Substitute for Glycerine?

Years ago, we used to soften dry Lychen by soaking in a Glycerine/water solution. I have been trying to find Glycerine locally, and the only thing I can find is a pack of 4 5.1 gm squeeze ampules used as suppositories. 20 gm for $6.50 sounds a bit pricey. A couple pharmacies tell me they can get the liquid Glycerine in bottles by special order, even more pricey. Can anybody reccomend a substitute for the Glycerine?

BTW, the major portion is going to be used for softening cane for repairing some pieces of wicker furniture, with some left over for the Lychen.

You can soak cane in amonia water to soften it. Works just fine in my experience. I wouldn’t recommend it for lynchen though lol.

depending on the thickness of the cane and type, water alone will work.

I read sometime back using Ethylene Glycol (antifreeze) had Glycerine in it!

While I have never tried this - it was on the froums a number of years ago!

As I had saved the bit in my Hints & Tips file

BOB H - Clarion, PA

Have you tried a craft store or online store that sells caning suppolies.

Just a thought.

Good luck,

Richard

you can get it at wine / beer making shops

here’s one that google spit out.

http://www.eckraus.com/FLV310.html

I put “glycerine, where to buy” into Google and came up with the following link: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070802140250AARVeJ1

In the link they suggest looking for it at a tack or feed store. Something about it being used on horse’s hooves.

Interesting. Guess I’ll have to try the local Tractor Supply Co. next time I have a chance. Went to 2 different Michael’s and one regional, Pat Catann’s today, as well as several pharmacies. Had a baker’s supply shop a few blocks away, but the owner retired earlier this year, and they are now closed.

I’d have to use anything strong like Ammonia outside. Wife has early COPD.

Interesting stuff! Use it as a suppository, as a laxative, as a thickening agent for foods, help with problems with horse’s and cattle’s hooves, give wine more body, or make Nitroglycerine. Or soften scenery materials and caning. I also used to use it as a lubricant for rubber motors in competition rubber powered FF model airplanes.

Thanks, all!

I believe Scenic Express has it or used to have it.

If you check the contents for Dr. Pepper, you will find that there is a glycerine compound in it. Since most sodas will dissolve nails if you drop them in it, my guess is that it will soften lichen.