I have been using/referencing the Taunton Press “The New Wood Finishing Book”, by Michael Dresdner. In it, there are several references (and identified benefits) to Waterborne Polyurethane/Lacquer with Crosslinker (sounds like a great idea if you are more or less constrained to using waterbornes in an inexpensive ventilated basement spray booth). However, there is no reference to what the “crosslinker” is. I gather it is some sort of catalyst to cause the “polymerization” taking the waterborne from an evaporative to a reactive finish without the normal solvents, but what is/are the catalyst(s) and in what proportions? Is there some source for this information? My local paint store dealer didn’t have a clue.
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Replies
The crosslinker referred to is most likely aziridine and is a catalyst for acrylic resins. Without proper protection and ventilation it's not one of the safest items to be spraying. Brushing would be OK and florring guys use this type of product all the time. Because of it's hazardous nature, most manufacturers won't sell it at the consumer level, so you're better off looking into professional dealers.
You might call Jeff Weiss at Target Coatings for information. 1-800-752-9922.
Jeff
Thanks for the reply. I've recently latched on to Target Coatings, and in addition, doing a little more "homework" last night via woodfinisherssupply.com had pretty much determined that this probably isn't some diy mix! They had some useful technical information and, it would appear, a wide variety of interesting products, including the "crosslinked" waterbournes. Thanks again for reply
Vince,
Some of the finishes from Target Coatings (.com) are pre-catalyzed using N-Methy Pyrrolidone; it not as nasty as the aziridine used in some brands. The catalyst improves the hardness and chemical resistance of the finish as well as speeding up the cure time. Their waterborne conversion varnish is an example - you can take a look at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on their website.
There are some brands that are post-catalyzed, you have to add the catalyst yourself just before use and they have a limited time in which they must be used once catalyzed (pot life).
I wouldn't try adding catalyst to ANY finish unless it's designed for use with that finish and then add only as much as the manufacturer recommends.Paul
Furniture Finish Wizard
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