Originally Posted by phidauex
Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Most 'denatured alcohol' you see in US hardware and paint stores comes from a company called Klean Strip, who 'denatures' their ethanol with 55% methanol. I know denatured alcohol is 'supposed' to be nearly 100% ethanol, with just a few percent of something else, but since methanol can be reformed from natural gas, where ethanol has to be a fermentation byproduct, it is much cheaper to make it mostly methanol. If you have other sources, you can always contact the manufacturer (or check their website) for an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) that will show, in detail, what the chemical blend is. All companies are required by law to provide MSDSs to their customers.
sam
Depends on where you buy it. The big box stores sell Kleen-strip which now has a formula that is 80% methanol, the rest is ethanol and other stuff. (Should really be called methanol in that case.) Parks Corp sells to smaller places like True Value and Ace and their formula is mostly ethanol with 1% toluene and benzene added. Either way, it's a good idea to wear gloves and work with it outside and in small amounts.