A change in season doesn't need to affect your finish Washington DC

High viscosity "coatings" act like cold honey; therefore, the lacquer will not "atomize" into small particles and flow out to a level smooth surface before it dries.

Local Companies

Washington DC Garage Door
(202) 629-9863
896 US-50
Washington, DC
Distinctive Design & Remodeling
(703) 962-1582
3526 King St
Alexandria, VA
Distinctive Design & Remodeling, Inc.
(703) 962-1582
3526 King St
Alexandria, VA
SORGO CONSTRUCTION LLC.
443-532-8805
4080 Hallowing Point Rd.
Prince Frederick, MD
Patella Woodworking
(202) 587-0792
1320 19th St NW
Washington, DC
Patella Woodworking
(202) 386-7900
1320 19th St NW
Washington, DC

provided by: 

Q: We have a small cabinet shop in the Northeastern part of the United States. Every fall my finisher has problems with our precatalyzed lacquer. It will not "flow" out smooth before it dries. It feels rough to the touch, and customers have been complaining about our finish. What has he been doing wrong?

P.S. He has been making the finish "run" and "sag" a lot lately.

A: Generally, this problem relates to cold material temperatures. It is possible that you may be experiencing night time temperatures between 40 to 50 F this time of year, since you are located in the far Northeast. Many shops do not leave the heat turned up at nighttime or store their coating material in a location where the coating material temperatures can easily drop to 60 F or less. A 10-degree drop from 72 F will increase your coating's viscosity up to as much as 30 percent.

High viscosity "coatings" act like cold honey; therefore, the lacquer will not "atomize" into small particles and flow out to a level smooth surface before it dries. Other problems can cause this defect; however, this roughness or "orange peel" effect — plus experiencing problems with runs and sags — indicate that this issue is related to cold material temperatures.

You could try bringing the coating material temperature up by placing the pails of coating in a safe heated area the night before use. This should solve your problem. It is always important to ensure finishing materials are above 72 F before using.

Ed. note: Phil Stevenson is the founder of the American Wood Finishing Institute (AWFI) in Vineland, N.J.

author: By Phil Stevenson


Featured Local Company

Washington DC Garage Door

(202) 629-9863
896 US-50
Washington, DC

Related Local Events
HBAM Executive Committee Meeting
Dates: 11/11/2009 - 11/11/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

CMBR Board Meeting
Dates: 11/12/2009 - 11/12/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

The 2nd Home Show and Rustic Living Expo - Maryland
Dates: 11/14/2009 - 11/15/2009
Location: Timonium Fairgrounds
Baltimore, MD
View Details

HBAM Remodelers Board Meeting
Dates: 11/17/2009 - 11/17/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

Executive Committee Meeting
Dates: 11/18/2009 - 11/18/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details