning solvents

Each product has a specific purpose. Select the solvent or stripper according to the coating, application method and manufacturer’s instructions rather than treating different thinners as interchangeable.

Shop Woodcare Strippers, Thinners and Spirits

The range includes:

• Cellulose thinners for compatible cellulose lacquers
• Methylated spirit for French polish and shellac varnish
• Rustins Strypit for removing paint and varnish
• Xylene thinners for compatible oil-based paints
• Solvents for cleaning suitable brushes and equipment
• Small and larger container sizes for repair or workshop use

Cellulose Thinners for Lacquer and Spray Equipment

Cellulose Lacquer Thinners – 125ml to 1 Litre

The Cellulose Thinners for Lacquer and Spray Equipment – 125ml to 1 Litre are made from a special blend of pure solvents designed to mix with cellulose lacquer.

Available sizes include:

• 125ml
• 300ml
• 500ml
• 1 litre

The formulation does not contain xylol, toluene or another petroleum derivative and is not classified as a petroleum mixture.

Cellulose thinners may be used for suitable:

• Cellulose lacquer
• Furniture-finishing coatings
• Adjusting compatible lacquer viscosity
• Cleaning spray guns
• Cleaning suitable lacquer brushes
• Removing uncured cellulose coating from compatible equipment
• Professional cabinet-finishing work
• Furniture restoration

They may also be known as:

• Cellulose lacquer thinner
• Cellulose solvent
• Spray-lacquer thinner
• Furniture lacquer reducer
• Cellulose equipment cleaner

Only add thinners where the lacquer manufacturer recommends it. Excessive thinning can affect coverage, drying, build and the finished appearance.

Choosing a Cellulose-Thinner Size

Choose 125ml or 300ml where:

• A small furniture repair is being completed
• Limited equipment cleaning is required
• A small amount of lacquer needs adjusting
• Occasional workshop use is expected

Choose 500ml or 1 litre where:

• Spray equipment is cleaned regularly
• Several furniture components are being finished
• Repeated lacquer work is undertaken
• A professional workshop requires a larger supply

Keep the original container tightly closed when the product is not being used.

Thinning Compatible Cellulose Lacquers

Cellulose thinners can be used to adjust a compatible lacquer where required for the application equipment or working conditions.

The amount needed may depend on:

• Lacquer formulation
• Spray-gun nozzle
• Required viscosity
• Workshop temperature
• Furniture shape
• Application method
• Required film thickness
• Manufacturer’s instructions

A practical mixing process is:

1. Read the lacquer instructions.
2. Pour the required amount into a clean mixing cup.
3. Add a small measured quantity of cellulose thinners.
4. Mix thoroughly.
5. Check the viscosity.
6. Test the mixture on a prepared sample.
7. Add further thinners only where required.
8. Record the successful proportions.
9. Apply the lacquer using suitable equipment.
10. Keep the remaining product covered.

Do not pour used or contaminated lacquer back into the original container.

Cleaning Spray Guns with Cellulose Thinners

Cellulose thinners may be used to clean suitable spray equipment after compatible lacquer application.

A typical cleaning process may involve:

1. Emptying the remaining coating safely.
2. Wiping excess lacquer from the cup.
3. Adding a controlled amount of thinners.
4. Flushing the fluid passages.
5. Cleaning the nozzle and air cap.
6. Removing remaining lacquer deposits.
7. Inspecting the equipment.
8. Disposing of contaminated solvent correctly.
9. Allowing components to dry safely.
10. Reassembling the spray gun.

Do not leave lacquer to harden inside the equipment.

Follow the spray-gun manufacturer’s cleaning guidance and check that seals, hoses and internal components are compatible with the solvent.

Rustins Methylated Spirit for French Polish and Shellac

Rustins Methylated Spirit – 250ml or 500ml

The Rustins Methylated Spirit for French Polish and Shellac – 250ml or 500ml is used for thinning French polishes and shellac varnishes.

