Setting up to strip lacquer

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CrisHagmannBone
Posts: 23
Joined: Mar 12, 2024

by CrisHagmannBone »

Hey everyone I recently ordered some lacquer strip solution from Ferrees, and wanted to ask what’s the best way to use this (for context I’m stripping the lacquer from my bell). Is there a specific brush I should use to apply to solution? Is it better to do it outside? Should I be wearing some type of mask while applying it? Any tips y’all may have I’d be happy to hear out. Thank you
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Burgerbob
Posts: 6327
Joined: Apr 23, 2018

by Burgerbob »

Outside for sure. I do it in my driveway with the horn on some plywood.
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hyperbolica
Posts: 3990
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by hyperbolica »

I'd use gloves, safety glasses and maybe a 2" paint brush. A covid mask wouldn't hurt.
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CrisHagmannBone
Posts: 23
Joined: Mar 12, 2024

by CrisHagmannBone »

Do yall know how long it takes for the solution to fully strip off the lacquer ? Also should I run it through soap and water once all the lacquer is off?
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dbwhitaker
Posts: 196
Joined: May 16, 2019

by dbwhitaker »

How nasty is the stuff that runs off in the driveway? Is the combination of old lacquer and lacquer remover (or other things such as Easy Off fairly benign? Or would it be irresponsible to do this on a street where the storm drains say "No dumping - drains to SF bay"?
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hyperbolica
Posts: 3990
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by hyperbolica »

Don't let it get on your driveway or lawn or anywhere you can't throw away. Kids or animals could be seriously harmed. It takes 15-20 minutes for the easy off stuff to dry. It may not take it all off in one shot, you may have to apply 5-6 times or more depending on a lot of things like lacquer type, age of lacquer, weather, how heavily you apply, if you put it in a box to apply, etc...

I would put down newspaper or spray inside a cardboard box. The end product ranges from a gooey paste to a hard congealed mass. You might want to use a plastic or wooden scraper to remove piles of the by-product. Have lots of paper towels or rags you don't want to keep handy. Definitely don't send it into a waterway. Put it in the trash, maybe even wrapped up so it doesn't get on anyone.

Even easy off is nasty. I got some on unprotected skin, and I had a rash for a week. Disposable gloves are your friend. Wash up afterward.
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Slydeguy
Posts: 79
Joined: Oct 30, 2021

by Slydeguy »

Always perform outdoors. Temperature plays a role in the reaction time and number of applications. Results may vary but I have personally found it more efficient to perform the removal in warmer outdoor temps vs. colder temps.
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Kbiggs
Posts: 1768
Joined: Mar 24, 2018

by Kbiggs »

Like everybody said, do it outdoors on a warm day. A cardboard box is ideal; newspapers also work well.

No special brush needed. Just expect to throw it out afterwards—unless you plan to remove the lacquer from more horns.

Use gloves and, if you have any respiratory conditions, a mask of some kind.

Expect to use at least two applications. There are always some areas where the lacquer seems to stick more than others. It’s usually the hard to reach areas!
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davdud101
Posts: 96
Joined: Dec 06, 2023

by davdud101 »

I've done this once using Citristrip (inside, wrapped in plastic wrap), and later, aircraft remover - outside.

Here was the final result.

<LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=34708">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=34708</LINK_TEXT>

I used an old credit card and steel wool to do the peeling work. It's a bit challenging, really. I wiped it down really well with water and got it fully dry before lacquering.