The paper concerns the suitability of methanol replacement as a method for drying cement paste specimens prior to microstructural examination. Thermogravimetric tests on both cement paste and calcium hydroxide which were soaked in methanol for various periods show that methanol alters sample composition by reacting to form a carbonate-like product. Also, some of the methanol is found to remain with the solid at temperatures above 300°C. It is concluded that until more is known about the interaction between methanol and the cement paste constituents, the correct interpretation of test results of methanol treated specimens is likely to be very difficult.