I Need Help With Alcohol...

[Derek Arita]

...and I'm not joking. I live in CA and can no longer get a gallon of Denatured Alcohol. Can anyone help me out with a solution?

[Richard Coers]

Choose another type of finish? Sure hope people aren't using denatured alcohol in hand sanitizer. It's very toxic and not a lot of difference between skin absorption and drinking it. If you are talking about CA just not selling it, buy Everclear instead. Much more expensive!

[Frank Pratt]

Can you get Everclear there? It is up to 95% ethanol, reportedly the best kind of alcohol for use with shellac.

[Derek Arita]

Ok...I need an education here as to what's the difference between Denatured Alcohol and Everclear. I use it for cleaning clock and knife parts and occasional, for finishes.

[Richard Coers]

Denatured alcohol was developed during prohibition. It has toxic additives to keep people from drinking it. Unfortunately, people still did and they went blind, and/or died. An estimated 10,000 deaths during prohibition. It's very toxic and is hazardous if absorbed through the skin. For cleaning, acetone would be a much better choice, but still best to keep it off your skin.

[Edwin Santos]

...and I'm not joking. I live in CA and can no longer get a gallon of Denatured Alcohol. Can anyone help me out with a solution?
Yes, get yourself some 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. I have obtained it by the gallon from Amazon. Under normal conditions, you can find it in printing supply places quite reasonably. The traditional non-digital printing presses use it to clean rollers.

However, as I'm writing this, I'm thinking the medical crisis might have disrupted the availability of Isopropyl alcohol because it is used in sanitizers. If this is the case, then you may have to consider the Everclear route, or take a drive to Arizona or some other state and get DA.
Other ideas: Behlen makes a proprietary shellac solvent called Behkol. I have seen it on Shellac.net. Not sure if they would ship to CA, but you can try. Also, I have heard that camping fuel can be used to dissolve shellac, but I've never tried it, and maybe it depends on the brand of fuel.

[glenn bradley]

When the morons who got that ruling passed first succeeded I went online and ordered a couple of gallons. It was delivered no problem. I tried again just the other day but, the ruling has caught up with the suppliers and it's no-go. I use a lot of shellac and figure when the time comes I will find some way to get some. California is a long state but, it is also narrow. Maybe a team-buy and a 3 hour drive to Arizona or Nevada is the answer. I never let a trip to the river or Vegas go to waste. Waterlox and ARS used to be my "gotta get" items while over the border. Now I'll add DNA.

[Cliff Polubinsky]

Derek,

Everclear is 190 proof (95%) grain alcohol and is drinkable. You can get or order it at your local liquor store.

Cliff

[Derek Arita]

Derek,

Everclear is 190 proof (95%) grain alcohol and is drinkable. You can get or order it at your local liquor store.

Cliff
So can Everclear be used just like Denatured, isopropyl? Is it all the same?

[glenn bradley]

Derek,

Everclear is 190 proof (95%) grain alcohol and is drinkable. You can get or order it at your local liquor store.

Cliff

Cost prohibitive in Cali as far as I have been able to find.

"Shoes for industry" :)

[David Bassett]

... If you are talking about CA just not selling it, buy Everclear instead. Much more expensive!


Can you get Everclear there? ...


.... You can get or order it at your local liquor store. ...

Uh, no. Not in California. (It's a liquor law, not an air pollution law.) We're limited to 151 proof.



So can Everclear be used just like Denatured, isopropyl? Is it all the same?

Denatured alcohol is just pure Ethanol, like EverClear, with poison added. Typical poison is Methanol (which makes you twitch, go blind, and then die with too much exposure. Healthy stuff. Not!) Many people's exposure is limited, so they don't worry about it (or don't know) and seem fine. Many threads here on substitutes, workarounds, and concentrations of various brands of denatured (some are high and some have less.)

If you find the "best" solution, please share! I'd like to be able to use shellac more and without so much stress.

[Mel Fulks]

BEHKOL is made for shellac use, it works and is much cheaper than Everclear.

[Dave Cav]

Another alternative is indoor fireplace fuel. It's essentially pure ethanol with a bittering agent added to make it undrinkable. Generally available on Amazon in quarts and cases of quarts. As far as I know it's not as toxic as DNA, and I've used a couple of gallons of it with shellac with good results. however, I was in my local pro paint store yesterday and saw they had gallons of DNA for $15, so I may go back to that.

