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another rattlecan question...

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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 08:25 AM
  #1  
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Default another rattlecan question...

anyone have an opinion about what's better: Lacquer or Enamel

I've been reading up on both and there seems to be an equal amount of pros and cons by users.

However, when you go to the manufacturers of both, I'm finding that Lacquer seems to be a better choice due to drying time and durability. Enamel, on the other hand requires some significant drying time (curing) and is a bit difficult to buff to the shine you want.

Anyone have any thoughts on the matter?
 
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 08:58 AM
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I always use enamel over laquer.
Epoxy is great for durability...
 
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 10:13 AM
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what he said
 
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 12:47 PM
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If you paint your tanks with lacquer, you really won't like what happens when gas accidently spills on it. Usless, of course, you like that melted look.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 04:28 PM
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Enamel is the most durable and really not that hard to work with. After it dries for 24 hours water sand it to 2000 then rubbing compound and polish. Take your time and no one will know it was done in your garage.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 07:58 AM
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Acrylic lacquer sucks.

I painted 2 pieces with enamel nearly two weeks ago, and so they're 'cured'. I'm going to wetsand them, and then put a few more coats on them, and let them 'cure' again. I have the time.

When that's done, I'll wetsand with 1500 or something, and buff them.

I'm also considering a 2 stage rattlecan process for the part I've been experimenting on. Dupont sells a 2 stage spraypaint set up where you buy the basecoat in a rattlecan, followed by the clearcoat.

This is essentially how it's done in a body shop with an HVLP setup.

Basecoat cans are like 25.00, however.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by jsbridgew
Acrylic lacquer sucks.
oh yee of little faith!!! we told you so... lol
wet sand to 2000 and the results will be much more professional grade
 
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 06:04 PM
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i did my horn cover with black enamel rattle can paint let it dry and then hit it with clear coat lacquer came out nice

freebyrd
 
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 08:53 PM
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I spray lacquer on cabinets - so I never thought of using it outdoors. Kind of like an oxy-moron if you ask me. No lacquer paint for this guy...
 
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Old Oct 3, 2008 | 07:17 AM
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the lacquer just didn't seem to dry right... it was 'spotty'...if that makes any sense

the enamel's particles seemed to 'spread' and even out as it dried

... one thing i did try, though, on my practice piece- i hit it with black sandable primer, and then hit it with clear coat like a 2 stage process.... it actually came out better than the straight gloss black lacquer
 
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