I'm building a small chest and am considering using pre-cat lacquer because I want a quicker drying time than regular shellac or lacquer. But I've seen enough sales pitches from the vendors that I'm not sure what to buy. It's about 1' X 1' X 16", not very big. I'm thinking one spray can, maybe two. I'm at a point where I'm considering using the clear catalyzed polyurethane that I painted the roof of my old truck with, but I don't want that kind of shine on a chest that's going to be carried around. Maybe just knock the shine down with a scrubber?
I don't like to touch the finish after spraying the final coat. (as far as knocking down the sheen) I use a brand by Sherwin Williams. You can buy it in different sheen levels. #5 sheen to about a #60 sheen, 60 being the glossiest. I use the dull rubbed finish (about a #20 sheen) I really like the feel and look of it. Like furniture. I have a busy day tomorrow starting early,  but I'll take a picture of what I use in aerosol cans as soon as I get the chance.
Mohawk also makes a few different ones that I wouldn't hesitate to use.
My opinion is it's at least 5 times better than nitrocellulose lacquer, (Just a guesstimate).Â
That's good to know, thanks, Bently! My big thing is that the lacquer and shellac smell for (seemingly) years after application, though I do like the way lacquer applies and looks (including the yellowing, which I consider a feature).
I don't believe pre cat lingers on that long. I'm pretty much immuned to the smell and like it myself so I really don't even notice it that much. It cures by a chemical reaction. You can spray finish flat work, the next morning you can stack em and wrap them with no sticking to each other.
I refinished some MCM chairs last summer with Mohawk nitrocellulose lacquer and I was very surprised that the smell was completely gone within 24 hours. A local hardware store carries pretty much the entire line of Mohawk finishes either by the gallon or in rattle cans. Great stuff. Â
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
I used MinWax Golden Oak stain, and I'm waiting for that to dry. Just the insides, so that I can glue the thing up. There's a SW store near our rental house, which is in escrow. I drive over almost every day to make sure squatters haven't gotten in. I'll go by the SW store and check that rattle can finish out.
I get my supplies from the Sherwin Williams chemical coating division. A lot of the home stores may or may not carry it. I would call first before wasting the trip.
I'm seeing it advertised on the internet, but it may not be available in California. I'll be finding out this morning. If all else fails, I have a spray can of satin shellac.
I use the Mohawk pre-cat exclusively, I buy it by the gallon cans (and the vinyl sealer) for air spraying. Used to be stupid cheap ($35/gallon) but even now at about $50, still a bargain.
The "pre mix" is good for 1 year typically, but I have used it 6 months after the "best by" date without issues. Instructions are to let flash for 40 minutes then 220 scuff the surface for any additional coats. I used to scuff down the final with #0000 wool but now unless there are defects, I leave the final alone. When I used the "Gloss" for a table top, I went all out with a final sanding to 4000 to make a glass flat surface.Â
Not 100% sure if the spray cans are the same stuff (and expire) , but overall the pre-cat is sooo much better than the straight  "Deft" for hardness. Never tried it without the sealer (provides a flexible layer between wood and lacquer). Favorite is "satin" which is glossy, but not plastic shiny, "Matte" is very flat.
Also impressed that I can spray it at 50F without issues, just different amounts of thinner depending on temp. Does have a strong odor but that dissipates over a week.
1 or 2 coats looks like plain wood with no finish. Dries quickly.
I don't know what's up with the price here. I get it locally for less than $10, I think 7 or 8 last year. I get 5 or 6 cans at a time. Only 1 vendor here.
Went to a SW store on the way to the rental house. They don't carry it but have Deft and shellac. I then remembered that I have gloss clear and matte clear automotive top coat lacquer left from a paint job I did on a car. I wonder if that is as tough as pre-cat, given that it lasts for so many years?
