[coyotejimbo]

Can anyone suggest what kind of finish to use for a first time. I would like something that is easy to apply. Something that is very forgiving. I never sprayed finish before. I have an HLVP unit and am finishing a vanity. Thanks for any help.
Jim

 

[edp]

Spray Finish.

By all means, use a lacquer. You can spray a heavy coat with little fear of runs or sags and it dries really fast. This means that you can apply multiple coats in a very short space of time.

Ed

P.S. Don't let the misnomer "Brushing Lacquer" throw you. They are required to label it as such due to the content level of the VOC's. It will spray just fine.

 

[Leo G]

If you want something that is forgiving try ML Campbell's MagnaMax. It is a pre catalyzed lacquer. Most modern lacquers have a maximum mill thickness that can be applied. In this case it is a maximum of 4 mils dry. You can spray 4 coats at 4 mils wet to obtain a 4 mil dry coat (25% solids). I usually spray 2 coats that are thinned 7% with their (MLC's) standard thinner. If you spray it to thick you will have problems down the line, cracking and lose of adhesion are common for over thickness coats.

 

[cabinetman]

Lacquer is quick and fairly easy if your mix is right, and you have proper ventilation and protection, and no humidity. You might want to try first a waterbased polyurethane, like Minwax Polycrylic for example. I thin about 10% with water. It's not toxic like lacquer, doesn't blush, won't smell the place up and you won't get dizzy. And, the clean up is with water. Just don't lay it on heavy. Several thin coats works best.

 

[adienner]

water based lacquer is the way to go. Its doesn't smell to bad (still use it with proper ventilation) and you can store it in the cup of your sprayer. I wouldn't keep it in there for months but if you know your gonna be spraying over the next week or to just leave it in the can. This way you don't have to clean the cup after every spraying.

 

[coyotejimbo]

It sounds like lacquer is the way to go. Is it available in satin, and do I need to thin it? Thanks Jim

 

[edp]

Gloss levels

Gloss levels are not appreciably changed by thinning. First, understand that all finishes are developed as a full gloss. The gloss level is reduced at the factory with additives. Yes, lacquer and polyurethane both are available in all the standard gloss gradiants that your standard wall paints come in.

Ed

 

[jacksimpk]

Can anyone suggest what kind of finish to use for a first time. I would like something that is easy to apply. Something that is very forgiving. I never sprayed finish before. I have an HLVP unit and am finishing a vanity. Thanks for any help.
Jim

Tell us what your finishing. I try to stay away from spay finish. My garage/shop is dusty and I don't have a dedicated spay environment. I get great results with straight hand rubbed Tung oil straight from the can. Also, Minwax put out a hand rub polyurethane that is good. Just take a rag and rub the stuff on. Take another rag and rub off the excess so no drips. Dry - sand lightly - do it again. Of course if you want to paint a toy box red its a different story.

 

[canoebuilder]

spray finishes

Ruud makes a great lacquer called Duracat that is a vinyl type and will not crack unlike other solvent based products. Do remember to have proper ventilation and wear a respirator not a particle mask. Your first coat will be a fog coat to give it teeth you will then sand with 320 grit sandpaper second and third coats will be heavier and you will spray in 2 directions that will create an overlap so as not to miss any of the dimension of the surface don't worry too much about sags as long as you hold your gun about 10 inches from surface and use a 413 tip on your gun. I'm not sure of your particular application interior or exterior if interior use the above product if exterior use Ruud Prothane and don't apply as heavy you will have to apply 3 coats in an 8 hour time frame and if you do get sags just let dry and then block sand with 220. I hope this helps you out.