Best finish for spraying? Water-based poly? NC Lacquer?

Sounds like lacquer to me, get aquainted with it, run a few tests, get a good solvent filter mask and get ready for one day finishes

I know Arm R Seal adds an amber color to raw wood and I’ve heard people complain that water based poly does not. Does lacquer add an amber color like the oil based varnishes? Thanks!

Alan

Lacquer and oil base varnish will yellow over time. If you do not, then use water based poly.

-- shdesign3.com

Since I have a basement shop, I only spray Target 6000 water base lacquer with great results.

-- Uncle Fester

Zinsser Bulls Eye Seal Coat adds an amber color ,and pops the grain,then you can use fast drying water based poly , and it looks great
If you use water based poly, with out something like this under it, IMO it looks like crap
This is dewaxed shellac
Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat use.
http://lumberjocks.com/bubinga/blog/22622

-- E J ------- Always Keep a Firm Grip on Your Tool

I love to spray minwax and general finishes water born poly acrylic finishes. If you have a membership to FWW here is a good article. http://www.finewoodworking.com/Materials/MaterialsPDF.aspx?id=27123
I thinkd that general finishes sprayes better but I have to drive 20 min. to pick it up so I don’t always use it. It is realy easy to add a slight yellow or brown (or any) color to the finish you like. If you add too much color it does make it harder to repair if you are finishing something like a table top. I started using it because I was doing a lot of clear maple projects and I didn’t like the yellowing effect of oil based products.

The thing I like the best is how fast it dries. I can put on several coats in one day with sanding in between. It does take a few weeks to fully cure.

The down side is the grain raising but if you are going to sand between coats anyway it’s not any more work. I usually put on 3-4 coats.

If you are interested in all my steps and how I mix in the color just let me know and I can post it.

Tim

-- Although the voices aren't real they have some pretty good ideas.

Water based poly designed for spraying from Target Coatings, ML Campbell, etc., are easy to spray, easy to clean up, and very durable. With moderate temps and humidity, you can easily do multiple coats in a day. They are pretty much water white, so you’ll need to do something else for color.

TJU

Thanks for pointing me to the article I am a member

-- E J ------- Always Keep a Firm Grip on Your Tool

Is there a good book or DVS that covers spray finishing?

Charles Neal has a series of DVD’s. Has anyone seen it.

Domer

Post catalyzed conversion varnish is a great, durable finish. It provides a slight warm amber tone and I’ve not had any problems with yellowing. I use ML Campbell Duravar on just about everything except really high-end hand rubbed furniture. The conversion varnish is a burn-in finish (like lacquer) and you can easily apply 3 coats to both sides of a part in about 4 hours elapsed time. It is advisable to spray on horizontal parts as you get a good even flow and great leveling. Don’t go with more then 3 coats or you can get crackling in the finish. Cleanup is with lacquer thinner.

HVLP is the best way to apply this finish.

-- Don, Diamond Lake Custom Woodworks - http://www.dlwoodworks.com - "If you make something idiot proof, all they do is make a better idiot"

You did not tell us about the spray environment. Indoors /outdoors, what? If you’re usin’ NC lacquer, you’d better have a way to protect from the big boom when all those fumes build up and somebody flips a light switch.
NC laq is a sweet finish, poly is for gym floors and bar tops, conversion varnish is bullet proof.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

Lacquer wins hands down.

-- "The way to make a small fortune in woodworking- start with a large one"

Lacquer is an all around better finish but when you have to spray your projects by the window in your shop Lacquer is not always the better choice. If I had a spray booth with good ventilation I would use more lacquer, but it’s not even an option for me in the winter when its 20 deg. outside. Water based poly is also easier to clean up. Sometime you sacrifice what is better for what is more convenient (and just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it’s not good). If I had a good spray booth with good ventilation I would use more lacquer.

Tim

-- Although the voices aren't real they have some pretty good ideas.

You guys are amazing! Thanks for the great responses! My shop is a two car attached garage. I was thinking of spraying with the garage door open, maybe with a tarp hanging to make a three sided booth and spraying from outside. Possible?
Thanks!

I’m not an accomplished sprayer but I’d echo Cessna’s concerns. I’ve had rags spontaneously burst into flames. If anyone thinks this is legend, I’ll gladly share the details:)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog