Is Naphtha called "WHITE SPIRITS" over here?

[jpbales]

good warning!

thanks a bunch!

[public service mode: on]

Having just bought a 5 litre can of Panel Wipe from my local panels and paints shop, a warning to all FLoungers using naphtha:

Naphtha (naptha [sic]) is indeed as described above; a highly volatile mixture of hydrocarbons. It is such a great organic solvent as it contains many aromatic hydrocarbons (nothing to do with how they smell, but their molecular structure). The msds for my can also notes a certain, unspecified, amount of benzene . This is not unexpected as it would distill in the same fraction as all the other aromatics. Be aware that this is one of the most carcinogenic substances known, though also one of the greatest of all organic solvents - hence great for removing human-induced muck from hats, or car panels. We cannot buy benzene for the lab because it's so dangerous. This does not pose a problem for me using naphtha - or panel wipe - to clean my hats, as i know how to protect myself. But be very careful with the stuff. And please don't just tip it down your sink when done with it; it's rotten for the environment. Keep very safely out of the reach of children. Do not use anywhere even close to an open flame. Do not use indoors, even in a well-ventilated area.


IF YOU WANT CANCER, USE NAPHTHA WITHOUT ADEQUATE PROTECTION. DO NOT BLAME ANYONE ELSE WHEN YOU GET CANCER.

[public service mode: off]

bk

 

[Story]

Somewhat related, the rip-roaring Golden Age tales from AMERICAN DRY CLEANER!
lol
http://www.americandrycleaner.com/article.cfm?articleID=17876

 

[Corky]

Why smoking around flammable liquids is a bad idea...

Why smoking around flammable liquids is a bad idea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu7I...s-engulfed-in-flames/&feature=player_embedded

Best of luck

 

[Mario]

Really!?
Over here we call that gin. :beer: lol

Turpentine and dandelion wine I've turned the corner and I'm doing fine
Shootin' at the birds on the telephone line pickin' 'em off with this gun of mine...

 

[Mario]

Says Wikipedia:

"Naphtha (pronounced /ˈnæfθə/ or /ˈnæpθə/) normally refers to a number of different flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, i.e. a distillation product from petroleum or coal tar boiling in a certain range and containing certain hydrocarbons, a broad term encompassing any volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture."

So it really seems that the term 'Naphta' is generic rather than specific. To confuse matters even further, there is Naphtha and Solvent Naptha - two completely different things.

Here in Germany, White Spirits is called Wasch- or Testbenzin, and that's what I use for cleaning hats, as it was even recommended to me by German hatters.

 

[MisterCairo]

I learn something new here nearly every day!

Prior to reading this thread, the only context in which I've seen/used/heard of naphtha was during my army/air force training, as we use it as stove and lantern fuel.

It never entered my mind it could be used as a cleaner for anything other than perhaps oil stains on concrete.

 

[gtdean48]

I did a naptha bath on 2 silver belly Stetsons. The stains I was wanting to get out were not affected but the naptha got some dirt out. Not sure it was worth all the trouble it took. The felt seems to have a different tint to it now as well.

 

[Windsock8e]

Thread revival - just wondering whether 8 years on, there is a view on how to clean hats in the UK, aka what is the naphtha UK equivalent please ?

 

[Windsock8e]

Thread revival - just wondering whether 8 years on, there is a view on how to clean hats in the UK, aka what is the naphtha UK equivalent please ?

And the answer is for the next person who revives this thread in 8 years .... Aspen4, which is additives free lawn mower fuel which you can also use for your camping set, or.... cleaning hats - it works. £18 for 5 litres in 2017 prices.