Spray gun

[Handy Andy14]

Hey

I have recently brought a air spray gun and was wondering to use lacquer In it do I need to use a thinner?

[Arron]

You need to clarify what you mean by lacquer.

If you mean nitrocellulose lacquer (or its more modern variant pre-cat lacquer), then this is what I use with Wattyl stylewood lacquer and rediseal nc sealer.

1 st sealer coat : 50/50 thinner/rediseal
2 nd sealer coat : 40/60 thinner/rediseal
1 st finish coat : 25/75 thinner/stylewood
2 nd finish coat : about the same, maybe a little less thinners.
3 rd finish coat : shouldnt really be needed, but if I've messed up somehow I will spray a 50/50 thinner/stylewood coat just to flatten it out and gloss it up

So yes, you will normally be using thinners. The main point is that because there is very little catalytic reaction with lacquer it cures mainly by solvent evaporation, so there isnt really an ideal ratio of thinners vs product - its more a matter of finding a ratio that suits your equipment and your preferred method. Its a matter of balancing the amount of air you have, your perparedness to do multiple coats, the levelling ability of your product, weather on the day etc and its something that comes with experience.

Cheers
Arron