---------- Forwarded Message ---------- From: Bill Spurlock, RPT, 74077,3053 TO: INTERNET:Wippen@aol.com, INTERNET:Wippen@aol.com DATE: 5/2/95 10:08 PM RE: Copy of: Waterbased Finishes Paul: I've done a couple of pianos, some furniture, and a few batches of my hammer hanging jigs with Hydrocote water based lacquer. I tried to stick with it long enough to get comfortable with it, but have since gone back to nitrocellulose. I liked the fast build, low fumes, and non-flammability of Hydrocote. I also found it to be much more durable than nitro. It doesn't show white marks when dinged and in general seems tougher and less prone to settling into the grain (grain doesn't reappear after a few months). However, because it is so flexible it is a bear to sand. It clogs sandpaper constantly, no matter what you lube the paper with. It is also no where near as clear as good nitro lacquer, despite the maker's claims. Dip a piece of glass into Hydrocote and one into regular gloss lacquer and let both dry. The hydrocote piece will look milky. Consequently the wood looks more like you used a pigment stain (muddy) rather than a dye stain. Another problem was clogging of the spray gun if you didn't clean it out immediately. There may be hope though. Water borne finishes are developing quickly, and I've read about a new version called Hydrocote Equal. It is supposed to have much better clarity, succeeding layers dissolve completely into the last, it won't clog the spray gun, and is much easier to spray evenly. One source is Highland Hardware in Atlanta, 800/241-6748. Bye for now -- I'm off to the Central West Seminar this weekend. Bill Spurlock
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