safe chemical storage

[Curtis Niedermier]

Hey, I'm curious how you all store chemicals in your shop. I'm talking stuff like paint thinner, lacquer, boiled linseed oil, finishes, etc. What's safe, and what's unsafe? I was thinking of getting a metal cabinet with a lock, and leaving a couple of those desiccant packs in it to eat up any moisture. Is that even necessary? Right now I don't have a very big supply on hand, and I keep them on a small wooden shelf in the garage, which is uninsulated. I'm just thinking ahead and trying to get more organized before winter comes.

[Matt Meiser]

I keep my detached shop at 42 over the winter when I'm not using it so my approach might not work for you. I keep everything solvent based in a metal office cabinet in my finishing room. Water based stuff (and glue) is kept in a wood cabinet in a small office that is kept at 62.