[Phaeton]

Help......

This Santa is sealed with Gesso Primer (brush), the white is Polytranspar Water/Acrylic (airbrush), the green is Life Tone green pearlescent Lacquer (airbrush).
I'm going to do a snow scene on the back with Jo Sonja's water based acrylic (brush) and finish with Jo Sonja's Matte Varnish Polyurethane water based top coat (brush).

My question is; are all of the paints I'm using compatible?

Bill
^v^

[AlArchie]

It sounds like you will be OK. Using water based acrylics eliminates a lot of the compatability problems. Some oil based alkyd paints will react if topped with lacquer finish. These lacquers have either a lacquer thinner or xylene base, and either one of these is pretty destructive to oil based paints.

Even some varnishes, especially spray types and polyurethane. will blister or crinkle some oil based paints, and even their own first coats, if not allowed to fully cure (not just dry). These finishes first "dry" via evaporation of the volatile carrier, then "cure" by a chemical reaction with the air, that may take several days or up to a week, depending on the manufactures instructions. It's always best to check the can for re-application procedures.

Also if you are in doubt, run a test of your paints and finishes on a scrap piece of wood.

Al

[Phaeton]

Thanks Al

I'm going to take your advice and test the polyurethane top coat over some green pearlescent lacquer before using it on the carving.

It was just something about lacquer/polyurethane that rang a bell but at my age I hear those bells a lot..haha

Thanks again Al

Bill

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I spray Krylon krystal klear over Deft lacquer all the time and no problem, but different brands are........................different! lol

[AlArchie]

You are right, Dave, the Krylon will go on over the Deft with no problem, but try the other way around, Deft over Krylon, and unless the krylon has had a loooooong time to cure, it will blister and pucker. I have found that sometimes (sometimes) light sprays of deft over other varnishes or polys will work, and once there is a build up of the Lacquer, it can be recoated with fair results.

A good check is if lacquer thinner will damage the finish, the spray lacquer will too.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Yep, I don't spray lacquer over much! it works over acrylics when good and dry but thats about all I use it for!

[Phaeton]

Thanks Guys,
I'm going to Varnish everything but the Lacquer and play it safe.

Bill
^v^

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

try a piece of scrap, but I don't think you would have a problem with varnish over lacquer....you might with lacquer over varnish.....but the key word is "think" lol.........I would try the scrap tho if you want it all varnished!