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Ordered a gallon of the Cardinal Nitro to try. So far its really great to work with. Sprayed in cold temp (mid 40s), flowed really well, flattened out nice, dried fast, sanded easy and had great service from LMI. What more could we ask for?

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Wisdom is justified by her children

Good feedback Mark.

I've been using waterbased, but I recently made a box for the wife. Used Nitro on it for fun. It was not to bad to use. Tempted to try Cardinal on a git tar

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Joe, I used waterborne finish on several builds and was never really satisfied with the results. Went back to nitro and have been pleased. The ease of use compared to the others is the biggest thing for me. Its worth all the other disadvantages that come with nitro.

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Wisdom is justified by her children

I switched to EM6000 for a while. It's not bad, and honestly it's actually pretty good. I recently switched back to nitro and I started using Cardinal, just to try it. As much as I like McFaddens (Seagrave...whatever), I have to say that I really think Cardinal has it nailed. EM6000 was starting to feel like a science project and inquiries directly to the company as to exactly how they wanted me to use the system went unanswered.....so buh bye. But EM6000 is generally a nice product.

" switched to EM6000 for a while. It's not bad, and honestly it's actually pretty good. I recently switched back to nitro and I started using Cardinal, just to try it. As much as I like McFaddens (Seagrave...whatever), I have to say that I really think Cardinal has it nailed. EM6000 was starting to feel like a science project and inquiries directly to the company as to exactly how they wanted me to use the system went unanswered.....so buh bye. But EM6000 is generally a nice product."

Thats the same thing I went through. I might use the EM6000 for small craft/furniture projects now. The Cardinal nitro seems to be the way to go for now.

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Wisdom is justified by her children

Those of you who have found you like the Cardinal product, what is it that you find advantageous as compared to other nitros (not waterbornes)? I haven't used any nitro at all, but would like to give it a try in the future when I get set up to spray. I've read that it dries faster. Are there other 'positives' you can share? Thanks.

It dries very fast, flows very nicely, sands nicely and buffs well. McFaddens has a LONG history with instruments. I'll be interested in seeing what these Cardinal instruments look like in 10 years, but Cardinal feels like a more "modern" formula to me with some slightly enhanced characteristics.

I agree with John. So far it has worked great. I will give an update in a week or so when I level and buff the one I'm working on now.

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Wisdom is justified by her children

John and Mark, thanks for your replies. That's just what I was looking for.

I just finished an instrument with it and I liked it very much. I have Seagraves (McFadden formula) on hand but needed the faster cure time Cardinal offers for a thanksgiving delivery. It sprayed well and buffed out great, but it's not as "warm" looking as the Seagraves. I might consider "warming" it up just a touch with some Transtint next time.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Yeah, it's pretty darn water clear. I've been doing exactly what you're thinking...just a couple of drops of amber transtint to warm it up.

I've used a few gallons of Cardinal, and one thing that has not been mentioned is that it is only 11% solids by volume or 16% by weight. Compare the numbers to your favorite nitro, and plan on a few extra coats to prevent sanding through.

Chuck

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I have used the Cardinal products extensively, both lacquer and the cat urethane (which is actually lacquer based I heard) and wanted to ask if anyone has noticed touch up issues with the lacquer?
It seems to really melt into the spot quite a bit, to the point that what you are trying to fix seems to telegraph through the new topcoat. Hard to explain. Has anyone experienced this or have an idea of what I am talking about?

I have not experienced any difficulty with touch ups on the nitro. It does burn in quite nicely, and the "halo" goes away after a week of drying for me (on drop fills). If you want it to burn in with less intensity,, allow a small bottle of it to evaporate off some of the thinner.

Chuck

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Maybe part of the issues we are seeing is the fact that it is thinned 10% to start with. I have noticed the need for more coats since I first posted this topic.

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Wisdom is justified by her children