Precat lacquer over non-precat lacquer confusion

[kmalone]

I have a question for the finishing experts here. I have a customer that wanted a tinted "precat" lacquer to finish some mud room cabinets I am building for her. I have experience spraying Benjamin Moore precat lacquer, the white stuff you get off the shelf with no tint added.

I called and ordered what I was thinking would be precat lacquer in the tint desired. When I picked it up, it is not precat, but a nitrocellulose lacquer.

A couple of questions:
1. Do I need to add a catalyst before spraying?
2. If I do not add a catalyst, it is ok to spray clear precat over this for a more durable finish?

 

[Oldwood]

Hi,

1. Do I need to add a catalyst before spraying? No, not if it is nitrocellulose.
2. If I do not add a catalyst, it is ok to spray clear precat over this for a more durable finish? You should not spray pre cat or any catalyzed product over nitrocellulose, it will usually pull the softer finish off when it cures.

It is best to confirm with the manufacturer as sometimes products are not what they seem to be at first glance, but this is generally the best advice.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I wouldn't risk it without the blessing of the manufacturer....and if they are from 2 different manufacturers, you can bet the answer will be no. It might be ok, but they are never going to say that. It's too easy for this fail and result in a mad customer.
Lacquers generally "melt into" the coat before them, so having that pre-cat "working on" the nitro may be a problem because of curing differently.

 

[kmalone]

Good advice. I will call the manufacturer and see what they have to say and report back.

 

[kmalone]

I gave Lenmar a call this morning. Your feedback was spot on. It is not possible to successfully add a hardener/catalyst to the nitrocellulose lacquer. It is also a bad idea to spray any catalyzed product (included stuff they make) over the nitro.

Looks like I have a couple of spare cans of lacquer looking for a project! Thanks for the input, have a great weekend!!