[joe maday]

Check amazon, Cleanstrip Green alcohol. it is ethanol (grain alcohol) vs methanol (petroleum based) with an additive to stop being able to drink it. To make it "denatured". It is much like everclear but not able to be consumed. I checked amazon for 94132. and it is in stock @17.40 QT ! and deliverable to San Fran by may 7th.....By truck.....Look into it. Also the green alcohol might be available locally from an ACE hardware store. I have not personally used it but if could get some and try. Ethanol is also sold as "stove fuel"..just check the labels for the additives..they should be less than 5% to work with shellac...That's what I would do.....just say'n......

[David Utterback]

When ethanol is distilled, 95% EtOH/H2O is the product since it forms an azeotrope with water which boils at a lower temperature than the pure alcohol does. The only way to overcome that is to add a third solvent, such as benzene, that will form a triple azeotrope where 99+% ethanol is the product. Very rarely is such a product needed, though. (How I remember this from chemistry lab over 40 years ago is amazing to me when I would be hard pressed to tell you what I had for dinner last night.:D)

Denatured means that 1 or more of a number of other compounds has been added to make it hazardous to ingest. Methanol was used formerly but it is very hazardous - even with skin contact. BTW, methanol was/is called wood alcohol since it is derived from cellulose.

[Bill Dufour]

Coleman fuel and its like is mainly naphtha. It is a good paint thinner but not for shellac. I get mine at walmart house brand for about $8.00 per gallon which is cheaper then paint thiner.
Bil lD.

[Andrew Pitonyak]

I just received an order of two gallons of isopropyl alcohol and I have a few gallons from Home Depot. It looks like now the Isopropyl is out of stock, which I did not expect since last I heard there is a ton of alcohol being made but they do not have things such as containers (and similar) to put it in or the chemicals to thicken the hand sanitizer.

Alcohol must be shipped by ground. I just shipped some hand sanitizer and I had to ship by ground because it is flammable.

So they no longer allow Alcohol in California?

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?277195-Denatured-Alcohol-Suppliers-and-Substitutes

Think of it as just another tax. Why ban Denatured alcohol?

[Derek Arita]

Check amazon, Cleanstrip Green alcohol. it is ethanol (grain alcohol) vs methanol (petroleum based) with an additive to stop being able to drink it. To make it "denatured". It is much like everclear but not able to be consumed. I checked amazon for 94132. and it is in stock @17.40 QT ! and deliverable to San Fran by may 7th.....By truck.....Look into it. Also the green alcohol might be available locally from an ACE hardware store. I have not personally used it but if could get some and try. Ethanol is also sold as "stove fuel"..just check the labels for the additives..they should be less than 5% to work with shellac...That's what I would do.....just say'n......
So isn't the "green alcohol" with additive just as toxic and harmful as regular denatured alcohol?

[Richard Verwoest]

You can order it from Wal Mart.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Denatured-Alcohol-Ethanol-200-proof-2-gallon-case/253415165

[Mike Henderson]

Also, I have heard that camping fuel can be used to dissolve shellac, but I've never tried it, and maybe it depends on the brand of fuel.

Coleman stove fuel is mostly naphtha. Alcohol stoves are available for camping so if you can get some fuel for those, it might work.

I use a small amount of alcohol for shellac and still have about a half gallon. I looked at HD and none available right now.

Mike

[Derek Arita]

You can order it from Wal Mart.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Denatured-Alcohol-Ethanol-200-proof-2-gallon-case/253415165

Not available...

[David Bassett]

So isn't the "green alcohol" with additive just as toxic and harmful as regular denatured alcohol?

This was discussed here awhile ago. IIRC- someone pulled up the SDS for the two Cleanstrip alcohols and the green was a higher percentage of ethanol, so healthier. Not healthy.

[Sanford Imhoff]

I don't believe BEHKOL is available anymore. I concur with the Everclear recommendation.

[Richard Coers]

I just received an order of two gallons of isopropyl alcohol and I have a few gallons from Home Depot. It looks like now the Isopropyl is out of stock, which I did not expect since last I heard there is a ton of alcohol being made but they do not have things such as containers (and similar) to put it in or the chemicals to thicken the hand sanitizer.

Alcohol must be shipped by ground. I just shipped some hand sanitizer and I had to ship by ground because it is flammable.

So they no longer allow Alcohol in California?

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?277195-Denatured-Alcohol-Suppliers-and-Substitutes

Think of it as just another tax. Why ban Denatured alcohol?

Aloe Vera Gel is what is mixed with it to make hand sanitizer. That is a rare as Isopropyl alcohol right now.

[Thomas McCurnin]

Only 50-50 rubbing alcohol in California unless you opt for food grade alcohol which is very pricey, but not much more than a good film finish. You’ll find it at food suppliers and chemical suppliers.

I’ve switched to water based finishes and the General brand is excellent, with no drips, runs, and is very fast drying. I can lay on several coats a day and being water based is tintable.

[Andrew Pitonyak]

Only 50-50 rubbing alcohol in California unless you opt for food grade alcohol which is very pricey, but not much more than a good film finish. You’ll find it at food suppliers and chemical suppliers.

I’ve switched to water based finishes and the General brand is excellent, with no drips, runs, and is very fast drying. I can lay on several coats a day and being water based is tintable.

What does one do with 50-50 rubbing alcohol? I use 70% to disinfect before I poke myself because it is cheaper than the alcohol wipes (unless I am going on vacation, then I bring the little prepackaged wipes).

[johnny means]

"We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.”
Good to see you've made that first step.:D

[Mel Fulks]

I don't believe BEHKOL is available anymore. I concur with the Everclear recommendation.

Sanford, Looks like you are right, thanks for info. Gotta wonder about what business deals were made along the line.
I won't be using any more shellac, never was a big user.

[Wes Grass]

Stainless beer keg and some plumbing fittings will get you some ethanol, but not above the 95% mentioned already.

So I've been told. Seriously. I aint ambitious, or thirsty enough. Yet.

Might not want to use any copper on the outlets though. Some small chance you could use that as a defense in court. as the copper is there to snatch the sulfur compounds out that make it taste nasty.

[David Buchhauser]

Ok...I need an education here as to what's the difference between Denatured Alcohol and Everclear. I use it for cleaning clock and knife parts and occasional, for finishes.


I think lacquer thinner would be fine for cleaning clock parts, knife parts, de-greasing, etc. Should be available at Walmart, auto paint store, etc.
David

[Alan Lightstone]

This was discussed here awhile ago. IIRC- someone pulled up the SDS for the two Cleanstrip alcohols and the green was a higher percentage of ethanol, so healthier. Not healthy.

I was the one who pulled the MSDS ages ago. Yes, indeed, there is dramatically more ethanol in the Green Cleanstrip denatured alcohol compared to the normal one.

>80-100% ethanol in Green Cleanstrip, with 3-7% methanol, 1-5% acetic acid, and a tiny bit of heptane and methyl isobutyl ketone
30-60% ethanol and 30-60% methanol in regular Kleen-strip denatured alcohol (love how they give ranges), and a tiny bit of heptane and methyl isobutyl ketone.

[Robert LaPlaca]

I don't believe BEHKOL is available anymore. I concur with the Everclear recommendation.

Product has been rebranded as Mohawk shellac reducer, Mohawk has been the parent company of Behlen, I guess they recently rebranded all the Behlen products

[Eugene Dixon]

What does one do with 50-50 rubbing alcohol? I use 70% to disinfect before I poke myself because it is cheaper than the alcohol wipes (unless I am going on vacation, then I bring the little prepackaged wipes).

Run it through the still again!:D

[Alan Lightstone]

Anyone have a good source of 100% Ethanol or 99% Isopropyl alcohol that will ship to Florida?

[Edwin Santos]

Anyone have a good source of 100% Ethanol or 99% Isopropyl alcohol that will ship to Florida?

Alan,
Do you have a Safeway grocery store near you? If so, check their in-store pharmacy area for 16oz 99% Isopropyl alcohol. At my local store it was available for $2.59. It looks like the photo below:

BTW, both Walgreen's and CVS sell a 91% version of the same thing for an even lower price. I have never tried it because I've always been able to get DA or 99% IPA. I have wondered if the additional water content in the 91% would be a noticeable problem. I wonder what the water content is in Sealcoat. I know there is some because I've had the bottom of the can rust on me.

429937

[Derek Arita]

Alan,
Do you have a Safeway grocery store near you? If so, check their in-store pharmacy area for 16oz 99% Isopropyl alcohol. At my local store it was available for $2.59. It looks like the photo below:

429937
My Safeway is out and has been out ever since all this started.

[Andrew Pitonyak]

Run it through the still again!:D

well that is some good thinking there!

