Key Glossary

Glossary

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Atomization 

The breaking up of finish particles through the tip of an air gun under pressure. A fine mist is created that lands on the surface and levels out to a smooth finish. 

Binder  

          Finish or resin added to the stain, used to lock the pigment and dyes into the wood. 

 

Blush

Cloudy haze in finish caused by moisture trapped beneath the surface. High humidity is the most common cause. Can be also caused by the improper application of an oil base stain under a water base finish. 

Coalescing

The evaporation of the chemicals that keep the acrylic resin in a liquid form. Once this process is complete, the acrylic forms a hard finish film. 

Crazing

Tiny cracks in the finish film, usually along the edges of a surface. Caused by the finish drying too fast in high temperatures. 

Extender or Retarder

Chemical additive used to control the drying and flow of  finishes. Can be used with stains and finishes to "extend" the open time. 

Fish Eyes

Defects in the finish film caused by surface contamination (usually from oils, silicones, and waxes.)

Gloss

The amount of light reflected off the finish surface. High gloss is rated 80-90°. Semi gloss is rated 50-75° . Satin is rated 30-45°. Rubbed effect is rated 20-25°. Flat sheen is rated 5-15°. 

Grain Raising

Tiny fibers in the wood grain that lift when exposed to water. Easily controlled with proper sanding. 

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)

An HVLP spray unit consists of a turbine motor that produces warm, low-pressure air. Its high transfer efficiency increases the square foot coverage. 

*HPLV = conventional

Orange Peel

Defect in finish film usually caused by cool drying temperatures or improper fluid tip size. The finish looks like the surface of an orange. 

Resin

The material that forms a hard film on the surface after the chemicals have evaporated. Acrylics and urethanes are the common resins used in water base finishes. 

Satin

Finish that has had the gloss reduced to provide a softer sheen. A flattening agent made from fumed silica reduces the amount of light reflected by the surface. 

Stain

A liquid mixture to color, which characteristically sits on the surface of wood. Made of 4 parts: Vehicle (water or solvent), Colorant (pigments and dyes), Binder (resin), Additives (solvents to control drying). *Dyes are penetrating and generally 2 parts, Pigment and Solvent

Viscosity

The thickness of a fluid. This is used to determine flow rates for spray application. Usually measured with a #2 Zahn cup or #4 Ford cup. Viscosity can be decreased by using the appropriate thinner.

The Vestil Tool, opening, closing and stirring of a 5 gallon pail.

STIR IT, AND STIR IT SLOWLY

Here is a mixture that has been sitting still for over a day.

As you can see, The 80/20 mix of thinner and pigment has separated.  If it was salad dressing, I would shake the container to mix it back up. But since (for obvious reasons) this is not going to end up in my belly, that it not an option.

 You are not JAMES BOND

The reason finishers do not shake containers to mix them, is because this creates air bubbles in the product.

 

Here in the bottom of this pail of lacquer, we can see the silicate has deposited at the bottom. 

IF the lacquer is not properly mixed, and there is not enough silicate present, it will appear too glossy.

STIR the product every day. Slowly to not create bubbles.

Keep track of your things!

Make sure to keep your things with you at your bench, and try not to forget them in the spray booth. I left my story board there for maybe ten minutes and it got lacquer dripped onto it! I'm just glad it was my story board and not a proper project. Don't let it happen to you!

"Student Zones" are susceptible to splashing Solvents and other products. Even after lessons and policy enforcement, the hustle and bustle of  School is sometimes a recipe for disaster. When this happens in the workplace, heads usually roll.