Replies

1. 
   swensong190 | Jul 15, 2022 01:13am | #1

   I have used Mohawk pre-catalyzed lacquer in rattle cans on most of my small projects with excellent results. I buy it from a local paint specialty store, along with an optional adjustable fan nozzle, similar to what Deft cans come with. Mohawk may cost a few dollars more than the big box store spray lacquers, but your getting a pre-cat lacquer which produces a more durable surface. I also bought a spray can of Mohawk blush remover/retarder, just in case I get any white haze as a result of spraying when the relative humidity is above 60.

1. 
   jdstreet | Jul 15, 2022 07:22am | #3

   Agree, Mohawk is an excellent product. It is available in multiple sheen levels. For even better results Mohawk also makes their vinyl sealer in a spray can.

2. 
   _mj_ | Jul 15, 2022 07:11am | #2

   I've used Deft with good results. The fan spray tip give far more control than a round pattern.

3. 
   Kurt_Battles | Jul 24, 2022 10:06pm | #4

   Thanks all, I found Mohawk at a hardwood store for $10. I like it, it shoots out a large even volume.

   Anyone heard of putting two coats of high gloss and finishing with a coat or more of semi-gloss or satin? Someone said it produces a richer sheen. Just curious.

1. 
   jdstreet | Jul 25, 2022 09:08am | #5

   If I wanted to build a deeper finish I would start with the lower sheen due to higher solid content then finish with the desired end sheen. You could do as you suggest then rub out the final finish to the desired sheen. I like scotch pads with Mohawk liquid lube for rub out.

1. 
   esch5995 | Jul 25, 2022 06:22pm | #6

   I am not sure I would agree with your advice on this. All clear finishes start out as gloss and then have varying degrees of flattening agents, often very fine silica, added to to cause the reflected light to bounce back in random directions giving a "flatter" appearance. Building thickness with the unadulterated gloss finish is usually recommended to avoid potentially creating a cloudy, grain obscuring situation caused by the build up of too much flattening agent.

1. 
   john_c2 | Jul 26, 2022 04:01am | #8

   Yes, gloss first to build, and flatter finish for the final coat if that's the look you want.

4. 
   jdstreet | Jul 25, 2022 06:48pm | #7

   My response is based on what I was taught at the National Institute of Wood Finishing back when Mitch Kohanek ran the program. The process has worked well for me and seemed to apply here since KCBatboy expressed a desire for a final sheen less than gloss. My concern with trying to build a deep flat base with gloss is the risk of getting the final finish too thick (especially using a rattle can). Mohawk is very explicit in stating the final total finish should not exceed 4Mils.