by Rick Hill
Q.
Can universal colorants be used to tint lacquers? If not, why? What are the problems encountered?
A.
Generally lacquers may be tinted with UTC to achieve a tint, not a masstone (intense color); but even then there are occasions when specific colorants are best avoided.
The best bet is to ask your supplier for their recommendations for tinting, with particular attention to any problems they have encountered, and the type of UTC they recommend. Sometimes, creaming will occur (separation of the UTC vehicle, since it's only partially miscible with lacquer solvents) if a large proportion of colorant is used. Care must also be taken to ensure that the CPVC (critical pigment volume concentration) is not exceeded when tinting an already-pigmented material. Again, getting it done at/by your supplier is the easiest way to be sure.
Rick Hill is an independent representative and consultant for industrial wood finishes. He has been involved in the woodworking industry for 12 years, and has been known to actually hold, shoot, and clean a spray gun.
If you have an industry related question, visit WOODWEB's Finishing Forum to post your question.
