Straight Lacquer

[Tim Schroeder]

Just curious if anybody had any thoughts on using just straight lacquer on dyed veg tan. 

[fredk]

What is your definition of 'straight lacquer'?

[Tim Schroeder]

Sherwin Williams lacquer. They have a flat lacquer. I'm not sure if you can still buy wyosheen or something like it. It was shiny though and a satin finish looks a lot better. 

[DieselTech]

I think you could. But I would do a test piece. I would worry about the lacquer cracking when the leather flexed. 

But you could mix some flex agent in with the lacquer to prevent it from cracking. 

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, DieselTech said:

I think you could. But I would do a test piece. I would worry about the lacquer cracking when the leather flexed. 

But you could mix some flex agent in with the lacquer to prevent it from cracking. 

Even the lacquers made for finishing leather crack when applied too thick.  Tandy Neatlac was one of them.

 

[DieselTech]

Just now, Northmount said:

Even the lacquers made for finishing leather crack when applied too thick.  Tandy Neatlac was one of them.

 

Yeah I forgot about that. I guess Fiebings Saddle Lacq might be close to the Tandy stuff too. 

[cord1974]

I use it all the time as a resist.

It's a lot more easier to get than Clear Lac or Wyosheen and accomplishes the same job.

However I haven't ever used it as a final finish.

[Tim Schroeder]

@cord1974 I'm wanting to use Sherwin Williams flat lacquer. I have and can get this veg tan that is super thin for making wallet interiors. I can dye it what ever color to match the outside but need a low sheen finish. I don't like shiny insides.

I don't think there is any way for it to crack because I shoot thin layers thru a HVLP  gun. I can put it on as thin as I want.  I always used Wyosheen for a resist and final finish. It looks better and better the older and more used it gets but it is shiny. 

What do you use as a final finish?

I'm ordering some Angelus Matte finish today. I read to really get a matte finish you need to hit with a heat gun as soon as you put it on. 

[Ferg]

I have shot thousands of gallons of Lacquer, mostly "Satin". We used to buy as much as 50 five gallon cans, easier to poor and stays viable better, from SW. Was normally a month's supply.

Sprayed on most everything imaginable but never used it on leather. Used a lot of Neat Lac on leather. Don't remember it ever cracking. Sure had a strong odor. lol

Yes we sprayed from quart container spray guns. Used six different guns in spray booth equipped for three people spraying. 

[cord1974]

On 1/3/2025 at 5:09 AM, Tim Schroeder said:

@cord1974 I'm wanting to use Sherwin Williams flat lacquer. I have and can get this veg tan that is super thin for making wallet interiors. I can dye it what ever color to match the outside but need a low sheen finish. I don't like shiny insides.

I don't think there is any way for it to crack because I shoot thin layers thru a HVLP  gun. I can put it on as thin as I want.  I always used Wyosheen for a resist and final finish. It looks better and better the older and more used it gets but it is shiny. 

What do you use as a final finish?

I'm ordering some Angelus Matte finish today. I read to really get a matte finish you need to hit with a heat gun as soon as you put it on. 

Sorry so late in responding..

I only use lacquer as a resist.

If antiquing a projects my steps are:

Tool

Oil 

Dye (if color other than oil tan)

Resist (lacquer)

Antique

Finish

My main finishes are Tan Kote, Bag Kote or Resolene depending on the article.

As for the lacquer itself I think it's Minwax or whatever the brand Lowe's sells. I've used both liquid applied with a dauber and the spray can version. I've noticed no difference in the result.

But again, it's only used as a resist.

[Herbie]

15 minutes ago, cord1974 said:

Sorry so late in responding..

I only use lacquer as a resist.

If antiquing a projects my steps are:

Tool

Oil 

Dye (if color other than oil tan)

Resist (lacquer)

Antique

Finish

My main finishes are Tan Kote, Bag Kote or Resolene depending on the article.

As for the lacquer itself I think it's Minwax or whatever the brand Lowe's sells. I've used both liquid applied with a dauber and the spray can version. I've noticed no difference in the result.

But again, it's only used as a resist.

What do you use for oil?

[cord1974]

On 1/8/2025 at 11:23 PM, Herbie said:

What do you use for oil?

Fiebings Pure Neatsfoot