Water-Based Finishes

[Mike Goetzke]

I need to get some finish for a sewing cabinet I'm making for my daughter. I spray with a Fuji Q4 in my garage so I like using water-based finishes.

I have used Target Coatings EM6000 in the past with success but see they now offer many other finishes. My daughter is having me dye the wood with TransFast powder/water so probably looking for a clear/durable finish.

Looking for suggestions of what others have had success with.

Thanks
Mike

 

[junk731]

I personally don't think it gets much better than EM2000 Alkyd Varnish from Target. It use to be my go to finish 3 years ago. I found cutting with 5 to 10% distilled water made it flow out and spray a lot better, at least with an HVLP compressor gun, can't really comment on your Fuji or any turbine guns for performance.

 

[nclemmons]

I've had good luck with General Finishes Enduro water based products.  They spray really well and are very durable.

 

[John Broomall]

A water base finish over water based trans-tint dye can cause spotting in the stain. The last time i saw anything from Homestead Fiishing abou this they recommended allowing the stain to throughly dry (about 30 hours) and then applying a coat of Seal-A-Cell before the water based finishing coats.

 

[JonathanJung]

I've sprayed about 11 gallons of General Finishes High Performance and their Exterior 450 with HVLP. Very easy to work with, somewhat durable. It's on my standup desk I'm at right now. My fingernail can leave a mark in it but for lower-abused pieces it's nice.

I'd try next their Enduro Clear Poly or Enduro Pre-Cat Lacquer (not Enduro-var).

 

[Mike Goetzke]

A water base finish over water based trans-tint dye can cause spotting in the stain. The last time i saw anything from Homestead Fiishing abou this they recommended allowing the stain to throughly dry (about 30 hours) and then applying a coat of Seal-A-Cell before the water based finishing coats.

It's OK to water-based topcoat over oil based sealer (just want to confirm)? Thanks.

Reading some more I see some put the dye in the finish but wouldn't this leave uneven color and not be as clear as dye then clear coat?

 

[sancho57]

Ive use Enduro for about 15 years even before they got bought by GF. Yes I like that finish alot. Since GF has bought it they have improved on it tremendously. I can brush it now and still get a great finish.

yes you can us it over a oil base. You do have to let it dry thoroughly. Id use a scrap piece put the OB on it at the same time as your piece and use it as a test piece.

Another thing you can do is to go over it with dewaxe shellac as a barrier then apply your top coat.

 

[junk731]

A water base finish over water based trans-tint dye can cause spotting in the stain. The last time i saw anything from Homestead Fiishing abou this they recommended allowing the stain to throughly dry (about 30 hours) and then applying a coat of Seal-A-Cell before the water based finishing coats.

It's OK to water-based topcoat over oil based sealer (just want to confirm)? Thanks.

Reading some more I see some put the dye in the finish but wouldn't this leave uneven color and not be as clear as dye then clear coat?

In your case I would use your dye method and then spray a light 1lb. cut of dewaxed shellac as a sealer and then a couple of hours later your first WB topcoat. Be careful with the what Topcoat you use with a shellac sealer as some Topcoats with a high poly content can have crackle issues. I know you will have no issues with the EM2000.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for all the help.

May venture to make that 1 lb. cut of shellac myself!

Probably also try the EM2000 since I’ve had success with TC other finishes.

Mike

 

[sancho57]

Mike, Make sure its DEWAXED Shellac.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Mike, Make sure its DEWAXED Shellac.

OK - why do dewaxed flakes plus DNA cost way more than getting premixed Zinsser Sealcoat (2 lb cut)?

Mike

 

[junk731]

Mike, Make sure its DEWAXED Shellac.

OK - why do dewaxed flakes plus DNA cost way more than getting premixed Zinsser Sealcoat (2 lb cut)?

Mike

Zinsser's ability in regards to bulk buying has its advantages. You can get a quart of Sealcoat and dilute it to a 1lb. cut with DNA. The up side with making your own shellac is that you choose the colour/tone of the end product. With Sealcoat you get what they mix and it does vary.

 

[ChiknNutz]

I have been really happy with PPG Breakthrough clear (V50 satin or V70 gloss).  I have used it on many projects, primarily live-edge style tables.  Have also used on some painted signs that needed exterior protection.  It is a water-borne acrylic.  I spray using a DeVilbiss FLG671.  Love how fast it dries and is very durable.