Methylated Spirits, IPA, Acetone, Benzine & Thinners: What's the Difference?

Methylated spirits, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), benzine, lacquer thinners, ethanol, acetone, surgical spirits and glycerine are all found in workshops, electrical and electronics stores, maintenance cupboards and chemical-supply catalogues. Several of them look alike and are used as cleaning solvents, so it is easy to assume they can be swapped for one another.

They cannot. These products differ in chemical composition, cleaning performance, evaporation rate, flammability and toxicity. This guide explains what each one is, what it is normally used for, and what to check before you buy and use it.

The 8 Products at a Glance

Here is how the eight products are grouped by chemical family, along with their main characteristic.

What Each Product Is Used For

Methylated Spirits

A denatured alcohol used as a general-purpose cleaning solvent. Denatured means additives have been added so it is not intended for drinking, and those additives (which can include methanol) are part of why it carries a higher health concern than plain ethanol or IPA.

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

The usual choice for electronics cleaning and degreasing. Technicians and installers use it on circuit boards, contacts and tools where a clean, fast-drying result is needed. Its main concern is vapour inhalation, so use it with good ventilation.

Benzine

A petroleum solvent suited to removing oil, grease and adhesive residue. It has a very high fire hazard and a high health hazard, with aspiration and vapours as the main concerns.

Lacquer Thinners

A solvent blend used for paint thinning and removal. Because it is a mixture, the toxicity depends on what is in the blend, which is why the product's own SDS matters. It has a very high fire hazard and a high health hazard.

Ethanol

An alcohol used as a solvent, a disinfectant and in a range of industrial applications. Its main concerns are fire and ingestion.

Acetone

A ketone and a fast-evaporating, powerful solvent. Its fire hazard is very high, with fire and vapour exposure as the main concerns. Because it is a strong solvent, test it on a small hidden area before using it on plastics, coatings or finishes.

Surgical Spirits

An alcohol-based preparation used as an external antiseptic and for cleaning. Flammability and additives are the main concerns. It is for external use only.

Glycerine

A polyol and humectant used for moisturising, lubrication and in formulations. It is the lowest-risk product in this group: its fire and health hazards are both low, with spills and mist exposure as the main concerns. It is not a solvent and does not replace any of the others.

Fire and Health Hazards Compared

This is a practical handling guide only. It is not a substitute for the GHS classification on each product's SDS.

Before You Buy and Use: A Practical Checklist

• Match the product to the job. Use the table above as a starting point, then confirm against the manufacturer's technical specification.
• Get the current SDS. Obtain the manufacturer's current SDS and technical specification for every product you use.
• Ventilate. Work in a well-ventilated area, especially with IPA, benzine, lacquer thinners and acetone.
• Remove ignition sources. No smoking, open flames or sparks while using or storing solvents.
• Keep products in their original, labelled containers. Never decant solvents into drink bottles or unmarked containers.
• Test first. Strong solvents can affect some plastics, paints and coatings. Try a small, hidden area before cleaning the whole surface.
• Use suitable protection. Check the SDS for the gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection recommended for the specific product.
• Store safely. Keep out of reach of children, away from heat and direct sunlight, and in line with the SDS storage instructions.

Buying and Transporting in South Africa

In South Africa, the classification, labelling, packaging and transport requirements must be assessed against the actual formulation and concentration, not merely the product's trade name. Two products sold under similar names can be classified differently, and larger containers may carry additional requirements for storage and transport. If you are buying in bulk for a workshop, site or maintenance team, check the SDS and confirm the requirements that apply to your quantity.

Shop Solvents and Chemicals at Zisabo

Zisabo stocks a range of these products from Nasco. Check the size, concentration and product description on each listing before ordering.

• Methylated Spirits, 500mL to 25L
• Isopropanol (IPA) 99.6%, 1-25L
• Benzine 5L
• Thinners Lacquer 5L
• Ethanol 95% in 1L Container
• Acetone 1L
• Surgical Spirits 200mL
• Glycerine, 1-5L

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use methylated spirits instead of IPA for cleaning electronics?

They are not interchangeable. IPA is the usual choice for electronics cleaning and degreasing, while methylated spirits is a general-purpose cleaning solvent containing denaturants. Check the equipment manufacturer's cleaning recommendations and the product specification before substituting one for the other.

What is the difference between benzine and lacquer thinners?

Benzine is a petroleum solvent used for oil, grease and adhesive removal. Lacquer thinners is a solvent blend used for paint thinning and removal. Both have a very high fire hazard and a high health hazard.

Is glycerine a solvent?

No. Glycerine is a polyol and humectant used for moisturising, lubrication and formulation. Its fire and health hazards are both low, but it is not a replacement for the solvents in this guide.

Where do I find the hazard classification for a product?

On the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which lists the GHS classification. Always use the manufacturer's current SDS for the exact product and concentration you are buying.