Auto Laquer

[CrazyBear]

Hi all
I am becoming more involved in the pen making side of my turning. Previous finishes have simply been Friction polish (doesnt last well)and I am currently trying to find the finish that suits me.
I have tried one straight CA finish and I like it. However I have also been wandering through my local Halfords Auto store and eyeing up their own brand Auto Laquer. Has anyone tried this and if so how did it turn out.

 

[jeffj13]

I doun't know the difference between auto lacquer and the stuff you can pick up at the borg, but I finish pens exclusively with lacquer. It is a durable finish and you can't beat the clarity.

If you decide to go wtih lacquer, do yourself a favor and forget the rattle can. Pick up an airbrush at HF.

jeff

 

[oldsmokey]

Hugh, I used to use auto lacquer to finish high end custom cabinets. I used it on some craft projects. I worked great. The EPA on this side of the pond made the manufactures of lacquer change their formulas and it is not as good anymore. You may be able to get the good stuff there. If you can, it is great lacquer. It finishes very smooth, clear and very hard.

 

[CrazyBear]

Thanks for that guys...another question.. when you spray the pen pieces do you do it on the mandrel or off and if its on the lathe do you have the lathe running

 

[oldsmokey]

Hugh, most of the guys here use a harbor freight airbrush for small projects. If I was to spray them I will put the blanks on a section of all thread and hold them still with nuts. I don't want lacquer on the bushings. Do a search and you will find articles on dipping your blanks. I have not tried dipping. I only use my spray gun on larger projects. On pens, I only use CA for a finish.