Maya Ellison
Lacquer is a clear-coat finish that is applied to a variety of surfaces, including plastic, to enhance their aesthetic appeal and provide protection. The number of coats required depends on the desired level of durability and the type of lacquer used. For instance, a beginner using a spray lacquer on wood may opt for 2-3 coats, while a Cajon drum may require up to 7 coats. Thinning the lacquer also impacts the number of coats needed, with a higher dilution requiring more coats. When applying lacquer to plastic, it's important to ensure proper adhesion and to follow specific techniques, such as using light coats and allowing sufficient drying time.
How many coats of lacquer on plastic?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of coats | 9-12 coats overall, with 3 coats per day for 3 days, sometimes adding a fourth day. |
| Distance from the plastic item | Hold the can 8-12 inches from the plastic item. |
| Time between coatings | Allow 5-10 minutes between coatings. |
| Thinning | Thinning the lacquer more than 20% can compromise the chemical bond. |
| Number of coats when thinned | The more you thin the lacquer, the more coats you will need. |
| Durability | Lacquer is not the most durable finish, especially when in contact with oil from hands. |
| Repairability | Lacquer is repairable, so you can reapply the surface coat every few years. |
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What You'll Learn
Lacquer application methods
Lacquer can be applied to plastic in a few different ways, including spraying and brushing. Spraying is a popular method due to its fast-drying ability and the ability to create an even coat without brush strokes. When spraying, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. You can use an aerosol can or a spray gun, depending on the size of the project and your equipment. When using an aerosol can, hold it 8 to 12 inches away from the surface and spray from left to right, allowing adequate time between coats.
Brushing lacquer onto plastic requires a bit more time and effort but can be cleaner and more cost-effective, especially for small projects. A high-quality natural bristle brush is recommended, and it is important to work quickly, adding a thin coat to avoid over-brushing. You can add additional coats later to even out the finish.
Regardless of the application method, it is important to prepare the surface properly before applying lacquer. This includes cleaning the plastic with detergent and water, applying a primer, and ensuring the surface is free from dust and imperfections. The number of coats of lacquer needed will depend on the desired finish and the type of lacquer used, but it is generally recommended to start with a light initial coat to ensure proper adhesion.
Some additional tips for spraying lacquer include providing good lighting to easily see the reflection of the wet coat and developing a spraying strategy that starts with the least visible sections of the project. It is also important to keep the gun moving to avoid spits and stops. For brushing, if you plan to rub out the finish, a brushed-on coat will be thicker than a sprayed coat, and buying lacquer by the quart is more cost-effective.
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Lacquer coat numbers
Lacquer is a clear-coat finish that is applied to most brass instruments and is similar to the clear protective finishes found on many common items such as wooden furniture, automotive clear-coat enamel, or the clear protective sheets that can be applied to the screens of electronic devices. Lacquer has two basic functions, both aesthetic: firstly, it protects the surface from minor scratches and dings, since the lacquer will scratch or chip instead. Secondly, it prevents the surface from acquiring light surface corrosion, keeping the finish shiny. Lacquer is repairable and can be reapplied every few years to refresh its appearance.
The number of coats of lacquer required for a good finish depends on the type of lacquer and the application method. For example, when using spray lacquer on wood, it is recommended to apply one coat to seal the surface, as the wood will absorb a lot of it. Then, scuff sand and apply a second coat. Two to three coats are usually sufficient, but more can be applied for additional protection. In the case of a Cajon drum, up to seven coats of lacquer were applied to ensure durability.
When thinning lacquer, the number of coats required may vary. For instance, with a 50/50 mix of lacquer thinner and lacquer, four to five coats may be needed. However, thinning the lacquer beyond 20% can compromise the chemical bond, affecting the durability of the finish.
The application technique and spray equipment used can also impact the number of coats required. For example, when spraying lacquer, it is recommended to use light coats with ample drying time between applications. Applying three coats per day for three days, or even adding a fourth day, is a common approach. Additionally, the surface preparation, such as sanding, can influence the number of coats needed. It is recommended to ensure each layer is free of imperfections before moving on to the next coat.
Different types of lacquer, such as nitrocellulose lacquer and baked epoxy lacquer, may have varying coat requirements due to their unique characteristics and application methods. Nitrocellulose lacquer, commonly used in the automotive and musical instrument industries, is flexible and resistant to chipping and cracking. However, it is susceptible to UV damage, which can cause the finish to become brittle and prone to chipping. On the other hand, baked epoxy lacquer is applied and then baked in an oven to harden and fuse with the surface, resulting in a durable finish.
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Lacquer coat thickness
When applying lacquer, the thickness of each coat can range from as thin as 1-2 dry mils (thousandths of an inch) to slightly thicker coats of 4-6 mils. Some sources recommend spraying on a film of lacquer that is about 0.004 inches thick when wet, which translates to a much thinner coat once the solvents flash off. It's important to note that lacquer continues to shrink and cure long after application, so the final thickness may be significantly less than the initial application.
The number of coats and their thickness can depend on various factors, including the application method, operator skill, surface preparation, wet sanding, solids content of the lacquer, and curing time. For example, when spraying lacquer, it is common to apply multiple thin coats, allowing for adequate drying time between coats. This helps prevent runs and ensures a smooth finish.
In some cases, such as with clear coats, it is possible to apply thicker coats without the risk of running. Additionally, as more coats are applied, they tend to build up and can be sprayed on thicker and wetter. However, it is crucial to ensure that each layer is free of imperfections before proceeding to the next coat.
To measure lacquer coat thickness accurately, specialised tools like hand-held coating thickness gauges can be used. These tools are ideal for measuring the dry film thickness of lacquer on various surfaces, providing precise measurements to ensure a consistent finish.
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Lacquer coat timing
Lacquering requires a good amount of patience and precision. The number of coats and the timing between coats can vary depending on the type of lacquer, the material being lacquered, and the desired finish.
When applying lacquer to plastic, it is important to start with a clean surface. Wash the plastic item with dish detergent and warm water, then towel dry it. Some sources recommend light sanding between coats to promote adhesion, especially if there is a long wait between coats. However, others suggest avoiding sanding too smooth, as this can impact the final finish. For example, metallic colours should never be sanded as it will change the flake pattern.
The number of coats of lacquer applied can vary from 2 to 12, depending on the desired finish and the type of lacquer used. For a clear coat on plastic, five coats are recommended, allowing five to ten minutes between coatings. For a semi-gloss finish, a light dry sand before the final coats can improve the result. If using a spray can, hold it 8 to 12 inches from the plastic surface and spray from left to right slowly. A light mist coat can be applied first, followed by full coats later.
The timing between coats can vary from a few minutes to several days or even weeks. Some sources recommend waiting 30 minutes to an hour between coats, while others suggest waiting until the previous coat has flashed off or dried, which can take 10 to 15 minutes. It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before handling or mounting any lacquered items. For nitrocellulose lacquers, some sources suggest waiting up to 30 days or six weeks for the lacquer to cure, while others say that 24 to 48 hours is sufficient. One source mentions that lacquer may never completely cure, and it can take years to fully cure.
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Lacquer coat repair
Lacquer is the clear coat on top of your paintwork that adds protection and a glossy shine. It is required for metallic and pearlescent paints. Lacquer can be applied to plastic using spray cans. It is important to note that the number of coats of lacquer required depends on how you spray and what you spray with.
If you are repairing a car's lacquer coat, it is recommended to get it done professionally as many things can go wrong. However, if you are confident and decide to do it yourself, make sure to cover the car with masking paper or newspaper as the overspray will travel a surprising distance.
Before applying lacquer, the surface must be clean and dry, and free of all wax, polish, and dust. If you are using a spray, shake the can thoroughly and spray starting at the top from left to right slowly, holding the can 8 to 12 inches from the plastic. Repeat four more times, allowing five to ten minutes between coatings. If you are using a pen, apply thin, light coats in smooth strokes, allowing the nib to sit in the scratch or chip and gently squeezing.
After applying the lacquer, leave it to dry for 10-25 minutes before applying a second coat if needed. Let the lacquer cure for 24 hours before applying a polishing compound. Remember to use light coats and allow ample drying time before final sanding and buffing.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of coats depends on the type of lacquer used. For spray lacquer, one coat is usually applied to seal the surface, followed by a light scuff sand and a second coat. Two to three coats are enough for most applications, but four to seven coats may be required for increased durability. For brush-applied lacquer, thinning the lacquer with a thinner may be necessary for the first coat, followed by additional coats with full-strength lacquer.
It is recommended to apply three light coats of lacquer per day, allowing ample drying time between coats.
When applying lacquer to plastic, it is recommended to wait at least five to ten minutes between coats.
Using a paper towel or a squeegee to fix runs in lacquer may not be effective. It is recommended to apply light coats and allow ample drying time to avoid this issue.
