Reapplying lacquer to brass

[Michael1962]

To brush or spray?

That is the question.

[oldhippy]

I have lacquered many French carriage clock cases and I always have used a very soft flat artist brush. brush in one way only. You don't say what you are going to lacquer. You must make sure it is clean with no specks of dirt/dust or tiny hairs. It dries very quick the one I used. You most never touch the parts because if you do your print will show. Here is the one I used, its the clear one for brass.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/lacquers-rapid-drying

Edited May 14, 2022 by oldhippy

[Michael1962]

In the title. Brass primarily.

I have tested several different methods, but I keep getting an orange peel result.

Looking at other clocks we have that are lacquered, the coating is flawless and I just don't know how that has been achieved?

I am wondering about the purchase as well of an airbrush

I have tried brushing as well with another varnish that I have and that did not test well either. It well could be my lack of experience.

[oldhippy]

What is it that you wish to lacquer? Can you send a photo. 

[Paul80]

If you are getting orange peel I assume you are spraying your lacquer, yes.

Orange peel is the result of an incorrect spraying technique, often the result from too much distance between gun/airbrush and subject, so the paint starts drying before it hits the subject, or you are putting too heavy a coat of lacquer down and it's drying at different rates.

Try lighter coats with more dry time between coats, or try a less hot thinner so it slows the dry time a little.

[oldhippy]

I have never used a spray. I remember I was told that it sometimes leaves spots and it is harder to get an even coating then it is to use a very soft brush. I asked for a photo because I was wondering if the part was clean and dirt might have given an orange colour. 

[Michael1962]

Don't need a photo really, Just flat brass plate was where I was experimenting.

Now, as to the spraying side, we are not talking about something I am mixing up to spray. We are talking about spray can lacquer and I think that may be 90% of the problem.

I have a compressor already and the thought of a professional airbrush versus the production line plastic nozzles on spray cans, or buying decent lacquer as @oldhippyhas shown above, though I am not sure if I can even get that brand here, is probably the direction that I will have to take.

[oldhippy]

It could be down to the type you are using. I haven't used any other because the one I suggested is for clocks.  

[Willow]

On 5/14/2022 at 9:15 AM, Paul80 said:

If you are getting orange peel I assume you are spraying your lacquer, yes.

Orange peel is the result of an incorrect spraying technique, often the result from too much distance between gun/airbrush and subject, so the paint starts drying before it hits the subject, or you are putting too heavy a coat of lacquer down and it's drying at different rates.

Try lighter coats with more dry time between coats, or try a less hot thinner so it slows the dry time a little.

Nothing wrong with your spelling better then mine, to me it's there problem i keeping having to go to google

[Michael1962]

I have had some difficulties with the Dulux brass spray can lacquer, hence my questions above. I have gone to the link that @oldhippygave me and I can't get the lacquer sent to Australia due to it being hazardous. I'll keep experimenting and see what I can work out. My other thought was spraying the lacquer into a container and then trying to brush it on. I have plenty of spare brass so that I won't be experimenting on the plates for the clock, so who knows? I can get Wattyl brass spray can lacquer as well as White Knighs brass spray can lacquer. I can't seem to find any brush on lacquer for brass.

I don't know why I am having so much difficulty in getting a clean gloss lacquer finish on the brass. Has to be something that I am doing incorrectly.

[oldhippy]

Painting on lacquer is far better then spraying. You must have artist painting shops just get a very fine flat brush is all you need.  What clock materiel suppliers do you have in Australia?   

[Michael1962]

Hi @oldhippy

I will definitely have to try brushing lacquer on. Of the material houses that I have found, no-one carries a paint on lacquer.

I have seen some people talking about using the lacquer that guitar makers use. I can get that here, but it is a lacquer for wood. People are saying the they are getting nice results with it.

Here's my next question. I have finally found a decent photo which is exactly what the dial of my grandmothers clock used to look like.

Does anyone know what colour this would be described as? My memeory had me thinking silver. It isn't. It's not grey either. It looks like an off-white, but not a yellow off-white, but a grey off-white.

Maybe I need to get my modelling paints out and do a bit of experimenting. I'll also talk to the guy that painted my car as he may have a good idea what I am looking for.

 

Edited February 5, 2023 by Michael1962

[oldhippy]

Type into google what is the best type of lacquer for brass and it will come up with many brand names and I hope you can find one near you. Lacquer for wood is no good for brass.

I don't think you will ever get the colour to match the dial, going by the photo it looks something from off white to a very silver almost grey looking.  You might have to mix and match. 

[Michael1962]

That was my thoughts as well @oldhippy regarding the lacquer for wood.

I will try the internet and see what I can find over here. Seems to be much more difficult than I expected it to be. Shouldn't be, but seems so.