Dye Reducer vs. Alcohol

[Sheilajeanne]

I've been using Fiebing's dye reducer for diluting my dyes, but it really has a strong smell, and I'm wondering if there are harmful chemicals in it. I know a lot of you use denatured alcohol instead. Is there much of a difference between the two? Is the alcohol better/safer?

Need to know, because I need to replenish my supply really soon!

[alpha2]

To my knowledge, it's the same thing. I've stopped paying for the dye reducer, and using alcohol without any noticeable difference. And, it's CHEAP! 

It also works great to clean my airbrush when I apply dye that way.

[JMcC]

Hi Shelia, I use alcohol exclusively and have never had any issues with smell or fumes. Hope that helps

 

2 minutes ago, alpha2 said:

And, it's CHEAP! 

Ditto

[TomG]

Denatured Alcohol.  About $10 a gallon at the hardware store

 

[garypl]

4 hours ago, alpha2 said:

To my knowledge, it's the same thing. I've stopped paying for the dye reducer, and using alcohol without any noticeable difference. And, it's CHEAP! 

It also works great to clean my airbrush when I apply dye that way.

I have used denatured alcohol for years - works well....

[Brianm77]

I think water based may be obvious, but any brands or types of dyes that alcohol does not work with?

[garypl]

15 hours ago, Brianm77 said:

I think water based may be obvious, but any brands or types of dyes that alcohol does not work with?

I use alcohol with Fiebings oil dyes with no problems

[chiefjason]

9 hours ago, garypl said:

I use alcohol with Fiebings oil dyes with no problems

Same here.  I thin all my dyes with alcohol.