[Edwin Santos]

My Safeway is out and has been out ever since all this started.

Well this is a long shot, at least until the crisis ends, but here goes - If you can find a printing supply place in your area that is not temporarily shut down, chances are they will stock 99% IPA. Printers use it to clean rollers. In my area, there are a couple of paper distributors that carry it alongside the paper they sell to printers. Alternatively, you could call around to a few print shops, and they might sell you a gallon from their own stock.

Another option is to check with some electronics supply places. The kinds of places that people obtain parts for homebrew computing and stuff like that. IPA is extensively used in electronics.

[Andrew Pitonyak]

Anyone have a good source of 100% Ethanol or 99% Isopropyl alcohol that will ship to Florida?


If ya'll lived closer, I would loan you a can. :(

I shipped hand sanitizer to my Sister, who is exposed to Corona patients all day long (she is shoving tubes down their throat when they can no longer breath on their own). Cost more than the hand sanitizer to ship it, and it was a pretty big bottle. I purchased a bunch before things went nuts because I wanted to put some in my classroom and also for daughters dance studio; and then everything closed down and I was sitting here with a bunch of hand sanitizer..... So I started giving it away

How much do you need for your project? I have 8 quarts of Isopropyl and 4 gallons of Alcohol fuel for stoves (Denatured from Home Depot). I use enough of it that i keep it on hand.

[Edwin Santos]

Product has been rebranded as Mohawk shellac reducer, Mohawk has been the parent company of Behlen, I guess they recently rebranded all the Behlen products

Thank you for pointing this out, wasn't aware of it. And it looks like Rockler and Woodcraft both stock it in 32oz for $12.95, so that might be the best bet for OP until Coronavirus is no longer disrupting the availability of IPA. It looks like the Mohawk product is mostly Ethanol. I do not see an indication that it will not ship to CA either.

[Mike Henderson]

I live in southern California and can normally purchase denatured alcohol at Home Depot in gallon cans. Certainly is not restricted for sale in CA.

Of course, they don't have any right now.

Mike

[Alan Lightstone]

Denatured alcohol (Green Kleen-strip) was readily available about a month ago. Minimal methanol (3-7%), but still some. I would think using it sporatically as hand sanitizer wouldn't even remotely come close to a toxic dose, but I'm certainly no toxicologist, and am not recommending this. Of course, drinking heavily to induce competitive inhibition of the alcohol dehydrogenase on the methanol is one approach, but I digress... :rolleyes:

Anything like hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, or EverClear has been impossible to get in Florida for quite some time.

[Mel Fulks]

I stopped buying the big box DA because it just would not disolve the flakes. Just had to use it up for thinning shellac
and cleaning stuff. Some of the can tops were always loose in the store. Some of the cans have "thins shellac " printed on
the cans and nothing about dissolving .

[David Utterback]

I live in southern California and can normally purchase denatured alcohol at Home Depot in gallon cans. Certainly is not restricted for sale in CA.

Of course, they don't have any right now.

Mike

I sure hope people are not using DNA for hand sanitizer!!!

[David Utterback]

Denatured alcohol (Green Kleen-strip) was readily available about a month ago. Minimal methanol (3-7%), but still some. I would think using it sporatically as hand sanitizer wouldn't even remotely come close to a toxic dose, but I'm certainly no toxicologist, and am not recommending this. Of course, drinking heavily to induce competitive inhibition of the alcohol dehydrogenase on the methanol is one approach, but I digress... :rolleyes:

Anything like hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, or EverClear has been impossible to get in Florida for quite some time.

I responded to Jim's post above yours before seeing yours. I would absolutely discourage using commercial grade DNA as a skin sanitizer. It is likely that people could use it multiple times a day and the skin absorption would be significant. If it contains methanol, the nervous system health hazard could be irreversible. I am less familiar with the toxic effects of other denaturing agents but would certainly obtain the SDS before using it daily for any purpose including woodworking applications with minimal skin contact.

BTW, I spent my career as an occupational health scientist with over 20 years at NIOSH.

[Alan Lightstone]

I responded to Jim's post above yours before seeing yours. I would absolutely discourage using commercial grade DNA as a skin sanitizer. It is likely that people could use it multiple times a day and the skin absorption would be significant. If it contains methanol, the nervous system health hazard could be irreversible. I am less familiar with the toxic effects of other denaturing agents but would certainly obtain the SDS before using it daily for any purpose including woodworking applications with minimal skin contact.

