For Repair Techs: Effectivenes of Acrylic Lacquer?

[Jedi Master]

Hey you guys in the repair biz....

I am embarking upon a sousaphone painting project (using automotive paint), and have some cans of acrylic lacquer, that I am planning to put over the final paint job (maybe 4-5 layers?).

I read Bloke's endorsement for epoxy lacquer as a good choice for protection, in the other tread.

To my question: Is the acrylic lacquer inferior enough (when compared to it's epoxy counterpart), that I should consider returning my spray cans, in favor of epoxy lacquer?

Having never attempted this sort of thing before, I would be interested in the repair community's opinions.

Thanks!

[SousaSaver]

I know this is an honest question, but in most cases, it's a Sousaphone and it's going to be handled and scratched and scuffed no matter how hard you try to protect it. Even Sousa's owned by careful collectors have dents and scuffs. The only exceptions to this rule I can think of are Sousas that are part of collections that are stored in display cases and only handled by VERY careful folks.

But, that being said, I don't think it matters so much as long as you properly apply the coating, the surface is properly prepped and cleaned and you care for it once it is applied. These ramblings are just my goofy opinions.

[ghmerrill]

Just as a matter of curiosity, is there an easily available one-part epoxy lacquer? And how would you apply it?

[joh_tuba]

I work part time in a repair shop that has epoxy lacquer facilities. We have a dedicated spray booth that removes dust from the air and a tuba sized oven for baking the lacquer at 250 degrees. The oven has a purge function that removes dust from the air before we put the instrument in.

The epoxy lacquer goes on in one part just like spray paint but will not harden unless it is baked. If it air dries it will look hard but can be dented with a fingernail.

[ghmerrill]

Well, (as I suspected) that answers the question about availability and application (and curing).

I am a big fan of epoxy, but unless you're just using it to stick a couple of things together it can be challenging (and really sticky).