Shellac

[Mutiro]

I have never used shellac flakes before. Is it possible to use them for spray painting or can I only only brush on? The reason I ask is so that I can get into an awful lot of fret cuts without spending ages with a brush. Would spraying prove too costly given the price of flakes? Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
John

 

[Sgian Dubh]

You can spray dissolved shellac flakes, but it's a good idea to fill your spray gun with it through a filter so that any undissolved snots and nits don't get into the gun that might cause a blockage. Filters are available from polish suppliers, and may also be available through auto paint suppliers-- I don't know about this source because I don't buy auto paint. I buy 280 μ cone filters to pore the polish through. Of course, you'll need to adjust the viscosity of the polish to suit your gun, its needle and air cap, and your air supply. I can't help with that because I don't know what type of gun you're using. Slainte.

 

[Mutiro]

I buy 280 μ cone filters to pore the polish through. Of course, you'll need to adjust the viscosity of the polish to suit your gun, its needle and air cap, and your air supply. I can't help with that because I don't know what type of gun you're using. Slainte.

Hi Slainte,
Thanks for your reply. Would you mind letting me know where you get your cone filters from? I use a run-of-the-mill Clarke auto spray gun from machine mart together with a large 3ph compressor (plenty of air).
I assume that to thin the original mixture for spraying, I would do so with alcohol? I also assume that this mixture has a limited shelf life? As you can tell, I really am new to this!
I appreciate your advice.
Kind Regards and have a great weekend,
John

 

[Mike.S]

I recently used sprayed Shellac for the first time and found it straightforward. You may find this link helpful.

I bought paint filters from a specialist autospray shop and that well known online auction site - latter of equal quality and much cheaper. Search the bay for 'Medium Paper Paint Filters Strainers Sieve MS10 (190 Micron)'.

Whilst Flakes have a long shelf life if stored properly the post mixed solution has a shelf life of around 6 months. Most use Meths to mix/dilute - which is mainly alcohol (ethanol) but also includes methanol, dye and sundry nasties to stop us wino's drinking it without serious health effects #-o

I actually found it very easy to apply using my HVLP sprayer but for some parts I used a 'jenny brush' (shaped foam brush) - finish equalled that of the spray (I was using a 2lb cut and this flowed very easily).

HTH

 

[Mutiro]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for that info and the link, I will give it a bash as soon as my shellac arrives next week. Good to know that others have been there, done that - and succeeded
Kind Regards,
John