I tried following the GordoTEK process here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHz95il3g6E. However, I thought it would be a good idea to use ACRB (instead of MHRB) thinking I’d get a higher yield. Day 1: Started with 100g ACRB, added 100ml vinegar, basified with 80g pickling lime, put in pie dish, then fridge overnight. Day 2: Added 100ml warm solvent***, stirred for 10 minutes, but the mixture just looked like chocolate sauce. In the video, the solvent does not mix with the MHRB and remains clear, then poured off for precipitation. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just re-covered the dish and put back in the fridge.

Can I just put the mixture through a coffee filter? Or…something? If I can’t save from this point, I’ll have to either get some MHRB, or get some additional supplies to extract the remaining 150g of ACRB.

***I can’t find naphtha at any local store. So I bought Klean Strip Painter’s Solvent. Label says “Replaces MEK, Toluene, Xylene and VM&P Naphtha.”

I believe this is the solvent you used: http://www.kleanstrip.com/uploads/documents/GKSP95000SC_SDS-16100.pdf

It is mainly acetone with a very minor amount of petroleum distillate (2 - 5%) + methyl acetate. Acetone is soluble in water. All solvents that can clean oil-based paints are not the same for all purposes. Be more careful.

Dammit. You are correct. So this batch is toast. Oh well, noob mistake. I can order proper actual VM&P Naphtha from Amazon. So it's definitely not an issue using ACRB vs. MHRB, as long as I use correct solvent?

Edit: Wait...is it permanently ruined by the acetone? Can I just let it evaporate off and try again when I get the Naphtha in a few days?

Accidental double post rather than edit, please delete.

I'm not familiar with the specifics of GordoTEK or experienced with ACRB.



I think it would be worth the effort to allow the solvent to evaporate until you can no longer smell it accumulating in the covered headspace of your container when left for a few hours (you might need to stir repeatedly if your material is more paste like than liquid). Considering there is petroleum distillate dissolved in the acetone-based painter's solvent, if you have too much acetone remaining I would guess the naphtha may be soluble in the water-acetone mixture. I don't know. You could probably just check the solubility by mixing small volumes of the painter's solvent and water in a separate container, then add some naphtha and check if it is immiscible.



Others have mentioned that ACRB tends to have oils/fats/waxes that can increase the chance of emulsions forming if a defatting step is not done (i.e. non-polar pull on acidic liquid before increasing the pH and pulling the freebase). This is different than MHRB. I've never used ACRB or paid enough attention to other's observations to really give decent advice about it.



I personally don't order solvents from Amazon with my credit card and ship them to my address, but maybe I'm paranoid.

Roger that.



Somewhere in all the material I've read, it said naphtha will take on a yellow tinge as it defats the ACRB, and that Bestine heptane can be used for re-extractions to purify, but it's not necessary.