Available sizes include:

• 250ml
• 500ml

It can also be used for washing off suitable paint stripper after the old coating has been removed.

Methylated spirit may also be described as:

• Meths
• Denatured alcohol
• French-polishing spirit
• Shellac thinner
• Spirit polish thinner
• Alcohol-based cleaning spirit

Potential uses include:

• Thinning compatible French polish
• Thinning shellac varnish
• Cleaning suitable shellac brushes
• Cleaning French-polishing equipment
• Washing off suitable paint stripper
• Traditional cabinet-making work
• Furniture restoration

Browse French Polishes, Shellac Sealers and Knotting Solutions for compatible-style traditional furniture finishes.

Thinning French Polish with Methylated Spirit

Methylated spirit may be added to compatible French polish where a thinner mixture is required for a particular stage of the polishing process.

Thinning can affect:

• Flow
• Drying speed
• Build
• Application control
• Colour depth
• Final sheen

A practical method is:

1. Transfer a small amount of polish into a clean container.
2. Add a measured amount of methylated spirit.
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Test the polish on prepared timber.
5. Allow it to dry.
6. Assess the colour and build.
7. Adjust the mixture gradually if necessary.
8. Record the proportions used.

Do not thin the complete original container unless the required ratio has already been established.

Cleaning Shellac Brushes and Equipment

Methylated spirit can be used to clean compatible brushes and tools used with shellac products.

After use:

1. Remove excess polish from the brush.
2. Place a small amount of methylated spirit in a suitable container.
3. Work the solvent through the bristles.
4. Repeat with clean spirit where necessary.
5. Reshape the brush.
6. Allow it to dry safely.
7. Store it away from dust.

Browse Woodcare and Furniture-Finishing Brushes for spirit brushes, fitch brushes and detail applicators.

Keep brushes used for shellac separate from equipment used with oils, paints or catalysed lacquers.

Rustins Strypit Paint and Varnish Remover

Rustins Strypit Non-Caustic Paint and Varnish Stripper – 250ml or 500ml

The Rustins Strypit Paint and Varnish Stripper – 250ml or 500ml is a non-caustic, dichloromethane-free gel for removing multiple coats of paint and varnish.

Available sizes include:

• 250ml
• 500ml

It is suitable for use on compatible:

• Wood
• Metal
• Glass
• Stone
• Masonry

The gel consistency makes it useful on vertical surfaces because it remains in position more effectively than a thin liquid stripper.

Potential applications include:

• Furniture restoration
• Removing paint from wooden chairs
• Stripping varnished tables
• Preparing cabinets for refinishing
• Cleaning decorative mouldings
• Removing coatings from doors
• Stripping compatible metal furniture components
• Preparing old timber for repair and staining

Strypit may also be described as:

• Paint stripper
• Varnish remover
• Furniture-finish remover
• Non-caustic coating stripper
• Gel paint remover
• Wood-finish stripper
• Furniture-restoration stripping gel

Using Rustins Strypit on Furniture

The stripper works best when applied liberally and allowed to penetrate after two applications.

A typical process may involve:

1. Protecting the working area.
2. Removing hardware where practical.
3. Testing the product on a concealed section.
4. Applying a generous first coat.
5. Allowing it to penetrate.
6. Applying a second coat where required.
7. Allowing the old finish to soften.
8. Removing the coating carefully.
9. Repeating the treatment on stubborn areas.
10. Washing off the remaining stripper as directed.

Browse Rustins Methylated Spirit for washing off suitable paint stripper after removal.

Always follow the instructions supplied with the product.

Removing Paint from Mouldings and Carved Furniture

A gel stripper can be particularly useful around:

• Furniture mouldings
• Turned legs
• Carved details
• Panelled doors
• Decorative rails
• Corners and joints
• Recessed cabinet sections
• Shaped timber

Chemical stripping can help soften old coatings without flattening carved profiles through aggressive sanding.