BTW, I spent my career as an occupational health scientist with over 20 years at NIOSH.

I've highlighted my line about not recommending using DNA for hand sanitizer in my post above. I really wasn't suggesting using it, but I am fascinated by what proportion of methanol is absorbed through skin. The same thing about DMSO. It just amazes me that these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, which is a pretty impervious barrier. Of course, nicotine patches, fentanyl patches, and organophosphate insecticides, organic solvents can be absorbed through the skin, which i do find fascinating.

Anyway, don't want to further hijack the thread. I've had no issues dissolving shellac with Green Kleen-Strip, and it's been my go to solvent for that. It does take a while, and I use a bottle of the mixture floating in microwaved water, but it always has worked for me.

[David Utterback]

The skin is a much more effective barrier for water type (polar) substances than for non-polar organic (i.e. lipophylic or fat loving) compounds for the most part. Essentially for DNA, what does not evaporate is absorbed by the skin. The drugs you mention as well as most pesticides are designed to penetrate cell membranes so they are readily distributed to the target cells.

[Brian Holcombe]

Alan, methanol is nasty stuff. I used normal DNA years ago with an organics full face mask, gloves, etc and still had enough exposure somehow that I felt ill for weeks.

I wouldn’t touch it, I have everclear for making shellac now after high quality high % ethanol DNA but I don’t bother anymore. The $20 saved isn’t worth it.

[Ronald Blue]

4 in stock at the nearby Home Depot.

omedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-gal-SLX-Denatured-Alcohol-Cleaner-GSL26/100139444 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-gal-SLX-Denatured-Alcohol-Cleaner-GSL26/100139444)

[Alan Lightstone]

Alan, methanol is nasty stuff. I used normal DNA years ago with an organics full face mask, gloves, etc and still had enough exposure somehow that I felt ill for weeks.

I wouldn’t touch it, I have everclear for making shellac now after high quality high % ethanol DNA but I don’t bother anymore. The $20 saved isn’t worth it.

Once this all calms down, I'll see if I can get some. It used to be impossible in Florida, but now I think the laws may have changed a few years ago.

I don't use too much shellac these days, but it's the best stuff I've found for cleaning our wood floors (Bona just leaves a film and screws them up, but that's another story.) Having a robot clean our floors with high quality, high % ethanol DNA when we're not in the room doesn't really concern me much.

[Richard Coers]

I've highlighted my line about not recommending using DNA for hand sanitizer in my post above. I really wasn't suggesting using it, but I am fascinated by what proportion of methanol is absorbed through skin. The same thing about DMSO. It just amazes me that these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, which is a pretty impervious barrier. Of course, nicotine patches, fentanyl patches, and organophosphate insecticides, organic solvents can be absorbed through the skin, which i do find fascinating.

Anyway, don't want to further hijack the thread. I've had no issues dissolving shellac with Green Kleen-Strip, and it's been my go to solvent for that. It does take a while, and I use a bottle of the mixture floating in microwaved water, but it always has worked for me.
Human skin is not a barrier at all from chemicals. Besides absorbing the toxic chemicals, alcohol based products readily absorb into the skin because it strips oils from the skin too. Farmers are required to handle horrible chemicals, every protection seminar starts by telling them what a horrible barrier skin is, followed by the requirement to wear rubber gloves (not thin nitrile). The chemicals go right to the bodies filters, liver and kidneys. Then the instructor talks about farmers taking a piss in the fields after handling the chemicals. Now there is some thin skin filled with blood flow very close to the surface. My younger brother died at the age of 48 from colon cancer. My Dad and he both ignored so many chemical protections. My Dad always complained how some of them gave him diarrhea. Dad died at the age of 61, brother at 48. How many 48 year olds are filled with cancer from the brain to the colon? Plus our family had no history of cancer until my brother.

[David Utterback]

4 in stock at the nearby Home Depot.

omedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-gal-SLX-Denatured-Alcohol-Cleaner-GSL26/100139444 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-gal-SLX-Denatured-Alcohol-Cleaner-GSL26/100139444)

I was wondering if the retail stores might add to the label cautions by posting a notice that dna should not be used as a skin sanitizer. Many retailers are posting notices that 3 months ago had not entered their minds.

[John K Jordan]

So can Everclear be used just like Denatured, isopropyl? Is it all the same?

