<HTML><HEAD> <META charset=US-ASCII http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1106" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"> <DIV>Greetings,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>            I was told at a Home Depot that lacquer was not going to be <EM>as</EM> available in home centers anymore, to the general public, and that if you want to purchase it, you have to seek an auto body paint/repair supplier house or other specialty retailer. It will still be available, but not <U><EM>as</EM> readily</U> available. Has anyone else heard this? </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>            I was told this by a 22+ - year old sales associate who knew his stuff when it came to; shellac, lacquer, varnish, polyeurothane, what solvents to cut them with, and how effectively specific solvents work on each of the above. I was impressed, he told me all kinds of stuff about acetone, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, naptha and how they are related. </DIV> <DIV>He said he painted cars on the side. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>           Anyway, Here goes!  I am mixing, lacquer thinner with clear satin lacquer, 10:1 to begin and doing my <EM>own</EM> hammers in an old upright. This lacquer smells pretty good; afterall I hear its made from bannana oils. Mixing this, I feel like the mad scientist. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>          Is there a better way to mix small quantities of this other than using teaspoons to measure? What about storage? Does the hardner mixed dry out? What about baby food jars as storage? Does the lacquer thinner eat away the seal at the top of the jar and leak? What are the best vessels to store it?  Also how much should I mix at a time?...enough to do one job or more; and then store it? </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks in advance,</DIV> <DIV>Julia Gottshall</DIV> <DIV>Reading, PA</DIV></BODY></HTML>