How many cans of Minwax clear lacquer?

[zipseattle]

I've mist coated about a half a can of Minwax clear lacquer over the metallic color coat. What's a good rule of thumb for how many cans to use for the heavier clear coats, to allow for sanding/polishing?

I was thinking 2 cans, very light sanding to reduce some of the orange peel, and then another can.

 

[CapnCrunch]

I've mist coated about a half a can of Minwax clear lacquer over the metallic color coat. What's a good rule of thumb for how many cans to use for the heavier clear coats, to allow for sanding/polishing?

I was thinking 2 cans, very light sanding to reduce some of the orange peel, and then another can.

Hey Zip,

Typically two or three passes makes one coat. It's been a while since I used rattle cans so my memory is foggy. I would say you need at least 2 cans. I typically make two passes per coat, but I spray right at the hairy edge of runs. This is all dependent on how heavy you spray, but you want at least 4 to 6 coats (so 8 to 12 passes) to be safe. If you are spraying over a Metallic base, you darn sure don't want sand through, so I would go heavier rather than lighter just to be safe.

I like to sand prior to the final coat. This is a great technique especially if you have the ability to thin the final coat and use some retarder. You can't do that with a rattle can, but it will still make your final coat come out much smoother.

 

[dsutton24]

If you are spraying over a Metallic base, you darn sure don't want sand through, so I would go heavier rather than lighter just to be safe.

Oh, yeah, that's the quickest way I know to invent new words! Flake leaves a rough surface, and it takes a lot of clear to fill all the tiny voids and leave enough material to be able to sand it flat. If you do sand through the clear you'll leave matte areas that stand out like a sore thumb, When you think you're close you can do some test sanding in places that are covered by the pickguard, etc. to give you and idea where you are.

I typically use around six cans of lacquer on a body. Some use more or less, it just depends on so many factors. More is definitely better.

 

[loversmoon69]

i used two cans on my last build. I wish i would have concentrated more on the sides and up around the horns. Front and back were fine. Just a note to ya. If you havent done the wet sanding thing before Id go three cans just to be safe.

 

[emisilly]

I used a can and a half with no issues. For a first time I might suggest 2 just to be safe.

 

[LeftyAl]

yeah, 2 cans should do it.Like just mentioned ,wet sanding is a very big part of having a nice finish.After your all done with spraying,wait at least 3 days and buff it out with a auto polish or compound. It'll shine like it was done in a shop.

 

[surfoverb]

i used 4 cans...and still got sand throughs here and there. 4 cans sounds like a lot but its not. I got a sweet shiny clear when said and done and its still stupid thin.

id wait at least 3 weeks before final sanding/buffing. the more coats the more time to let it cure/gass out whatever the heck weirdo nitro does

no need to sand between coats if you spray with good technique. orange peel will sand out, runs not so much. I didnt sand at all after sanding sealer was done. I did color, about 3/4ths of a can (butt blonde) and then clear and then sanded.

even if you have orange peel in the color coats it will meld into the clear and can be taken care of then. thats why nitro is so great : its user friendly

others do sand in between though its depends on you.

here is mine before clear and after




and to show how thin it is this is 2 years later I got this ding from just laying another tele on top of this one

image removed


and next to my 52RI (right)
image removed

 

[SixShooter]

I typically use around six cans of lacquer on a body. Some use more or less, it just depends on so many factors. More is definitely better.

 

[zipseattle]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I'll lean towards more coats then.

 

[loversmoon69]

this was done with two. the key is just take your time. Don't rush things. I did that on my first build and ended up having to start over.

 

[DrASATele]

If you plan on building another (Can you do only one?) I would suggest buying a quart and the Preval spray system. It will allow you as many coats a you feel you need and you can thin it if need be. I think it allows you more flexibility.

 

[SixShooter]

I would suggest buying a quart and the Preval spray system. It will allow you as many coats a you feel you need

Don't rattle cans offer that as well?

 

[DrASATele]

Hey 6, I meant without the need to run out and buy another can. Cost effective and Flexibility were more my point.

13.98 (Depot) Qt (32oz) Minwax Clear Gloss
4.97 (Depot) PreVal Spray System (new power unit 1.99)
So 18.95 (If you need additional power cells say 2 of them then 23.93) + the bonus of using thinner or whatever you need, flexibility can be priceless

8.98 (Depot) Individual Minwax Rattle Can (X3 = 26.94) and no flexibility