Thread: Methylated Spirits

It did that in Qld a while back (made a mess of my metho stove) then it's gone clear again.

I'd guess it's the decrease in alcohol in the VB, mate - everyone's been stengthening it up with the metho, so they've added a pretty colour to stop youse all. You wouldn't want your VB a poofy colour now, would you?

Noticed this when I was in the NT. In many stores it was kept behind the counter and not out on the shelves.

I had heard that the purple was to stain your tongue if you drank it and therefore discourage drinking. Don't really know.

Originally Posted by isuzu110

Noticed this when I was in the NT. In many stores it was kept behind the counter and not out on the shelves.

I had heard that the purple was to stain your tongue if you drank it and therefore discourage drinking. Don't really know.

This is true.

I was a chemical tanker driver and the majority of loads was Ethanol. There is an additive (which does not change the colour) mixed with Ethanol to make it non food grade quality.
Food grade ethanol is used for alcohol beverages so the tax is astronomical. When the additive is mixed in it then has a much lower tax as it is now a 2nd grade mixture.
This however will make you very ill if you drink it. So someone along the way decided it would be wise to warn the few who drink it that it was dangerous was to dye it purple.

Dont think it worked!

Originally Posted by isuzu110

Noticed this when I was in the NT. In many stores it was kept behind the counter and not out on the shelves.

It still is purple, it still isn't available off the shelf, you still have to ask for it.

As mentioned the colour is a dye additive... I assume it's so you don't confuse it with VB

Apparently, Metho was originally 95% ethanol and 5% methanol. Methanol is toxic so they thought that would stop people drinking it. It didn't work - people still drunk it, went blind and died. So modern Metho is now all ethanol with a non-lethal chemical added to make it taste terrible, to discourage people drinking it. Don't know what the deal with the dye is though.

I once saw a documentary where an old aboriginal bloke was saying that all you do is hollow out a loaf of bread, then use the "U-shaped" crust remaining to filter the Metho - it removes the chemical. Never tried it though - there is plenty of lab-grade ethanol around if I was that way inclined.

My uncle once was living in NT, and needed some metho for his stove. He couldn't find any in the shop - it was behind the counter - the shop assistant got him one and he said "haven't you got a cold one" - she took it away and wouldn't sell him any.

I have been told the trick is to buy a loaf of non sliced bread and cut each end off. Now filter the purple metho through the bread.
What comes out is clear and much tastier...

Note: Don't try this at home. If you do try this, don't blame me for any after effects, etc!

Of course if you are wanting it for french polishing you should look for IMS or industrial grade 100% Methylated Spirits. For this try a good paint supplier.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

My uncle once was living in NT, and needed some metho for his stove. He couldn't find any in the shop - it was behind the counter - the shop assistant got him one and he said "haven't you got a cold one" - she took it away and wouldn't sell him any.

ROFLMAO.... that hilarious!