EM7000HBL: Our Non-Yellowing Lacquer Alternative
EM7000HBL Water Based Acrylic Lacquer is an ultra clear, non-yellowing water based acrylic lacquer that utilizes advanced copolymer resins and HAPs-Free solvent technologies to provide a unique, self-leveling clear coat designed for custom and commercial applications. EM7000HBL is an Ultra Low VOC (ULVOC) alternative away from nitrocellulose lacquers and solvent based conversion varnishes. EM7000HBL features exceptional optical clarity and color magnification when applied over pigmented base coats, i.e. painted surfaces – especially when a clear, hard shell is required to protect the underlying color coat . EM7000HBL non-yellowing lacquer features unique adhesion characteristic that allows it to bond to a wide variety of properly prepared substrates such as exotic woods, plastics, carbon fiber, ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This feature gives great latitude of use for the finishing professional when working with EM7000HBL Lacquer.
Key Features & Benefits
- Advanced Optical Clarity and Color Magnification
- Rapid Film Hardness & Chemical Resistance Development
- Fast Recoat & Stack Time
- Ultra-Low VOC & HAPs Free Emissions
- Water Clean Up / Non-Hazardous / Non-Flammable
- Four Sheen Options = High Gloss/90+, Semi-Gloss/65+, Satin/35+ and Flat/10+
EM7000HBL High Build Lacquer can be fortified with our CL100 Cross-Linker to create a post-catalyzed type finish system. The addition of 3 to 5% by liquid volume of CL100 will improve the physical durability of EM7000 non-yellowing lacquer by tightening the molecular structure of the cured resin. CL100 improves the resistance of the cured film against high pH cleaners, alcohols and slow evaporating household chemicals. See the TDS for CL100 Cross-Linker for more information.
Using EMTECH CL100 Cross-Linker
Using CL100 Crosslinker in Emtech Waterborne Top Coats from Jeff Weiss on Vimeo.
Directions for Use
All surfaces to be finished must be clean and free of oil, dust and contamination that may cause fisheyes or poor adhesion. Clean surface with denatured alcohol or fresh water. Allow surface to thoroughly dry before proceeding. Fine sand surface to be finished with the appropriate grade sandpaper based on the type of final finish required. If the surface to be finished has a grain-filling type glaze, sealer or paste; ensure that the systems are compatible with one another by preparing a test panel before proceeding. Certain solvent-based fillers and glazes may prevent proper adhesion of the topcoat if not thoroughly cured. Ensure that grain fillers have been sanded with a minimum of 400-grit sandpaper and all contamination is removed. Oil-Based glazes should be air-dried and tested to ensure proper early adhesion of the water-based topcoat. Spray-apply each coat of EM7000 High Build Water Based Acrylic Lacquer with HVLP, Conventional or Airless/Air-assist spray equipment. Consult with your spray gun manufacturer for proper gun set-ups based on coating viscosity and intended use. Spray gun operators must wear a NIOSHA approved respirator during the spray application of this material. Consult the Material Safety data Sheet of this material for safety and health procedures.
Michael Antici (verified owner) –
I used to fight with finishing my ‘ukuleles before this product was introduced. However, I don’t use it as recommended, instead I use it as my grain filler!!
Starting off with a nice coat of dewaxed shellac to get that warm shimmering glow under my finish, I then spray each ‘uke down with 2 heavy coats of em7000 about 1.5 hours apart, heavy enough to see plenty of “milking” not worrying too much about drips or runs at this point.
I let the coats dry for about a day and a half then level off the em7000 with dry 400 grit sandpaper, followed up by a slightly wet 800 grit following the grain to remove any swirls then topped off with a dry 1000 grit grainwise.
after another day of curing, a quick second spray of dewaxed shellac in case i rubbed through any of the em7000 let the shellac cure for a few hours, then use em6000 (since it has 100% burn it)
2 days worth of em6000 spraying (spray thick enough so it just barely starts to “milk” when looked at from an angle):
Day 1:
1 coat on the soundboard, 3 coats on the neck sides and back
Day 2
“deburr” with 1200 grit dry sandpaper
spray entier ‘uke with denatured alcohol to re-activate the finish for burn-in
1 coat on the soundboard, 3 coats on the neck sides and back
after a full week of curing: deburr and rub out a perfect gloss finish.
Easy. Perfect!
http://honuukes.com
Jeff Weiss –
Thank you for sharing your finishing procedures with us – greatly appreciated. Your end results are stunning.
Jeff Christman (verified owner) –
I’ve had a chance to try the reformulated version of this product and it is a joy to use. It seems to resist runs and sags on vertical surfaces and it’s easy to use and very forgiving. I unknowingly sprayed a section of cabinet frames with a clogged aircap and it still came out looking great. It becomes durable faster and the stain sheen is just right. It’s the “money coat” for my pigmented cabinet finishes.
Jeff Weiss –
Jeff — Thank you for the awesome post! Yes, the new EM7000HBL is a very good formula and we are receiving similar responses from other professional finishers who have switches-over to it. Again, many thanks!
-JW-
Joe (verified owner) –
As others have stated, easy to use and very forgiving. I’ve always had success spraying it, even in 90° weather in my two car garage shop. I’ve used it with and without the Crosslinker CL100 and noticed no discernible difference with the application process or the characteristics of the finish (layout, dry time). I typically use the satin sheen and it provides a beautiful, even finish with wonderful depth and clarity.