Rattle can lacquer

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Conn100HGuy
Posts: 126
Joined: Oct 22, 2018

by Conn100HGuy »

Has anyone found a decent do-it-yourself clear lacquer in a spray can for refinishing small sections of a brass instrument? The finish is totally worn from my neck pipe and I'd prefer not to wrap it with tape. Thanks.
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

Rattle can painting is 110% technique and it's not just "spray and pray". You need to keep the spray moving so it doesn't pool up on the surface. Takes a bit of learning but you can learn. I just wouldn't learn on my good horn.
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u_2bobone
Posts: 474
Joined: Mar 25, 2018

by u_2bobone »

A friend who does a lot of vintage radio restoration has always used "Gun Stock" spray on the brass parts of his radios to great effect. The stock of a rifle puts up with a lot of chin wear and it seems to hold up quite well. I've personally tried it and would recommend it. Still got that "Vocabell" ?
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tbonesullivan
Posts: 1959
Joined: Jul 02, 2019

by tbonesullivan »

Nikolas Air Dry Lacquer. This instagram post shows some good technique and masking.

<INSTAGRAM id="Cw8WK_xPy5d">https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw8WK_xPy5d/?hl=en</INSTAGRAM>
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hornbuilder
Posts: 1384
Joined: May 02, 2018

by hornbuilder »

None of the air-dry spray can lacquers are terribly durable. Including the Niklas product. It is fine to use if you're happy to redo it again periodically. Particularly in a contact area like a neck pipe.
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Conn100HGuy
Posts: 126
Joined: Oct 22, 2018

by Conn100HGuy »

Thanks, everyone. And, yes, the Vocabell is still in the stable - along with 2 recent acquisitions: Corporation Bach 36B from 1970 and a Conn 72H.
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whitbey
Posts: 654
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by whitbey »

I have had good luck with warming the can under hot water. Seems to make the mist finer and apply better. Not always , but most every time.
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tbonesullivan
Posts: 1959
Joined: Jul 02, 2019

by tbonesullivan »

Yeah, I am acquainted with a few custom guitar builders, many of whom still spray nitro, and temperature, moisture, and other environmental aspects needs to be correct for the best application. Temperature DEFINITELY affects the spray pattern, regardless of what type of finish you are using, and it also affects the viscosity of the finish.