Need Low VOC finishing options

[Patrick Miller]

Hi all, I've been using a finishing shop to do all my finishing for the past 15 years, so I'm a bit out of practice. Before that I Finished everything myself with Sanding sealer and Kellaq from Kelly Moore. As you know, that finish is no longer available, so I'm looking for a good substitute with low VOC's as the trades are slow and I will be finishing smaller jobs in-house for the time being until the economy is a little better. Can I get some input on some good lasting finish's that dont require a spray booth ? Dont want to break any law's but cant afford a spray booth just yet ....any words of wisdom for an out of practice finisher???

[Jim Becker]

In a nutshell, water borne finishes are the direction you want to go. Products like Target Coatings (http://www.finishingzone.com), Fuhr International (http://www.fuhrinternational.com/) and all the major finishing manufacturers now offer. In your geography, you almost don't have any other choice now but to go in this direction...but you knew that. The current crop of water borne products are also very good compared to early renditions a number of years ago. Many also have specialized properties that you can take advantage of. For example, Target's USL has a "burn in" property similar to solvent based lacquers. I pretty much use USL for all my spraying outside of shellac when it's appropriate. (Through 15 November 2008, Target Coatings is running a 25% off sale for online orders in case you want to try something out sooner, rather than later)

[Matthew Poeller]

I am not sure what the price is of the ones that Jim is mentioning but I am having good luck with General Finishes High Performance. I have finished all of the Oak 6 Panel doors in my house with this thus far and it is working well. The only PITA is having to give a good sand in between the first and second coat because of the grain raise with the waterborne finish. The only other issue is that at ~ $65 a gallon it is pretty expensive. I guess that after all the price increases though that is about par for the course for anything now though.

[Jim Becker]

Mathew, list price for the USL is $44 US per gallon.

[Patrick Miller]

I looked at the Target website you provided and just wanted to say thank you for your help....are you recommending Target coatings EM6000 http://www.targetcoatings.com/shop/products/EmTech_6000_Production_Lacquer_and_Sanding_Sealer_ Satin_1Gal-274-0.html
or
Target coatings " OXFORD USL" ???
http://www.targetcoatings.com/shop/products/Oxford_USL_Clear_Satin_1_Gal-92-0.html

I cant seem to find one called Target USL, Thanks :)

[Jim Becker]

USL = Oxford USL... That's what I use most of the time. But I have also used the Hybrivar product (great on cherry) and the EM6000. All are excellent products. The only thing from Target I don't prefer is the "water borne shellac" product. I like the real McCoy for shellac and a water borne version doesn't serve me well as a barrier coat between water soluble dye and a water borne finish like the USL... ;)

[Russ Massery]

Ditto on Jim's reply, He's the one who got me hooked on Target Coatings USL.

[Matthew Poeller]

I think that I will probably be changing then. That is a really good price IMO.

[Rob Cunningham]

Another ditto on the Target products. The USL is very easy to spray and lays out beautifully. I also like the Hybrivar, but it's a bit pricey.
I also like Fuhr 255, but switched over to Target Coatings. Fuhr moved their operation to Texas and don't seem interested in servicing the small volume customer anymore. Target's customer service is excellent.

Jim, I haven't tried the EM6000 yet. Did you find it any different than USL?

[Jim Becker]

Rob, I only used the high-solids "sealer" in the Emtec line.