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General Category => Ask Steve a question. => Topic started by: EIEIO on January 02, 2014, 09:28:28 am

Title: Airbrush for shellac?
Post by: EIEIO on January 02, 2014, 09:28:28 am
Has anyone tried using an airbrush to apply shellac?

I'd think a thinly spayed shellac might dry faster than a brushed application but have not tried it yet.

Any help out there?
Title: Re: Airbrush for shellac?
Post by: Rapid Roger on January 02, 2014, 10:32:54 am
I've never used an airbrush so I can't comment on that but, as long as there are no rubber "O" rings or something that alcohol will affect in the airbrush, I don't see why it won't work. as for clean up, denatured alcohol is the answer for that. 
I like using shellac because of the ease of it and altho alcohol does have a smell, it is not as bad as some thinners. And it is easy and quick to apply more layers of finish for a smooth feel to it.
Also, you can make any cut of shellac you might want. Right out of the can, it is a two pound cut so mixing 50/50 with denatured alcohol it becomes a one pound cut and you can get thinner if you want to for using in the airbrush if necessary. 

Rog
Title: Re: Airbrush for shellac?
Post by: crusty59 on January 02, 2014, 02:33:17 pm
I spray everything with an airbrush. I like to use MinWax Polycrylic, it is a water base, so really easy to clean, and no need to thin it. But airbrushes are designed for lacquer and those type of finishes so thinner will not harm them. The airbrush I use is a very inexpensive one from Harbor Freight
Title: Re: Airbrush for shellac?
Post by: Merlin on January 03, 2014, 05:13:18 am
Crusty: what brand of Airbrush please.

***Merlin***
Title: Re: Airbrush for shellac?ol
Post by: EIEIO on January 03, 2014, 09:58:01 am
Quote from: crusty59 on January 02, 2014, 02:33:17 pm
I spray everything with an airbrush. I like to use MinWax Polycrylic, it is a water base, so really easy to clean, and no need to thin it. But airbrushes are designed for lacquer and those type of finishes so thinner will not harm them. The airbrush I use is a very inexpensive one from Harbor Freight
Crusty - sounds promising. have you tried shellac? I wondered if the resin or the alcohol would cause a problem.
Title: Re: Airbrush for shellac?
Post by: Scroll42 on January 04, 2014, 07:01:54 pm
Crusty,
Do you have any suggestions of books, magazines, dvds, youtube, etc. that would help with using an airbrush for woodworking?
Thanks,
John