Use suitable brushes and scrapers carefully so the softened finish is removed without cutting into the underlying timber.

Browse:

• Woodcare Brushes
• Steel Wool and Wood-Finishing Abrasives
• Woodcare Cloths and Workshop Sundries

Avoid using coarse wire brushes on delicate timber, veneer or polished furniture.

Preparing Stripped Timber for Refinishing

Once the old coating and stripper residue have been removed:

1. Allow the timber to dry fully.
2. Inspect for remaining paint or varnish.
3. Repeat the stripping process where necessary.
4. Repair cracks, dents and holes.
5. Sand the surface progressively.
6. Remove sanding dust.
7. Test the selected stain.
8. Apply the appropriate sealer.
9. Add the chosen protective finish.
10. Allow the completed coating to cure.

Browse:

• Wood Fillers, Waxes and Touch-Up Repairs
• Light-Fast Furniture Wood Stains
• Furniture Oils
• French Polishes and Shellac Sealers
• Furniture Lacquers

Do not apply a new finish until stripper residue and contamination have been removed.

Xylene Thinners for Oil-Based Paint

Rustins Xylene Thinners – 500ml

The Rustins Xylene Thinners for Oil-Based Paint – 500ml can be used to thin most compatible oil-based paints.

It can also be used to clean brushes and other equipment used with oil-based paint.

Potential uses include:

• Thinning compatible oil-based paint
• Adjusting paint flow
• Cleaning suitable paintbrushes
• Cleaning rollers and application tools
• Removing uncured oil-based paint from compatible equipment
• Workshop painting and restoration work

Xylene thinners may also be described as:

• Oil-paint thinner
• Xylene solvent
• Paint reducer
• Oil-based coating thinner
• Brush-cleaning solvent
• Workshop equipment cleaner

Only use xylene where the paint or coating manufacturer confirms compatibility.

Do not use it automatically as a substitute for white spirit, cellulose thinners or methylated spirit.

Thinning Oil-Based Paint with Xylene

A controlled thinning process may involve:

1. Reading the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Transferring the required amount of paint into a clean container.
3. Adding a small measured amount of xylene thinners.
4. Mixing thoroughly.
5. Checking the paint flow.
6. Testing it on a prepared surface.
7. Adding further thinners only if required.
8. Recording the successful ratio.
9. Applying the paint using compatible equipment.
10. Keeping the remaining materials covered.

Excessive thinning may reduce:

• Coverage
• Colour strength
• Film thickness
• Durability
• Gloss
• Resistance to wear

Prepare only the amount needed for the immediate task.

Cleaning Brushes Used with Oil-Based Paint

Xylene thinners can be used to clean suitable brushes and equipment before compatible oil-based paint hardens.

A typical process may involve:

1. Removing excess paint.
2. Wiping the brush on a suitable surface.
3. Pouring a controlled amount of thinners into a compatible container.
4. Working it through the bristles.
5. Repeating with clean solvent where required.
6. Reshaping the brush.
7. Allowing it to dry safely.
8. Disposing of contaminated solvent correctly.

Do not pour dirty cleaning solvent back into the original container.

Check that synthetic brush filaments, seals and plastic equipment components are resistant to xylene before prolonged contact.

Choosing the Correct Thinner or Spirit

Choose cellulose thinners where:

• Compatible cellulose lacquer needs thinning
• Cellulose spray equipment requires cleaning
• A specialist lacquer solvent blend is specified

Choose methylated spirit where:

• French polish needs thinning
• Shellac varnish is being used
• Shellac brushes require cleaning
• Suitable paint stripper needs washing off

Choose xylene thinners where:

• A compatible oil-based paint specifies xylene
• Oil-paint brushes and equipment need cleaning
• A stronger paint solvent is specifically required

Choose Rustins Strypit where:

• Paint or varnish needs removing
• Several coating layers must be softened
• A gel stripper is useful on vertical surfaces
• Furniture is being prepared for refinishing

These products perform different functions and should not be mixed unless the relevant manufacturer specifically instructs it.

