Spray Cans nitrocellulose lacquer?

[Zen]

Is it possible to use the type of Spray Can of nitrocellulose lacquer found in car spares /showrooms to spray the back and sides of a indian rosewood parlor guitar?
I am finding it hard to get anyone to ship it to me due to new airline regulations as i live in Ireland. What would a good alternative be or is car paint similar to what you guys would use. I think I just need a clear coat for now but would also like to try tinted versions later on on my next one.

[B. Howard]

It is possible, although that is likely an acrylic lacquer rather than nitro. You will need a sealer for under it, de waxed shellac should work fine but as always you should do a test panel to be sure.

[Zen]

Thanks Brian.

[tippie53]

if you are in the US you can get behlens lacquer at Grizzly it is a decent spray can. I use 6 for the guitar with 2 sealer cans.

[Zen]

Thanks John, Not in the US unfortunately and here in Ireland its not easy to get the right brands. What should I not buy when i visit the car parts store tomorrow ? I assume I should get nitrocellulose anyway if possible and not anything else.

[tippie53]

yes look for nitro lacquer if you can't find it check a local cabinet shop , they may have a line to finish suppliers .

[Zen]

Ok, I talked to a supplier today and managed to get some aerosol nitro spray clear laquer

However while chatting about finishes he also highly recommended this product and I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on it . Theres different grades of it as you will see on the website and it can be tinted

http://www.woodoc.com/products.asp?id=e ... NlYWxlcnM=

I brushed on a little on some sanded rosewood I had lying around and it comes out really well for a brush job. He seemed to think that a lot of drum makers were using it on wooden rims and different woodworkers have picked up on it as well according to the salesman.

So, was it sales talk or does the guy have something. I took a small tin of the "Woodoc 20" to try it out and as i say it works for me anyway but how would it be for a overall finish ? Would i still need to spray nitro as a finish or would this be an alternative ?

Looking forward to hearing what you guys think

All the best
Rusty

[tippie53]

I don't like poly on a guitar. ( My personal preference but I will use on an electric ) A drum and guitar are 23 different animals, The Lacquer will allow you a back door to repair the finish anytime. It is also a better acoustic coating. Poly tends to look too plastic too me on a finish.
I am sure it is a fine product but we are looking for nice without an acoustic footprint. The key is to get enough of a finish to protect the piece yet not so much to act as a tonal dampener . I like a .006 end film.

[Zen]

Thanks, Thats a good enough reason not to use it.

Just one other thing-- I could only get Methylated Spirits as we dont have Naptha over here. This can be used for french polishing according to the specs on the bottle so I'm wondering is it a good enough alternative to naptha? It does not flash off as quickly as the Ronson Lighter fluid I had been using . It contains: Methanol ---Ethanol {Ethyl Alcohol } and is recommended for french polishing .

http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pro ... tine-meths

Thanks for all the advise again