Catalyzed Lacquers

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wdcav1952

wdcav1952

Activities Manager Emeritus
Joined
Mar 18, 2004
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Location
Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA.
Does anyone know a source for post-catalyzed lacquer that doesn't require a 5 gallon purchase? I want to get into air brushing my finishes and from what I have read, post-cat lacquer seems to be the best choice.

TIA,
 
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Pre-cat is just about as durable as Post cat and you can get it in gallons from Sherwin Williams. They may have to order it in for you since not many builders are use it because it is quite a bit more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer.

I use it in all my homes since it SO much more durable than nitro lacquer. Pre-cat has a shelf life of 6 months from when they add the catalyst when you buy it. Also, with post cat, you have to get the ratio just right. It might be hard in small quantities and once catalyzed, post cat will not last NEAR as long as pre-cat. BE VERY CAREFUL though. Make SURE to wear a very good respirator since pre-cat or post cat is pretty nasty stuff.

HTH!
 
I use pre-cat from Sherwin Williams on all my flat work and really like it. My local store didn't know how to price it since they had never sold it, so they only charge me $22 a gallon. I use a high build satin, so I don't think it would polish to a glossy finish like we like on pens. If you want to try it and it can be sent legally through the mail maybe I can catalyze a small quantity and send it to you. Just let me know.
 
gatornick said:
I use pre-cat from Sherwin Williams on all my flat work and really like it. My local store didn't know how to price it since they had never sold it, so they only charge me $22 a gallon. I use a high build satin, so I don't think it would polish to a glossy finish like we like on pens. If you want to try it and it can be sent legally through the mail maybe I can catalyze a small quantity and send it to you. Just let me know.
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Thanks for the offer. If there is a 6 mo shelf life I likely can come up with something else to use it on other than pens. It has been a looooooong time since I have done any flatwork, though. You are right, I am looking for a gloss. Given the toxicity of the stuff, mailing might be less than legal.

Am I right in thinking that if I buy some for Sherwin Williams that they will have the appropriate thinner to make it the right viscosity for air brush use?

Thanks,
 
I used to catalyze it by the gallon, but I was always throwing partial gallons away after the pot life was up. Now I only catalyze a quart at a time. It seems to be working out alot better for me.
 
gatornick said:
I used to catalyze it by the gallon, but I was always throwing partial gallons away after the pot life was up. Now I only catalyze a quart at a time. It seems to be working out alot better for me.
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Thanks, Curtis for the thinner advice.

Now I'm confused. I thought the SW pre-cat was catalyzed by the seller at the point of sale. Gator, are you meaning you can buy the pre-cat un-cat (so to speak) and catalyze as needed? That would be helpful for me, certainly. Guess I am going to annoy the hell out of the people at our SW store tomorrow. :rolleyes:
 
Maybe my store wasn't supposed to, but they gave me a whole bottle of the catalyst. They really didn't seem to know what they were doing, so maybe they were supposed to keep it. If they aren't supposed to sell bottles of catalyst, I would ask if they can give you the appropriate amount for your gallon. It is so much better to be able to catalyze as needed.
 
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