Lacquer idiot - Woodworking Talk

Dvoigt · 10-13-2009, 11:40 AM

I have some Deft Lacquer in a rattle can that I have only used a few times... but every time i use it i have issues. After I spray it and it dries it is very blotchy and heavy in spots... and requires a good amount of sanding to smooth out. I thought Lacquer was easier to apply then that. I've tried to go really light with the application too and just mist the wood with it, but that doesn't seem to help.

It also looks like it might be coming out of the can thick, so I tried shaking it longer and cleaning the tip, with no changes.... what is my issue (in this case only)?

Thanks!
Derek

cabinetman · 10-13-2009, 12:01 PM

Using spray can lacquer can be difficult. It can't be thinned or have retarder added. What you have is what you got.

Your spray path has to be wet enough not to run. If it's too light it may get heavy and rough. The distance and speed of the pass to the subject piece can make a difference in a smooth application. If it's old stock, no telling the condition of the media.

Dvoigt · 10-13-2009, 01:42 PM

hum... so maybe I'm not spraying enough...

(oh and if a mod wants to move this into the "Finishing" section... that works too)

Mitch Cholewinski · 10-13-2009, 06:35 PM

D Voight
How old is that can of lacquer? Sitting around for a couple years and using infrequently wouldn't bring out the best in a spray lacquer. If you can't see any reason to buy a new can and your getting heavy spots, use a brush wet in paint thinner, doesn't have to be lacquer thinner,and brush over the spray soon as possible after you sprayed. This will make the finish quite a bit nicer. My first suggestion to you though would be, get a new can of lacquer. Mitch

Dvoigt · 10-13-2009, 07:00 PM

The can is only a few months old tops...

firehawkmph · 10-13-2009, 08:46 PM

Dv,
If it's not too big a project, consider buying a can of lacquer and brush it on. It goes on well with a brush and just requires a very light sanding in between coats with something like 0000 steel wool or 800 sandpaper. One quart of lacqer last awhile. Just don't puddle it on, and don't overbrush it. BTW, I haven't forgot about your cigar bands. I was having trouble getting them to slide off of new cigars. I stopped at my buddy's cigar/gun store and he said he will start saving them for me. He is good for a couple a day. I will stop back next week and see him and drop them in the mail.
Mike Hawkins

Dvoigt · 10-13-2009, 09:03 PM

I do have a can of Lacquer, I might have to give that a try next time too....

Quote:

Originally Posted by firehawkmph

my buddy's cigar/gun store

That is a interesting combination of store... Let me know if he wants to stock some bullet pens or these cigar pens (if they come out how i hope)... I'll take payment in the form of AK-47's and AR-15's if that is any help

thanks for you help