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Heat curing lacquered brass

2005

After brass is lacquered and it is dry to touch, the coated pieces can be warmed to accelerate complete hardening.
What kind of instrument is recommended to use to warm the brass, at what temperature and for how long and distance ?

thank you,

Robert O'Toole
hobbyist - San Diego, California, USA

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2005

Hello Robert,

The preferred instrument to "force-dry" solvent-based lacquer on brass is an industrial explosion-proof oven.

You want the brass to reach a temperature between 120 to 150 °F for twenty to thirty minutes. Different casting densities require longer baking times, a very dense casting would obviously take longer to heat up to 150 °F.

I have seen homemade boxes built with heat lamps, but I'd advise to use that kind of setup at your own risk. Be aware volatile solvents are still present and that creates a flammable environment.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.

Bellwood, Illinois