I would like to spray Deft’s brushing lacquer, but the can says to not do so. The description in Woodcraft catalog says you can spray by diluting it with lac. thin. If so, does anyone have an idea as to how much? My guess would be arond 20%. Please comment. Michael
Edited 5/8/2006 2:29 pm ET by mfajoni
Replies
Why not just get some lacquer designed for spraying?
Deft is likely to blush when atomized, then you will be stripping it. A lacquer made for spraying is the way to go but it can be a little tricky.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
mfaj,
I had the same question about a year ago. Seems that there are too many VOC's (volitile organic compounds) in Deft for them to be able to recommend spraying it. So they recommend against it. But it sprays wonderful, unthinned, straight out of the can from Home Depot. You could try thinning it if you want, the quality you get with it will depend on your gun and air tip size as to whether or not you need to thin it. Get a good respirator and start spraying, don't let anyone scare you off!
lee
Mapleman is correct that the manufacturer must label the can for brushing because of the VOC's. I have been spraying Deft for years and have never had a problem. I am at a loss to understand the comment about blushing because that condition is usually caused by rapid drying and trapping moisture under the film layer. Deft, as a brushing lacquer, has more retarders which actually prevents the conditions causing blushing. It is the retarders that make it a brushing lacquer and facilitates exceptionally good leveling. The slightly longer drying time is what allows the moisture to escape. How much you need to thin Deft depends on your spray set up. I have a 4-stage HVLP and use it without thinning. When I was using a 2-stage HVLP I had to thin between 10 - 20%.
I have sprayed it with great success. It doesn't have to be thinned, at least for my conventional gun. It works great but is kind of expensive normally and I only did it because I had some bought on clearance from a store closeout for about 2 bucks as I remember. So I guess what I am saying is don't buy it just to spray but if you have some, go for it!
If you have a Sherman Williams, Monarch or any other paint store that sells to contractors they will have all kinds of Lacquer designed for spraying. It is nice to buy the lacquer, retarder and thinner and then be able to find the best mix for your conditions. I mix the first coats a lot differently than the last coats. Also the laquer I usually buy at Sherman Williams is $15 a gallon.
Mike
I spray it quite successfully with an HVLP unit by thinning it 5%. I think the "warning" is instigated by lawyers and has no real basis.
If you have a Sherman Williams, Monarch or any other paint store that sells to contractors they will have all kinds of Lacquer designed for spraying. It is nice to buy the lacquer, retarder and thinner and then be able to find the best mix for your conditions. I mix the first coats a lot differently than the last coats. Also the laquer I usually buy at Sherman Williams is $15 a gallon.
Wow, $15/gal, which product do you get. My last gallon of Sherwin Williams OPEX was $60!
I think it is called shure wood HiBuild Lacquer. I forget the exact name it is a white can and says "HiBuild" on the top. It dosen't spray the same as their Opex line, but it is offered in the same forms, pre cat, un cat, post cat, what ever. Just kidding, but there are a few options. It is what most of the new construction finishing contractors use out here. Once you figure out how to mix it it works great, I use a 4 stage turbine rig and that seems to mean I need a lot more retarder and thinner to not have the dry spray. If you walk into a normal Sherman williams (not a CC division) and ask for Lacquer that is what they give you. Around here the Opex and conversion finishes are only sold at the CC division stores. And there is only one in the Fort Worth area. I generally just call my local store and they get it for me the next day. I have only used the Opex line on two jobs (I use a line that my hardware supplier sells for the good stuff) and it has been a while but I am sure that it was a lot less than that. Do you have an account? You get better prices if you go into the same store and they get to know you, you can also mention that Monarch has their Lacquer for $12, no BS that is what I payed the last time I was there. And most importaintly Donuts, never forget the Donuts. You only have to bring them once every 4 or 5 trips but that will get you a better price for sure. Heh heh.
Mike
Thanks for the tips. I'm a hobbyist so I don't buy enough to establish a good relationship with my local Sherwin Williams, but I will keep the HiBuild in mind.
Also I believe the Opex line is marketed for metal finishing. When I used it I was spraying solid colour. I am suprised that they would have sold you Opex.
Mike
Well I was putting on a gloss black lacquer finish.
S/S,
Tell the guy at SW you want to open an account, you are a contractor. You will get a much better price, and your price will be the same every time you go, they will put your prices in the computer. For example: Sherwood water white conversion varnish before I opened an account: $36.00 per gallon. After opening the account: $24.99 per gallon. Also the xylene used to thin and clean gun went from $15 per gallon to $10.50. It seemed each Sherwin Williams charges me a different price for the exact same item before I opened an account. Don't worry that you are not buying a large amount or on a regular basis. They do not check into this, and they are not going to check on your contractor status. Good luck!
Lee
Thanks for the advice. I'll open an account at Sherwin Williams.
Mudman, What is "CC"? Sherman Williams division???
user-6660659, this thread is 14+ years old, so you probably want some newer information. Some of these responders have likely moved on.
Interesting... I'm a long-term user of Deft Brushing Lacquer, but have not sprayed it... I'll do this next time.
By the way, as everyone should know, lacquers are highly volatile, and the airborne haze will both give you headaches and hurt your resporitory (sp) system. Always wear a chemical mask and eye protection! Also, vaporizing lacquer can be dangerous... I'm sure PPG's (Deft's parent) lawyers are very protective here.
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