Spraying Lacquer

**Redback** · 13th December 2005, 04:51 PM

So I have been researching all about spraying lacquer etc...

Have read numerous threads and theres lots of useful information.

Some of you may experience this, but until I actually try a task for myself, a lot of the information on these boards seems confusing and contradictory!.

Anyways, I tracked down a local supplier of lacquer and was looking for a bit of advice and he basically mentioned that if I don't have a spray booth I really shouldnt be spraying lacquer around and he wouldnt want to sell it to me. His point being that the neighbours might not like it and the council definately won't. (nice chap, was explaining the potential problems).

Also from what Richard has said theres certain problems in storage and general messiness of the whole process. It would also seem theres a fairly large learning curve as well to get good results...

Starting to sound like too much stress and hassle :eek:

So, I already have one proposed alternative (from Richard).... could you experts toss in some more alternatives for my current project...

Basically I have 2 work/craft benches Ive made for the wife. Jarrah veneered chipboard for the top, 2.4 metres long by 600 mm wide. Jarrah legs and struts.

I can do the legs etc in shellac as per everything else Ive done, but I need a hard, durable surface for the bench tops, that will still bring up the timber surface to look great.

My understanding is that Danish oil while it does make the wood harder, would not be hard enough for my needs?

After reading Neils book, Ive been put of Polyeurethane....(Ive seen plasticy looking Jarrah, it looks crap)...

So what am I left with that doesnt need to be sprayed (or isnt a toxic hazard).

All help appreciated

Dazed and Confused

Redback

**echnidna** · 13th December 2005, 05:19 PM

You can rub polyurethane on with a pad just like french polish and you will get a much nicer finish than brushing it.
Or use Neils hard shellac

**Gumby** · 13th December 2005, 05:56 PM

Do yourself a big favour and go to the local Auto parts store. Buy a spray can of automotive clear lacquer, take it home and put a few coats on a bit of scrap - but nice scrap like jarrah. You will be absolutely amazed at the result. I've used it a few times and even the experts can't tell the difference. It dries in minutes too. Even give it a buff with EEE afterwards.

It's great where you need a hard, durable finish.

**MajorPanic** · 13th December 2005, 06:14 PM

Just bite the bullet & teach yourself how to spray!

It's not hard to get a pretty good result. I hosted an open workshop on spraying lacquer & the basic techniques. Most of the people who attended were amazed just how easy it is. They all thought it was some form of black art.
Everyone had a go at spraying something & all were pleased with the results they acheived.

Once you have taken the plung you will wonder why it took you so long!!

Imagine you finished building a project one day & you can have it finish coated (3 or 4 coats) within a few hours & in the house by the end of the day!

**Gumby** · 13th December 2005, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by MajorPanic

Once you have taken the plung

I took one of those once. :eek: Was on the dunny for the next 12 hours.

**MajorPanic** · 13th December 2005, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Gumby

I took one of those once. :eek: Was on the dunny for the next 12 hours.

Shoulda been 24hrs!.................. & where'd ya get that silly hat?????

**Richardwoodhead** · 13th December 2005, 11:18 PM

Major's right! Learn how to spray. The finish you achieve is so even & smooth.

Even if you're using a floorseal type product (oil/poly mix), I've found by spraying I get a MUCH better result than wiping on or brushing. Spraying floorseal will not upset the neighbours. (Best done on a sunny day with few bugs). But lacquer spraying is probably not something suited to cramped urban / residential / small backyard garage arrangements. The fumes are potent and you must have good ventilation or a proper spray booth set-up. Except if you're taking the Gumby route (which sounds like a good alternative, but you'll still need good ventilation).

Richard

**Redback** · 14th December 2005, 11:25 AM

Thanks Guys.

After much pro-crastination Im going to try spraying floor seal stuff.

Will be interesting to see if my el cheapo gun handles it....

Just need the weather to warm up a little now!!!

(unseasonably cool lately in Perth!)

cheers

Redback

**buzsaw** · 17th December 2005, 01:27 AM

Hi Redback,

I have sent you a PM also.

I was trying to decide like you if spraying was a viable option. In the end I decided to learn how to spray lacquer, one of my better decisions. Once I get the hang of it all my projects will look great.

My philosophy is simple, everyone has the same number of hands and feet, so if they can do it then so can I. Just takes a little practice and some research etc.

Cheers,

Buz.

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