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I am about to order some nitro (i think) lacquer, and it just occurred to me that it may have a limited shelf life. It is a Swedish brand called "Saphir Polerlack", in case that makes a difference. How long can I store it? What will happen to it over time? I'd be particularly interested in hearing from those of you who are familiar with the brand. Thanks for any thoughts or comments!

Sondre

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Thanks, Tony. That's exactly what I wanted to know!
I had the choice between 1 or 5 liters, so I now I'll go for the 5 liter can

Hei Sondre,
I use Saphir Polerlack, I think it is a fine product for our puposes. I have used some that has been stored for more than 5 years, and other than having to add more thinner, I haven't noticed anything unusual about this laqcuer compared to stuff that is fresher. I store unopened cans upside down on the shelf.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Hei Arnt! I'm glad you chimed in. Are you aware of any compatibility issues with other products? I'll probably be using Z-poxy as pore filler and sealer, unless there are better alternatives... Thanks

Z-poxy works fine under Saphir, its my filler of choice these days. Araldite epoxy thinned with alchohol also works (albeit being difficult to sand), as does CA glue as a filler. Whatever I use, I only fill the pores, and sand back to bare wood before either sealing with shellac or just spraying straight lacquer. I have used both their proprietary thinner and ordinary hardware store Lynol, but if there is a difference I haven't noticed.

How are you planning to apply it?

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I plan to use one of those small spray guns from Biltema with a compressor.

I don't quite understand the purpose of the sealing coat... Will certain woods/lacquers require a sealer coat, or can I just disregard it completely if I want to? If you stain the wood, do you pore fill before or after staining? If after, do you still sand down to bare wood?

Sondre