Shelf life of Lacquer

Does lacquer go bad?

Here’s a question from the archive.

I have a few unopened quarts of Deft lacquer that have been sitting in my shop for the last 5 years. Any chance that this stuff is still usable?

Here are the Thoughts of Chairman Al:

It depends what type of lacquer. If we are talking about cellulose, pre cat or two pack lacquers my advice would be different.

1. Plain cellulose is a relatively ‘pure’ product.  I would say as long as the can is firmly sealed and kept in a cool place this should last a year perhaps 18 months. Five years is pushing though! You may be lucky.

2. As pre – cat is a mixture of catylizing agent and cellulose, I would say don’t use after six months.

3. As a two pack, the lacquer and catalyzing agent are seperate.  It will last longer, but, only up to a year.

P.S Nitro-cellulose is not that dear.  If you are reluctant to throw it away, try on a piece of scrap wood. You never know you may be lucky!

Good Luck

P.S  Happy New Year to One and All.