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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 5:28 am 
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Cocobolo
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Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 11:54 pm
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Location: Miami, FL
First name: Michael
Last Name: Schreiner
City: Miami
State: FL
Zip/Postal Code: 33183
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
Help! I am half way done the finish process with my 5 tenor all Koa ukes and find that I may run out of my supply of McFadden's gloss lacquer. I had heard that McFadden's was out of business but at the Newport Guitar Show in Miami this past weekend I was told that they are making a come back but I can't find a source. Grizzly shows McFadden's in their catalogue but they are out. Can anyone help? I just need about a quart or less of gloss. Would another brand lacquer be compatible?
Michael


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:18 am 
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Koa
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Location: Grover NC
First name: Woodrow
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LMI has Seagrave Lacquer ( Mcfaddens formula) in their catalog with an estimated arrival on 4/30.
http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts.asp?CategoryName=Finishes&NameProdHeader=Seagrave+Spray+Lacquer

The page also says this about arrival times.
Quote:
The estimates for arrival on these products are very vague. We are doing our utmost to be able to provide you with these products, but some factors are beyond our control. Check back often to see updates on availability.


I ran out of Mohawk once a couple years ago and finished spraying Mcfaddens. I didn't have any problems, but a bunch of people advise against that. I've got a partial quart of Mcfadden. I'll see exactly how much I've got if this will help.

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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:35 am 
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Cocobolo
Cocobolo

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Location: Miami, FL
First name: Michael
Last Name: Schreiner
City: Miami
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Zip/Postal Code: 33183
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
Thanks Todd and Woody. I use Mohawk touchup products and aerosol cans in my business but haven't used the lacquer on instruments. Thanks for the info. I would be very pleased to be able to purchase a partial quart of McFadden's gloss just to finish this project safely.
Michael


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:41 am 
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Michael,

I have about 10 quarts of gloss that I bought from Grizzly when McFaddens ran into trouble last year. If you need a quart I'll sell it to you for the same I paid then + shipping. If that works for you drop me an email at twinfins@gmail.com.

Tim


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:42 am 
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Country: United States
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Status: Amateur
Michael,

I have about 10 quarts of gloss that I bought from Grizzly when McFaddens ran into trouble last year. If you need a quart I'll sell it to you for the same I paid then + shipping. If that works for you drop me an email at twinfins@gmail.com.

Tim


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 2:55 pm 
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Cocobolo
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Location: Miami, FL
First name: Michael
Last Name: Schreiner
City: Miami
State: FL
Zip/Postal Code: 33183
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
Thanks Filippo you are correct. They have lots of satin but no gloss. :? I will email you Tim to take you up on your generous offer. Thanks to all you guys!
Michael


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:06 pm 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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Todd Stock wrote:
Use Behlens (Mohawk) - should have quarts at most Woodcraft stores.


Behlens stringed instrument lacquer should be OK over McFadden's, since it is softer. But standard Behlen's nitro is harder; putting it over McFaddens could lead to checking problems.

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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:06 pm 
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Koa
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Location: Traverse City Michigan
Is there a special lacquer thinner for McFaddens? Or can I use off the shelf?

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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:50 pm 
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Koa
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Ken McKay wrote:
Is there a special lacquer thinner for McFaddens? Or can I use off the shelf?


I try to use the thinner from the same manufacturer to actually thin the lacquer. I use hardware store lacquer thinner for cleanup. I can't say for sure if using the same brand is necessary, but it seems like a good idea to me.


Woodcraft has Behlens "Stringed Instrument Lacquer", at least the one here does.

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http://www.brackettinstruments.com/


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:16 pm 
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Cocobolo
Cocobolo

Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 11:54 pm
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Location: Miami, FL
First name: Michael
Last Name: Schreiner
City: Miami
State: FL
Zip/Postal Code: 33183
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
I just ordered a quart of McFaddens Gloss from Tim L. Thanks again Tim and all that responded.

I buy Lowes lacquer thinner for the McFaddens by the gallon and it works very well for me.

Michael


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PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:49 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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some undesirable things can happen if you use hardware store thinner when spraying lacquer.

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http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.


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PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 8:03 am 
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Koa
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Beware of hardware store solvents as they can contain water. Find a local auto body supply store or even an industrial/commercial paint supply store and ask for their high grade virgin solvents.

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PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:33 am 
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Cocobolo
Cocobolo

Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 11:54 pm
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Location: Miami, FL
First name: Michael
Last Name: Schreiner
City: Miami
State: FL
Zip/Postal Code: 33183
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
I also add 5% to 10% McFadden retarder to my mix to insure no water blush issue and my finishes work out great [:Y:]

So if I don't go the Seagrave route, what is the next best instrument lacquer? Quality and availability (not price) being the issues.

Michael


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PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:45 am 
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Koa
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Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2009 7:56 am
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Location: Grover NC
First name: Woodrow
Last Name: Brackett
City: Grover
State: NC
Zip/Postal Code: 28073
Country: USA
Focus: Build
I normally use Mohawk. Mohawk and Behlen are the same, as long as you use their "Stringed Instrument" finish. It's always been easier for me to get Mohawk. RPM Wood Finishing, the parent company of Mohawk and Behlen is a local company for me. A local building supply company is a dealer and I can have whatever I want the next day. I've used Mcfadden on occasion, and don't have anything bad to say about it. Whatever lacquer you use, I'd be sure it's made for musical instruments.

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http://www.brackettinstruments.com/


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