[TheForge] clear coat question

Sat May 24 16:02:01 2003

Lacquer is solvent based material with a high VOC content, and it "dries"
literally, the VOC evaporate leaving a deposited coating any simplex
materials that can be dissolved can be used to form lacquers..

Polyurethane is a chemical sure, typically on contact with oxygen tin the
air, it "crosslinks" on cure to form a more durable coasting, except without
proper preparation it will not adhere to most surfaces (primer).  Primer can
be as simple as a chemical wash etc to cause a direct bond to the substrate.

Enamel material is a "pre made" polymer chain usually of acrylic, they can
be short or long chemical chains and polymers, they again are solvent borne,
and will be deposited along with a binding agent which will "dry" leaving a
film coating.  Durability in this application is mediocre at best.

Tough durable coating and simple to use as long as you own a spray can.  Any
acrylic clear coat sold at automotive paint stores.  Not urethanes because
they will not stick. the gloss can be removed by "breaking" the particular
type of material with a solvent to de-gloss the final product, or apply a
light spray after the final coat has dried.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Olsen" <[email protected]>
To: "Art Metal" <[email protected]>; "The Forge"
<[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2003 6:25 AM
Subject: [TheForge] clear coat question

> I must plead ignorant of an understanding of differences in some common
> clear coat options available at any hardware store.
>
> I have used polyurethane clear coat for many years on forged iron work
> for interior use.  I preferred it because it was available in a satin
> finish but proved fairly easy to scratch and this was especially
> noticable when a patina was used.  A while back someone on the list
> mentioned that clear lacquer would not be so glossy if the can was held
> at a distance on final application_____great tip,  I found this to be
> true, I now think of lacquer as being available in a satin finish as
> well.
>
> There is also a clear enamel available________can someone who truly
> understands the differences between  a clear finish with polyurethane,
> enamel, and lacquer explain the differences of them, strengths,
> weaknesses, etc.
>
> It is rather depressing how little information is on the product and
> much less in the brain of the salesperson.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Roger Olsen
>
> >From the East slope of the North Cascades
>
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