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LACQUER APPLICATION TO BRASS NAMEPLATES

2001

I have 4 exterior solid brass plates with engraved name and address details (blue finish). I have already removed the previously coated lacquer that has become very tarnished due to U.V and chemical atmospheric conditions. I have utilized Brasso [on eBay or Amazon] to remove all the oxidized surface then used a neutral detergent to take away any waxy finish left by the BRASSO.

HOW DO I APPLY A LACQUER TO THESE PLATES (20" x 12") WITHOUT THE LACQUER DRYING TOO QUICKLY?

CLIVE NOBLES
- LONDON, ENGLAND

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A. Dear Clive, After you polish the nameplates with Brasso, you need to chemically clean the piece (i.e acetone [on eBay or Amazon] ) just prior to lacquering. The more thinner you add will cause the lacquer to dry faster, so maybe try 2 parts lacquer to 1 part of thinner. Is the lacquer blushing or fogging because of high humidities? A lacquer "retarder" will slow down the drying time, you can use between 5 and 20 percent, depending on how slow you want it. Good luck. Jake Koch G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc. Bellwood, Illinois A. I am not a lacquering expert; folks like G.J. Nikolas [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] are. But I think the answer is that the smoother the surface you are seeking, the more coats of more heavily thinned lacquer you need. Ted Mooney, P.E. Striving to live Aloha finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Never mind all that, what you need to do is buy a spray can of clear lacquer for cars. Lay your plate flat, and spray away, the lacquer settles on the plate cleanly and clearly, it dries after about 10 minutes for a second coat.

Regards,

Alan G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
sign shop - London, UK
2001