Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Nov 20, 2008 05:05am | #1

   marcalfa,

   A mil is generally considered one millimeter of thickness. When spraying lacquer, you spray in one direction overlapping your passes about 50%, which is immediately followed by another coat sprayed perpendicular to your first coat. This is called box coating. While you may lay down a couple of mils of thickness the lacquer, as it cures, will shrink down to about one mil.

   Much of this depends on your technique also. Remember, thin coats are always better than a thick coat. They will dry and cure faster.

   Try spraying a few sample pieces; do one with three coats, another with four etc. and see what pleases your eye.

   Another thing you may try; lay down a couple of coats and let it sit overnight. Sand it with some 320 paper to flatten the surface, clean all the dust and then spray another coat on. It will have a more refined look than just laying the coats on one after another.

   Depending on how high a polish you want; after the last coat is on let it sit for about a week and then rub it down with some 0000 steel wool with a little wax on it. This will result in a soft sheen.

   For a higher shine you could polish the surface with an auto compound like Mequiers.

   Be aware though that the tips on cans of lacquer leave a lot to be desired. Be sure to practice your technique on sample boards first.

   Peter

1. 
   marcalfa | Nov 20, 2008 01:52pm | #2

   thank you!!