I watched a video of someone turning a Cherry Burl along with using epoxy resin. It was very interesting and since I am still trying to learn some of the basics of turning wood with epoxy resins I ended up picking up a few tips. However, I think I posted more information for him on how to use Lacquer Finishes with your woodturning projects and basically that’s what this post is. First I will show you the video and then you can read my thoughts on how to apply an finish using Lacquer.
Good video, thank you for your efforts ….and Merry Christmas along with wishing you and yours a fantastic 2020 ….a year full of prosperity, good health and good luck 🙂
I wanted to mention something about lacquer finish while watching one of your videos, not sure if I did so excuse me if this is a duplicate!
I’ve been messing around with lacquer finishes for the last 2 years, its a good fast finish if done right.
I pretty much always use Deft Lacquer Sanding Sealer……if necessary you can apply multiple coats in 15 minutes, but it seals up the wood very good https://amzn.to/34Z1X5h I ususally thin the Deft Lacquer Sanding Sealer with anywhere between 10% and 25% Lacquer Thinner. It gets into the wood while stiffening the fibers and filling the pores ….thats why I put multiple coats on. I lightly sand either between coats or on final coat before the lacuer spray begins.
I use Deft Lacquer Spray with good results also. https://amzn.to/2Q1eQYw
However, I also have used Watco lacquer spray ….all the way from Matte at the bottom to Satin to High Gloss. https://amzn.to/2t2jRXz Buffing out any of these finishes produces outstanding results. All will give good depth of finish, the sheen or shine comes from the gloss factor. Its amazing but you can get a slight and deep gloss finish from a matte spray.
Depending on the wood you can build up multiple layers fast. However I found that you get the best results if you spray a coat, wet sand and then spray another coat….it takes time but the finish will be exquisite!
The real trick is to know how long to let it dry before you can turn it at slow speed on your lathe and use a soft cloth to buff it out. You can buff out a Satin finish to a nice gloss with good depth. The trick is to use a very soft cloth, small piece while trying to buff a spinning project on the lathe. Capn’ Eddie says to never use a rag or cloth on a spinning lathe project for obvious reasons, however, I found that an old sweat shirt inside out provides some very nice buffing surfaces that really brings out that sheen or shine. But please be careful because if you are working with a piece of burl, live edge or other irregular piece of wood the cloth can easily get caught and send you to the hospital!
The problem with buffing too soon is that you will burn through the finish. And…..if you try to buff it out on a buffing wheel you must take great care otherwise you will mar and burn through the lacquer finish. The most important variable for taking a lacquer sprayed piece to the buffing wheel is “how long has the finish dried?” I let it dry a couple of days before I attempt and if I have the time I let it dry for 30 days for I do any heavy duty buffing. I have a buffing motor/station and it might turn too fast …if you want to get into finishing lacquer seriously you might want to get one of those Beal buffing systems for your lathe. https://amzn.to/353wCOO
Hope you find this info useful …..I really enjoy watching your videos ….I haven’t gotten into too much resin/epoxy work so I am learning much from your efforts.
Again….Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🙂