- Acetone is a non-toxic substance that can be used to effectively thin out the rubber cement and prevent it from hardening and clumping. If you have a new bottle of rubber cement, you'll have to dump out about 1/8 of the rubber cement. Pour a few teaspoons of acetone directly into the rubber cement bottle. Replace the cap on the bottle and shake the contents thoroughly. Add another teaspoon or two, depending on how thinned out you want your rubber cement.
- In 1995, in Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, removed acetone as a toxic chemical. After many different studies, the EPA concluded that even at larger concentrations, acetone does not pose a great threat. Acetone is used in many household products like nail polish remover, aerosol spray paints, home cleaners, nail enamels and room deodorizers. In small amounts, acetone is safe for use around pets and children.
- Acetone -- even 100 percent pure acetone liquid -- can be purchased from a number of different stores. You can find acetone online at stores like Amazon, Wood Craft and Next Tag. You can also find acetone at local stores around your home, such as woodworking stores, industrial supply stores, home improvement stores and even some arts and crafts stores. You may also be able to find pure acetone from collector shops, as acetone is commonly used to clean coins.
- Pure acetone is extremely flammable, and even just the vapor can travel to a flame and ignite. Because of this, you need to take extreme caution when dealing with acetone. Never work with acetone around an open flame, cigarette or pilot light. If working inside, open your windows for ventilation and turn off your stove's pilot light. Although acetone is non-toxic, you should still take precautions and wear safety goggles and a face mask.
Thinning Rubber Cement with Acetone
Acetone's Toxicity
Where to Find Acetone
Warnings
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