|
|
Achieving a High-Gloss Lacquer Finish
Question
Forum Responses
From contributor J: Ditto to the above. It's the same process as rubbing out a car finish. Sand and buff. A car buffer works great. From contributor A: I would use the polishable high gloss 2k Acrylic Polyurethane (LAC367) from ICA. It is more forgiving on the total DFT than a standard lacquer. From Paul Snyder, forum technical advisor: Lacquer polishes to a high gloss, but it's best to let it cure for at least a couple weeks first (longer is even better). It shrinks as it cures. Another approach is to get a good build (4+ coats) and let it dry for a couple days. Then level sand with 400 grit or higher (the higher the grit, the smoother the surface). Then spray a diluted coat of lacquer with some retarder in it to slow the dry time. This "flow coat" will give you a good gloss off the gun. If you go the rubbing route, a catalyzed poly is a good way to go. The cure time is greatly reduced and they sand and rub out beautifully. And they're much more widely available than they use to be... most major suppliers are stocking them now. For example, both Chemcraft and ML Campbell are carrying a selection of European finishes.
From the original questioner: Thanks to everyone for their responses. I naively assumed shooting would be enough. After I shoot 4-6 coats, how difficult is it to maintain a consistent sand/buff? Would I require one of those car buffers or would my oscillating sander suffice? Can you be more specific regarding the buffing stage including compounds required? From contributor L: I use ICA urethanes, wet sand to P 2000 grit and then Farcela SP rubbing/buffing/polishing compounds. Same as buffing an auto clear finish. Auto paint store is a good place to ask about buffing/polishing. From contributor G: 35 years at this. You're not sealing well enough, for starters. Sometimes MDF seals better with shellac as base coat than lacquer sealer follow-ups, and in between coats, of course, making the last coat ultra smooth with at least 600 grit paper. Now start your gloss coats, 3 - 4 at least, and follow all those posted rub out instructions. You'll see a difference. Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
|
