Can i use Shellite for thinning Poly Varnish?

[jenko]

Hi, I'm currently finishing off an old wooden coffee table and am at the varnishing part and facing the endless battle with dust. 

I've just read about speeding up the drying time of the varnish will helo by thinning it. 

I have been using mineral turps but other forums in the US have recommended Naphtha as it evaporates even quicker. Over in Australia it seems Naphtha is called Shellite, but are can't see any similar recommendations on the bottle or online to use it as a thinner. 

Has anyone used it for such purposes?

Thanks! 

[JacobZ]

Hi @jenko,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I note that DIGGERS General Purpose Lacquer Thinner contains 10-20% solvent naptha, which is shellite, so I believe it may be possible, but it's always a good idea to be cautious when mixing chemicals outside of their intended use. 

Allow me to contact Diggers, when they reopen tomorrow to get you a definitive answer.

Jacob

[JacobZ]

Hi @jenko,

I've contacted Diggers technical team who've informed me that it is not suitable to use Shellite for this particular purpose.

They have suggested the DIGGERS 1L General Purpose Lacquer Thinner I mentioned above as a more suitable alternative.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob