[Burb]

is naptha better than mineral spirits? and why ? I am going to be using shellac for the finish on by crib as soon as it gets less humid here..

Varnish Makers & Painters (VM&P) Naphtha is a purer byproduct of the refinery process for petroleum. It's much higher quality that mineral spirits.

It's a very volatile & flammable solvent that is used as a thinner. It helps the finish penetrate & evaporates fairly quickly, thereby speeding up drying times.

 

[Burb]

I think that Coleman lantern & stove "gas" is straight naptha.

I believe you are correct. Also called "white gas".