Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 28, 2006 04:49am | #1

   Deft is a widely liked brushing lacquer. Application calls for you to move quickly and surely.  I haven't used it much, since for the reproductions I work on shellac is the evaporative finish of choice.  .  The chief merit of lacquer is that it rubs out very well, so be sure that is part of your plan for finishing. 

2. 
   desertgsrider | Jun 28, 2006 06:31am | #2

   I have used the deft extensively, it is very easy to use and gives a great finish. #0000 steel wool between coats. Just use the spray cans, they work great. Both the sanding sealer and the lacquer. I actually rattle canned an entire set of cabinet onsite for a museum and got great results. No spray lines, just a great quality finish and a happy customer. Later-- Steve.

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 28, 2006 06:00pm | #3

   For something small like you have, use the spray can Deft Lacquer.  It dries faster and will give you a perfect finish.  If you plan to rub out the finish, put on about five coats.

   Howie.........
1. 
   RyanC | Jun 28, 2006 07:41pm | #4

   Thats great I was hoping to  use that instead of polyurethane because the top is spalted maple and I wanted to avoid the yellowing effect.  Thanks for the help.

1. 
   Rich14 | Jun 28, 2006 08:47pm | #5

   Ryan,

   Deft is nitrocellulose lacquer. It will impart a slight amber hue to the maple. The lacquer will darken slightly over time and the maple itself will yellow under it, big time.

   To keep maple from yellowing, use CAB-acrylic lacquer. Unfortunately it's not available in convenient spray cans. You must but a gallon of it at a time.

   A second choice is any of the good water-borne finishes. They will not yellow maple. My favorite is Varathane's water-borne polyurethane (which does come in a spray). Several coats applied several days apart with light sanding inbetween. Then let the last coat harden for at least 4 weeks before rubbing out - 4-0 steel wool is great, or continue up in abrasives as high as you want to go.

   It rubs to a beautiful, very hard surface. Much harder than lacquer, and every bit as nice, depending on your diligence. No plastic look whatever.

   Rich

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Jun 28, 2006 09:30pm | #6

   I buy CAB lacquer in aerosol cans. You will have to look for it in places other than big boxes. Try some of the touch up suppliers (many are listed at http://www.touchuptrainer.com/links.html ) or old fashioned paint stores.

1. 
   Rich14 | Jun 28, 2006 09:35pm | #7

   Thanks. I've only bought it from Sherwyn Williams. Never thought to ask for anything but gallon cans.

2. 
   RyanC | Jul 02, 2006 01:49am | #8

   Thought of another deft question.  Is it ok to use it on the inside of the box without fumes building up?

   Thanks Again,

     Ryan C.

3. 
   DougF | Jul 02, 2006 04:49pm | #9

   Yes.  After a fairly short time, measured in days, all of the volatile chemicals will have gassed off.  Lacquer is not like oil that will gas off for months.   

4. 
   RyanC | Jul 02, 2006 11:56pm | #10

   Good to know thanks.

4. 
   Handrubbed | Jul 14, 2006 11:46pm | #11

   I'm in the minority in that I have not had consistent good luck with Deft lacquer, at least in spray cans.  I much prefer the same thing made by Mohawk under the Behlen's name.  The problem I had with Deft was during the finishing of a white oak desk.  Truthfully, the use of the Deft Sanding sealer under the satin finish coats may have been the culprit; but the result was a finish that was very fragile and could easily be scratched with just a fingernail.  I ended up scuffsanding the whole desk and spraying Behlen's.  This was the only time I used Deft and would never try it again.  Lacquer should dry to an extremely durable finish, and that was not the case on this project.  By the way, I have heard about and seen nice results with Minwax Spray clearcoats.  They make a poly in several glosses and recently added a lacquer product.  Spray cans would be nice for your jewelry box because it provides a nice soft spray that doesn't build too quickly.