Lee Valley Tools and Nitro Lacquer

[Denny B]

Lee Valley Tools primary lacquer is still nitrocellulose. I have not done any furniture finishing for a number of years. There are dozens of different finishes available.

Am I correct in assuming nitrocellulose is still one of the best and preferred finishes, as I am planning on using it again.

Is there another preferred finish that has replaced nitro or is it each man to himself whatever moves you.

Thanks in advance Denny B

[Mike G]

Nitrocellulose is still by preferred choice but, since ventilation in my present shop limits it's use to those days when I can have everything wide open I've taken to water based lacquers.

[lopez]

I've gone to water based lacquer and poly in my work. They are sprayed on about the same way as the nitro stuff, and leave a good finish. My only problem has been getting the warm tone that nitro lacquer produces. I need to put on something prior to the lacquer top coat. I have been using a dye followed by shellac or, just amber shellac. Some water based products can be purchased with a warm colored tint to be added directly to the top coat (toning.

It's a bit more difficult compared to using nitro, but it's a lot safer and is definitely more friendly to the environment.

Len

------------------

Denny B wrote:

[Mike G]

Try Crystalac 2000 it's the closest I've come to nitro color without having to add anything to the finish or the wood.