Test for Conversion Varnish vs. Lacquer - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

DaVinciRemodel · 11-21-2009, 10:53 AM

Does anyone know of a test to determine whether a cab finish is conversion varnish vs. lacquer?

We have some cab doors we need to refinish (distress). We normally shoot lacquer but we're not sure what the current finnish is. Does it matter? We plan to strip down but with the detail in the doors, I don't think we'll get it all.

**Gus Dering** · 11-21-2009, 10:57 AM

Lacquer thinner won't have an effect on cv.

I could be wrong, but I think it is as simple as trying to rub off the finish with lacquer thinner.

DaVinciRemodel · 11-21-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gus Dering

Lacquer thinner won't have an effect on cv.

I could be wrong, but I think it is as simple as trying to rub off the finish with lacquer thinner.

Thanks Gus.

That was the best guess I had. I'll give that a try in the morning.

If it is CV, is there a problem shooting lacquer over it? I would guess it would layer instead on melding together. But will it bond?

**Gus Dering** · 11-21-2009, 07:15 PM

Leo would know better than I. I don't mess with that stuff.

You could try posting over with the brush slingers. They might like some excitement.

DaVinciRemodel · 12-05-2009, 10:25 AM

Here's what I did:

We have a panel from an old D/W in this house:

1. Tried every chemical know to man and nothing phased the finish.

2. Sanded 220 until I reached stain.

3. Apllied 1 coat black lacquer satin.

4. Distressed.

5. Apllied two coats clear lacquer satin.

This was done about a wek ago. I've subjected the door (finish) to radical temperature change. It seems to be holding fine.

Any input - comments - suggestions are appreciated.

go dart · 12-05-2009, 10:34 AM

Lacquer has alot more orange peel than conv varnish, usually can tell by looking. The refinish looks pretty good. Can you work a glaze in on it?

DaVinciRemodel · 12-05-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go dart

Lacquer has alot more orange peel than conv varnish, usually can tell by looking. The refinish looks pretty good. Can you work a glaze in on it?

Yes that's the plan. Mostly worried about the new finish adhering and too high a build. That's why I sanded down to the original stain.

Splinter · 12-05-2009, 12:04 PM

As long as you got the majority of the original finish off, I dont think the tiny bit left in the crevices will matter at all. An initial coat of vinyl sealer would help with any adhesion problems.

Are these kitchen cabinet doors? Regular lacquer isnt a very good finish for this. It doesnt stand up to moisture or daily abuse. The only plus is that film thickness isnt critical. If you can at least step up to a precat lacquer, these doors would stand a better chance of surviving...

DaVinciRemodel · 12-05-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splinter

As long as you got the majority of the original finish off, I dont think the tiny bit left in the crevices will matter at all. An initial coat of vinyl sealer would help with any adhesion problems.

Are these kitchen cabinet doors? Regular lacquer isnt a very good finish for this. It doesnt stand up to moisture or daily abuse. The only plus is that film thickness isnt critical. If you can at least step up to a precat lacquer, these doors would stand a better chance of surviving...

I didn't think of the vinyl sealer!

I'm using a precat on the top coats.

Thanks Splinter