Thinners or Paint Stripper?

Thinners and strippers are not the same.

Use a thinner to:

• Adjust compatible coating viscosity
• Improve flow where instructed
• Clean suitable brushes
• Flush compatible spray equipment
• Remove uncured coating residue

Use a paint stripper to:

• Soften an existing cured coating
• Remove paint or varnish
• Prepare furniture for refinishing
• Reach old coatings in mouldings and details

Applying thinners to a cured finish may not remove it effectively and could spread softened residue across the surface.

Preparing a Furniture-Refinishing Workspace

Before using solvents or paint stripper:

• Move the furniture to a suitable working area
• Provide effective ventilation
• Remove ignition sources
• Protect floors and surrounding surfaces
• Keep foam and fabric away from splashes
• Prepare compatible tools and containers
• Wear the required protective equipment
• Keep clean-up materials available
• Plan for safe waste disposal
• Read the product instructions

Furniture with upholstery still attached should be protected carefully because solvents and stripper can damage fabric, foam, adhesives and synthetic materials.

Testing Product Compatibility

Before applying a stripper, thinner or spirit:

1. Identify the existing coating where possible.
2. Read the product instructions.
3. Test a concealed section.
4. Check for softening, staining or discolouration.
5. Inspect any veneer or adhesive.
6. Allow the test area to dry.
7. Confirm that the intended new finish remains compatible.
8. Proceed only when the result is acceptable.

Take particular care with:

• Veneered furniture
• Plastic components
• Decorative laminates
• Painted detailing
• Upholstered areas
• Glued joints
• Antique finishes
• Unknown coatings

Containers, Brushes and Application Tools

Use only containers and tools that are compatible with the selected solvent or stripper.

Browse:

• Woodcare Brushes
• Woodcare Cloths and Mixing Cups
• Steel Wool and Abrasives

Do not use an unsuitable plastic container that could soften, distort or leak.

Keep separate brushes and equipment for:

• Cellulose products
• Shellac
• Oil-based paints
• Paint stripper
• Furniture oils
• Catalysed lacquer

This helps reduce contamination between incompatible finishing systems.

Safe Use of Strippers, Thinners and Spirits

Paint strippers, thinners and methylated spirit must be handled carefully.

Before use:

• Read the label and safety data
• Work with suitable ventilation
• Keep away from flames and sparks
• Do not smoke in the working area
• Wear suitable gloves
• Wear eye protection
• Use respiratory protection where specified
• Protect skin and clothing
• Keep containers closed
• Store products securely

Never use solvent products near:

• Pilot lights
• Heaters
• Open flames
• Electrical sparks
• Welding or grinding work
• Other ignition sources

Do not mix solvents together or transfer them into unlabelled drinks containers.

Solvent-Contaminated Cloths and Waste

Cloths, brushes and absorbent materials contaminated with thinners, spirit, stripper or paint must be handled according to the product instructions and local disposal requirements.

Do not:

• Leave solvent-soaked cloths in a pile
• Store contaminated waste beside ignition sources
• Pour waste solvent into drains
• Return dirty solvent to the original container
• Leave open containers unattended
• Mix unrelated chemical waste

Use an appropriate closed waste container where required and arrange proper disposal.

Trade Paint Strippers, Thinners and Spirits

Livedale supplies cellulose thinners, methylated spirit, non-caustic paint stripper and xylene thinners to professional furniture restorers, French polishers, cabinet makers, joiners, wood finishers, manufacturers and training workshops throughout the UK.

The range covers:

• Removing paint and varnish
• Thinning cellulose lacquer
• Thinning French polish and shellac varnish
• Thinning compatible oil-based paints
• Cleaning brushes and spray equipment
• Furniture preparation and refinishing

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose each stripper, thinner or spirit according to the coating, application method and manufacturer’s compatibility instructions.