Ethanol alcohol is distilled from fermented plants and grains. It's the stuff people drink. The "proof" is the percentage of alcohol x 2: 100 proof is 50% alcohol.
You can buy 200 proof ethanol (anhydrous, no significant amount of water) from laboratory supply houses for scientific use. Google 200 proof ethanol. I use it for cleaning lenses.
You can buy 190 proof (95% ethanol) from a liquor store. It is an expensive way to buy alcohol for the shop. I use it to make vanilla extract from vanilla beans.
Denatured is ethanol with a chemical added to make it undrinkable. In the last few years many supplier have been adding methanol which is bad stuff to even get on your skin.

Isopropyl alcohol is completely different than ethanol. I buy 99% isopropyl by the gallon at the farm store. I haven't tried mixing it with shellac since I have gallons of DNA on hand but I read it will work fine.

JKJ

[Mel Fulks]

I've heard that drinkable grain alcohol for medical use can be sold without the high tax if it is sold "flavored" with Bitrex,
"the world's most bitter substance". Bitrex can be bought on eBay and is a great way to keep deer from eating your
plants.

[Edwin Santos]

Isopropyl alcohol is completely different than ethanol. I buy 99% isopropyl by the gallon at the farm store. I haven't tried mixing it with shellac since I have gallons of DNA on hand but I read it will work fine.

JKJ

I don't know if this is a problem where you live, but in hot and dry climates shellac can dry problematically fast. I have found that 99% Isopropyl helps retard the drying time and encourages shellac to flow out better in comparison to DNA. For this reason alone, I prefer Isopropyl. And the added benefit is avoiding the toxicity of DNA that has been discussed above.

Regarding dry time, adding a small amount <5% of lacquer retarder will help slow it down further if needed.

[Derek Arita]

So, here's another question...I have some 62% alcohol hand sanitizer. Can I add 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to it to bring it up to 70% and if so, how much would I have to add? It's the gel type, with aloe and stuff.

[John K Jordan]

So, here's another question...I have some 62% alcohol hand sanitizer. Can I add 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to it to bring it up to 70% and if so, how much would I have to add? It's the gel type, with aloe and stuff.

I don't remember the details of mixing alcohols and I don't know if there are any special considerations for mixing ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, but basically mixing solutions to get a different solution is a bit of algebra. There is plenty on the web but I found a simple calculator for you:
https://www.1728.org/mixture.htm

First, important, click on B to set the calculator to changing the concentration of a solution.
Enter the volume of the solution you have in "Solution 1 volume" (whatever it is)
Enter the concentration of your existing solution in "Solution 1 concentration" (62 in your case)
Enter the concentration of what you are adding in "Solution 2 concentration" (91 in your case)
Enter the desired concentration in "Solution 3 concentration" (70, you said)
Then click "Calculate" to get the volume of the 91% to add to get 70% concentration

The math is given lower on the page. It's pretty simple so you might just skip the calculator.

But you might first want to check into the chemistry of mixing alcohols.

A pharmacist told me the minimum recommended concentration for killing viruses was 60%.

JKJ

[David Utterback]

The alcohols should be completely miscible, i.e. they will not separate at any concentration.

[Wayne Cannon]

Denatured alcohol is not banned statewide in California. It is banned in many/most of the most densely populated "air quality control districts", but is available elsewhere in California.

Having said that, my hardware store has been unable to get DNA for the last month due to demand because of the virus.

I live seven miles outside of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Denatured alcohol (Kleen Strip) is normly available here at Ace Hardware in gallon and quart cans. It was banned within the BAAQMD for VOC reasons on 1 Jan 2019. The air quality control district boundaries affect numerous things: car exhaust testing, lacquer thinner, varnish, wood-burning fireplaces on some days, etc.

[Derek Arita]

Just to wrap this up I thought I'd tell you how this ended up. I ended up driving 2 hours to Reno, Nevada, where denatured alcohol can be purchased. I went to HD and bought 6 gallons of the stuff. Fortunately I had 2 gift cards to cover the cost. It was actually a nice drive and I got enough DNA to last me quite a while. Thanks for all you input.

[David Eisenhauer]

I made a run to Death Valley last year and noticed that the state lines going over into Cali did not feature hardware stores just across the line. Instead, they seemed to feature "herb" stores. So, one could make a run to the state line and be able to stock up on alcohol and herb. Perfect run.