lacquer problem

[bizzaro guitaro]

Good morning  nation, I switched from polyurethane to lacquer on my latest build. seems that the lacquer is thicker.( using Deft gloss brushing lacquer). when I brush it on (bristle brush) it dosen't lay down flat.  the lacquer comes out bumpy. where as the poly came out smooth. Maybe I need a better brush? Should I use 220 grit paper when it dries to smooth it out ? any suggestions? thanks. 

[Randy S. Bretz]

i use Deft spray laquer with great results !!!

[Michael Fred Johnson]

Make sure it is thoroughly dry before flatting it with 220 or finer and try thinning the lacquer for subsequent coats.I prefer using an aerosol spray on top of brushed sanding sealer

[bizzaro guitaro]

Good advice, also that is a fine looking guitar,nice and professional! 

[Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates]

Yea, I got a couple...

I use deft too. I use the brushing lacquer but I cut it 3:1 (lacquer to lacquer thinner) then brush it on. as its gelling up, I will rotate the neck (or whatever) so the lacquer flows out even. Then once gelled up (to a point the lacquer doesnt flow freely any more) I will let it dry. when you brush it on, it will need to dry much longer than the spray version. Perhaps a day or so. I use this to body up the lacquer. it will inevitably get bumpy or show stroke marks, so I will wet sand it with 300 grit paper.

The final few coats will be with the spray once the body coats are very dry and flat. Then I (should) give it a few weeks to 'cure'. All and all, the proper process for me would take a bout a month.

-WY

[bizzaro guitaro]

thanks for your help. I will try your way.Your probably right about not putting it on heavy enough.I never used lacquer before so I will try putting it on heavier.also the steel wool rub sounds like a good idea.

[Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates]

The only thing I don't like about Deft is that is doesn't seem as hard as Behlen Stringed Instrument Lacquer. Tends to mar up a bit where its too thick. Behlen is rock hard after a few days of drying (final coats are applied)

-WY

[bizzaro guitaro]

do the same rules apply when you use Behlen? (thining 3to1 ) and the rest of the process you described earlier.

[Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates]

Not for me but I use the aerosol which is inherently thinner than brushable). Keep in mind that Behlen costs ~$13/can and will probably use 2 cans for about 10-15 coats (depending on your level of thickness desired). What I would do is body up the work with Deft, let it dry completely (give it about a week or so after all the coats in as low humidity environment as possible), then sand/wool the finish flat and apply 3-4 coats of Behlen.

Problem is with Deft for me is that the finish marrs easily if not left to harden. I have top coated a neck with Behlen over Deft, BUT I have to know that the Deft is good and solid.

As for brushable Behlen, I can't say but you will have to experiment. One thing Kevin alluded to was that you might not be putting it on thick enough. I agree though I will add that for me, thinning allows the lacquer to flow to an almost level surface, and yes to the point that it is at the run stage. BUT keep in mind that runs do occur and for me, turning the work steadily will help the flow to level out. I usually brush on a finish pretty thick in the garage and go out on the driveway to do my drying. I have a natural breezeway there that aids in venting off the volatile solvents.

No matter what you use, DO NOT use a drier or fan or heater to speed up the initial drying phase as this will produce bubbles and uneven finish. It will splotch easily and create divots or orange skin appearance. Work in a low humidity day and don't apply during rainy weather (the finish will blush/cloud up or won't set properly).

-WY

[Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates]

If you have an attic, you can place the work there during warmer months to cure a little quicker.

-WY

[bizzaro guitaro]

I went out today and got spray cans of deft. I will try thining the brush on.I think that was part of the problem. As far as the warm weather,I live in Florida,most of the time it's warm enough to paint here.But in the summer months its very humid. I'll run a dehumidifier in my garage.That should work.I get good cross ventilation also. I will let the job dry good before I attempt to sand it down.With the advice I got from everyone it should come out good. Thanks all.

[Skeesix]

If it's humid and you're getting blush, you can try blush retarder. It slows down the drying process so moisture doesn't get trapped under the finish. But there will still be some days so that are so humid, even blush retarder won't help...

[bizzaro guitaro]

That sounds good, most of the time it's humid here in florida.thanks