Lacquer Painting
08-13-20, 07:35 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lacquer Painting
I recently have started the painting process for a pretty old road hike. I’m planning on stripping it down to raw metal and spray painting it with lacquer. I have a couple questions though:
Do I need a primer?
If so, will any primer work ? I bought a rust primer that doesn’t have much information in the bottle.
How many layers will I need?
Thanks
Do I need a primer?
If so, will any primer work ? I bought a rust primer that doesn’t have much information in the bottle.
How many layers will I need?
Thanks
08-14-20, 08:37 AM
#2
Senior Member
Yes, you need a primer. First, a self-etching primer. Then a high-build primer, which you sand down to get a smooth surface. Then, a sealer. Then your color coats, then a clear coat. Anywhere between 5-9 coats, depending on how many coats of high-build you use.
08-14-20, 09:27 AM
#4
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Before you spray...I would suggest looking into powder coating (unless you want to do multiple colors...I don't think that's possible). For the price...I paid $150 and that included the sandblasting and powdercoating. Very satisfied with the finish.
Dan
Dan
Likes For _ForceD_:
08-14-20, 12:24 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Since you're asking I'm thinking you don't have very much painting experience. How are you planning to apply the paint?
This sounds to me like a wheel building project - not worth doing except for the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
This sounds to me like a wheel building project - not worth doing except for the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
08-14-20, 01:39 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 567
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 241 Post(s)
Liked 232 Times
in
153 Posts
Unless you want the experience or are doing a restoration that originally used lacquer there is no point in using it. Much better paints (easier to spray, nicer finish, more durable finish) are available than lacquer.
Likes For RGMN:
08-14-20, 05:08 PM
#8
Half way there
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,957
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 986 Post(s)
Liked 880 Times
in
527 Posts
I've painted a number of frames with lacquer (both nitrocellulose and acrylic) with great results. Lacquer is relatively easy to work with and any mistakes can be easily fixed. That said, I have found that lacquer finishes are not as resilient to damage as powder coating, 2 part PU enamel, etc. You will have to put some work into it. The stripping and sanding will have to be thorough because any flaw will probably telegraph through. Primer is essential - use what's recommended for the lacquer you plan to use. And prep the frame per the same recommendations prior to shooting. Color coats and top coats are easily applied. I usually do 3 color with wet sanding before and after the third. Clear coats - I'd do at least five to get a good build up. Wet sand between the last 4-5 coats. Plan on spending some time with fine grits on the final coat working up to 2000 (or higher). Finish the polish with compound. With lacquer, it's always a good idea to let it cure before building up.
Good luck. Post pictures of your finished frame.
Good luck. Post pictures of your finished frame.
