How to Distill Lacquer Thinner

Lacquer thinner is a combination of strong solvents used to thin lacquer-based products and to clean painting equipment. It contains chemicals such as acetone, toluene and methyl ethyl ketone, and is often used industrially. The chemicals in lacquer thinners are hazardous; environmental protection laws govern proper disposal of waste lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner can be distilled for limited use as a reclaimed product. While many companies rely on waste-management firms to properly dispose of waste lacquer thinner, you can legally recycle lacquer thinner by distillation if you have the proper equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Solvent recycling machine
• Solvent recycling liner
• Protective clothing
• Respirator

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place a liner in the distillation tank of your solvent recycler. The liner must be specifically intended for use with the machine.

   • 2

     Pour the lacquer thinner into the distillation tank. Wear protective clothing and keep the area ventilated. Wear a respirator.

   • 3

     Turn on the solvent recycler. It will heat the thinner and distill it. The distilled product flows through a hose into a new tank.