Official Luthiers Forum!

While I'm watching Olympics, I'm getting ready to finish number 5 with cardinal lacquer. I did not get the sealer and just plan on using a one pound cut of shellac. Would I be better using a few thin coats of lacquer?

In the nice California sun, I'll probably shoot 5 - 6 coats on day one and the same on day two (or when I get around to leveling).

What advice could you offer. This is my first experience shooting lacquer. My last was with general finishes waterborne pre-ca. Decent results, but wont use it again. There was a blueish tint I wasn't thrilled with.

Steve

I would suggest you use the recommended sealer. Shellac at one time was a viable sealer with lacquer but modern finishes are different. years ago I used shellac as a sealer. It wasn't until I had some adhesion issues that were related to the shellac that I found out too late about finish chemistry.
Granted many may do this and have success but the issues show later in the finish life. For that reason I would say use the sealer that the finish manufacturer recommend.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

If you don't know how the material will react with shellac and you don't have the recommended sealer, then the safest thing might be to self seal using the lacquer.

If you are not planning on using the manufacturers sealer I would suggest using a 50/50 mix lacquer/thinner as a washcoat. Do a few coats to seal then pore fill , top coat , etc. I have not used the Cardinal yet , but this worked very well for me with the old McFadden's nitro. Best of luck.

Doesn't Cardinal lacquer have plasticizers added to make a flexible finish? Is Cardinal just the latest "great white hope" for instrument makers?