Old cans of lacquer

[Ralph S.]

I have 5 pint cans of RM brand Lacquer from the late 70's the solvent has dried up and it has the consistency of honey is there any way to use it or is it no good.

[Lucas V.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

May I suggest a speeding it on a crisp rye cracker - and a have a moderately chilled Sancerre with it.

[Enzo C.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

Great question Ralph.... I would say that it's done but this may be a good question for Mr Tom Ames the body and paint specialist

[Steven B.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

Ralph, a few years ago I tried adding thinner to my can of Polo White (packaged in 1965) but it didn't work If there is a way to bring it back I am interested as I have a spot to use it on. Steve

[Duke W.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

Lacquer never really "cures" like enamel or urethane via oxidation or cross linking. It remains soluble in lacquer thinner essentially forever, so you might be able to bring it back by adding thinner and lots of stirring. That's my understanding.

I have an old Ditzler Repaint Manual from the seventies that has lots of great information and technical details about paint chemistry. You might be able to find some good advice on the manufacturer's Web site or call their technical support line.

Duke

[Bob J.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

I thought UNTHINNED lacquer paint does pour like honey.

[David B.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

Ralph, see if you can find some RM PNT90 thinner or RM 883 Retarder, these are very rich slow solvents for use with Alpha Cryl. Add them and be patient. Acrylic lacquer will always re-wet (melt with solvent). If you cannot find the RM products you will be looking for high quality thinner from Dupont, Ditzler or a generic brand. If you have access to a paint shaker this will help as well. Check with your local automotive paint jobber.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

Thinning has worked for me.

Dom

[Russ S.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

No way. Unthinned lacquer is quite thin.

I thought UNTHINNED lacquer paint does pour like honey.

[Bob J.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

No way. Unthinned lacquer is quite thin.

You have a different opinion of old factory pack paint than myself.
I bought the entire inventory of Dupont factory pack lacquer paint from CARS Inc. paint store in Lakeland, FLA around 15 years ago when lacquer was being phased out.
That paint and the tint base colors are THICK. They absolutely do NOT pour thin. Bob Jorjorian

[Joe R.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

The experience I have had with old lacquer has been positive and that goes back to the 60's. A couple of quarts of Sebring Silver (63 only color) was found at Bloomington (the old fairgrounds) and worked out quite well on a 63 ZO-6 tanker. No problem at all!
Be patient and as David said above go to your local automotive paint jobber and ask them to use their paint shaker for you. You'll be happy you asked.

JR

[Ralph S.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

The color I have is 1970 Donnybrook Green Does anyone need it ?

[Jim T.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

I painted my 1970 coupe with Donnybrooke Green in 1991. wonder how the RM paint would match Dupont Donnybrooke Green?

[Brad H.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

As with all paints stir or shake several times a year if you wish to reuse.

[John D.]

Re: Old cans of lacquer

My 63 is Ermine white.Lacguer Paint I bought in the late 70's is very thick. Lacquer Paint we bought around 2006 or so is like water. Looks like it could be sprayed right out of the can.