Clear coat over shellac?

[newuser1]

I love shellac finishes, however they are not really durable and I'm looking for ideas what clear coat to use on top of my shellac finish?

I put 5 coats of shellac on this new body, and was thinking to top it off with Watco spray. Would that work? Should I sand the shellac before applying the Watco or another lacquer?

 

[eallen]

Sand it flat with 400 & spray on lacquer is as good a way to go as any.

 

[Crafty Fox]

I always use shellac to seal my guitars prior to spraying lacquer.

 

[newuser1]

Sand it flat with 400 & spray on lacquer is as good a way to go as any.

Wouldn't the 400 grit scuff the shellac finish? What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?

I always use shellac to seal my guitars prior to spraying lacquer.

What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?

 

[bender66]

Wouldn't the 400 grit scuff the shellac finish? What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?

That's the point of getting a level finish. Its not your final coat.

 

[eallen]

Wouldn't the 400 grit scuff the shellac finish? What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?



What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?

Yes it will scuff the shellac, which is what you want to promote adhesion. I wet samd with naptha or mineral spirits. Use a sanding block to get a good flt surface. Only lightly sand the edges to avoid sand thru.

My prefered is Sherwood LOVOC or Finish Works nitro but they are only available it gallon+ & require a spray rig. If you are looking for a box store, most of the spray on nitro there are workable. Any of the lacquer marketed as instrument lacquer are good as well.

 

[trev333]

I use clear poly over shellac all the time..... misting it on in a series of coats over a few hours before getting a nice finish coat....

this pic is minutes after a final spray..... comes up ok, this cabots carbothane....it has a very fine jet...

I just leave it then..no more sanding or buffing.. let cure for a few weeks.. then start using it...

 

[Crafty Fox]

Wouldn't the 400 grit scuff the shellac finish? What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?



What type/brand of lacquer do you use/prefer?

The stuff I use is an Australian product from Hi-Chem. Really, I only use what's easily available here and the choice is limited. It works well but I'm sure you'll find something as good or better over your way.

 

[Silverface]

If you have Mohawk lacquers in professional paint stores they will work fine. so will Behlens & Rust-Oleum, which are essentially identical (the same company). Watco is owned by RPM as well and I believe it';s also the same stuff.

Valspar is also good.

Just make sure you read up on proper lacquer spray technique. Arbitrarily spraying it almost guarantees an assortment of problems.

 

[newuser1]

Thanks guys,

The Watco can instructions clearly state to remove shellac before applying the lacquer, so I'm not sure that would work?

 

[eallen]

Thanks guys,

The Watco can instructions clearly state to remove shellac before applying the lacquer, so I'm not sure that would work?

The only way I could imagine ever having a problem is if the schellac has high wax content. I would procede and not look back, but it is your guitar. [emoji6]

I seldom limit my application to box store product instructions when I used to use them. They are trying to idiot proof all liability out of the manufacturer. If you read brushing lacquer it oftem says not to thin it or spray it. Why not? Have done them both & didn't turn into a frog or disintegrate. Professional products are a different thing and I tend to follow theirs.