Shelf Life of Clear Coat? - Spiderwebs

[Quick GMC]

I sprayed some clear i have tonight and there are spiderwebs everywhere. I tried different pressures and paint flow, and I am almost certain I have my airbrush dialed in. I have learned over the years what the settings need to be at. I think maybe my can of clear is too old and needs to be replaced. 

I was able to wait in between applications and lightly buff out the cobwebs, but now I need to do a final wet coat and I don't want to take a chance. The can is $30 which I don't mind paying for, but I wanted to ask first and see if I am on the right track 

It is Duplicolor Paint Shop lacquer clear in a quart can. i have had it a year or more. Stored inside. Would this be a typical symptom of clear past it's shelf life? 

[snacktruck67]

I have a can, or should I say did have a can of the same thing.  I had it sitting for more than a year, and the other day when I used it, I got the same results.

 

 

[Quick GMC]

I have a can, or should I say did have a can of the same thing.  I had it sitting for more than a year, and the other day when I used it, I got the same results.

 

 

the last car I did with this was around April, and it was fine. A tiny bit of cobwebs, but otherwise fine, now it is unusable. 

did you use yours before you had that issue? I really like the product, it's so easy to use. 

[Can-Con]

Lacquer will do that if it's mixed too thick.  Just add some more thinner and it should be OK.

[Muncie]

yes, sounds too thick, not enough thinner -

Lacquer shouldn't go bad with age if the can is kept closed tight.  Not sure if Duplicolor is putting something else in the cans now days, but I've sprayed 30 year old Ditzler clear with no problem.

you've inadvertently learned how to do custom spiderweb paint - The basic method for that is no thinner and very low pressure

[Ace-Garageguy]

Lacquer will do that if it's mixed too thick.  Just add some more thinner and it should be OK.

 

yes, sounds too thick, not enough thinner -

Lacquer shouldn't go bad with age if the can is kept closed tight.  Not sure if Duplicolor is putting something else in the cans now days, but I've sprayed 30 year old Ditzler clear with no problem.

Correct. Lacquer lasts forever if it doesn't dry out.

I have 50-year-old lacquer, still fine, just needs correct thinning to spray right.

Never assume your storage containers are entirely 100% perfectly air-tight...especially cans with lids you hammer on.

 

Edited October 31, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[snacktruck67]

the last car I did with this was around April, and it was fine. A tiny bit of cobwebs, but otherwise fine, now it is unusable. 

did you use yours before you had that issue? I really like the product, it's so easy to use. 

Yea, I used it a few months before and got great results.  I don't let this discourage me from buying it again.  I have always had luck with Duplicolor.

[Quick GMC]

 

Correct. Lacquer lasts forever if it doesn't dry out.

I have 50-year-old lacquer, still fine, just needs correct thinning to spray right.

Never assume your storage containers are entirely 100% perfectly air-tight...especially cans with lids you hammer on.

 

I just bought a new can of the same stuff to be safe. It is pre-thinned and ready to use, so if I need to thin it in the future, I would assume lacquer thinner from Home Depot would be okay?

[Longbox55]

It says to use acetone on the can.

[Quick GMC]

I tried the new stuff. Night and day difference. The other can must be slowly getting thicker with the air that is getting in there. I will keep both and thin as needed. I will post pics in my WIP for the Dart once I fix the orange peel and get it all settled in.