Q: What sort of problems will I have spraying nitrocellulose lacquer in an unheated garage, and is there any way to minimize them?
A: Nitrocellulose lacquer is one of the least temperature sensitive finishes you can spray. That means it will still cure even in cold temperatures, albeit more slowly. You’ll also find that finishes don’t atomize as well, nor do they flow out as well in the cold. Thus, it will be more difficult to get a smooth sprayed surface, even if you are willing to wait the long time necessary for each coat to cure. There’s also the potential problem of getting water, in the form of ice crystals, trapped in the finish.
Adding extra solvent will help atomization and flow and will mean less resin goes on per coat, thus speeding cure at least a little. Commercial shops take another approach; they heat the lacquer itself. That makes it flow out better and allows you to eliminate some of the extra solvent. Companies that sell pressure pots and spray equipment usually offer heating bands called “drum heaters” to gently heat the finish before you spray. Obviously, lacquer is very flammable, so if you decide to heat, do so cautiously and with equipment designed with safety in mind.
Michael Dresdner
straight talk about wood finishing
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