Spraying Poly?

[VB...]

I think Poly should be thinned out with Mineral Spirits prior to spraying so that its easier to work with and it will dry faster?

I want to use my canister spray gun. How do I clean the container and sprayer afterwards? Do I use mineral spirits alone to clean the nozzle? If its pressurized can it explode?



Thank you in advance,
VB...
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[Bill Wilson]

The poly may need thinned simply to atomize properly in your gun. Poly is slow drying anyway. I think you will find that even thinned, it will tend to pick up dust as it is curing. Also watch out for overspray, it will get on everything that isn't protected.

You should be safe cleaning your gun with MS after spraying. If the poly starts to dry it may be tough to clean. You may need to disassemble the nozzle and soak the parts in MS to get them clean. That's why I like to spray shellac. Even when it is fully dry, denatured alcohol will dissolve shellac very quickly, making clean up much easier. I'm not sure MS will work that fast on dried poly.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that poly isn't the most sprayer friendly finish out there. If your project isn't too big you may want to consider the rattle cans of spray poly. Tends not to be as much overspray and fumes and there is no equipment to clean up. Some of the waterborne spray polys actually dry relatively fast.

[wood-n-things]

I agree with Bill. I'd prefer lacquer or shellac out of a spray gun.

[VB...]

As always thank you.

Now I have to ask.....

Which lacquer or shellac out of a spray gun should I get?
There are so many out there.

I know next to nothing about Lacquer but I have spent some time reading up on Shellac.

Question remains the same which one do you use?

Thank you both,
VB...

[wood-n-things]

Here are a couple of suggestions for you.

Shellac Shack: High quality shellac flakes at discount prices.

FINEWOODFINISHES.COM

I use bullseye shellac....Myself.

[Bill Wilson]

I've used the Zinnser Shellac you can get at Lowes/HD. They have clear and amber tint in this neck of the woods, as well as a product called Sealcoat, which is clear, but de-waxed, I think. That is only an issue of you intend to topcoat it with poly.

The cans are a 3lb cut, if I recall correctly. I generally thin it a bit, nothing too scientific, just about a 2 part shellac to 1 part denatured alcohol or thereabouts. Seems to spray pretty well. If I can spray it with good results, it has to be pretty much idiot proof.

Once you open the can, the shelf life is limited to about 6 months. If you mix your own from flakes, you can make small batches. Under good storage conditions, the flakes have a virtually unlimited shelf life.

I don't know anything about spraying lacquer. I have heard that it can be tricky though. From what I've read, guys that use it really like it, but it isn't necessarily the easiest finish for a hobbiest.

[unixpro]

Personally, I use Bullseye for Shellac and Deft for lacquer.