The Flammables Cupboard and Fireproofing
Button polish is a varnish made from shelac, a natural resin secreted by the female Lac Beetle. A quick drying sealant and varnish, it's useful for several different types of wood graining. Other forms of shelac include white knotting and transparent polish
Methylated Spirits (or denatured alcohol) is ethanol with a poisonous dye added to make it undrinkable. A solvent for polishes and FEVs it also will dissolve some water-based paints which makes it good for cleaning items like spray guns.
Black polish is a shelac based varnish with a black dye added. Great for shiny black floors when used over black emulsion.
Metal Primers
Etch Primer and red oxide primer. Foul smelling metal primers that adhere well to de-greased steel. Red oxide is thinned with white spirit and etch primer with a xylene based thinner. Must be used in a well ventilated space and with a suitable mask. (Water-based alternatives are improving all the time!)
Shelac primers
This fast drying primer is a good stain blocker and adheres well to flaky surfaces.
Dirty down sprays are used a lot in the film and TV industry. A pale transparent spray in a variety of colours that's good for ageing down scenery items. Great for prop items or last minute work on stage.
White spirit. Solvent for lead oxide primer.
These don't really belong in the" flammables" cupboard as they are flame retardants. Flamebar can be sprayed onto cloths or scenery to make it conform with fire regulations. There are also additives that can be added to paint to improve its intumescent qualities. This one is made by Rosco.
FEV or French enamel varnish is shelac varnish that has been bleached and then dyed. Used as a transparent colour it's good for stained glass painting and ceramics but is not that hard wearing or flexible.