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Want to develop a lacquer based on food byproducts
February 9, 2015
Q. Hi -- I'm looking for information on any natural based sources to develop a lacquer and also where to go to source manufactures who can help develop products in this area? I'm completely new to finishing so do not have an understanding of the types available
Nicole Mary- London, UK
Hi Nicole. Lots of coating ingredients are made at least partially from food byproducts, but even lacquers for infant toys are not made exclusively from them. I know very little about organic coatings, but a quick browse through some formulations indicates that most coating materials are comprised of a dozen or more ingredients.
Can you be a bit more specific as to what you want to do ... Lacquer for wood or lacquer for metal or for something else? Must it be waterproof? Must it resist common household solvents like acetone, alcohol, ammonia? Must it be food-safe?
The best start on the project may be a very carefully crafted statement of what you want. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
February 2015
February 13, 2015
A. Nicole,
Yes, an excellent lacquer comes from the urushi tree (Rhus vernicifera). This material has been used for thousands of years in Japan and elsewhere as a lacquer and is acquired and processed in a way similar to maple syrup. The lacquer is very strong and durable!
Blake Kneedler
Feather Hollow Eng. - Stockton, California
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