EMTECH EM8000cv Pre-Catalyzed WB Conversion Varnish
EM8000 Pre-Catalyzed Conversion Varnish represents state-of-the art formulating by utilizes our exclusive hybrid emulsion technologies that incorporate oil-modified resins and acrylic copolymers in a one-part package. EM8000cv waterborne pre-cat varnish provides the rich color tones and durability associated with solvent-based coatings in a water-reducible, ultra low VOC, HAPS-Free coatings system. While categorized as a pre-cat CV, EM8000 can also be fortified with our CL100 CrossLinker to create a post-cat type CV.
Formulated as a ready to spray, self-sealing conversion varnish system, or used in conjunction with our EMTECH EM1000 Universal Sealer, the EM8000cv can be used on store fixtures, restaurant furniture, fine home furniture, interior/exterior architectural trim, yacht interiors and refinishing applications that require a conversion varnish-type repair.
EM8000cv Waterborne Conversion Varnish is available in Gloss (90), Semi-Gloss (65), Satin (35) or Flat (10) sheen’s.
EM8000cv water-based pre-cat varnish can be fortified with our CL100 CrossLinker to create a post-catalyzed type CV finish. The addition of 3 to 5% by liquid volume of CL100 will improve the physical durability of EM8000cv 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 for more information.
Directions for Use
All surfaces to be finished must be clean, dry and free of excess contamination. Proper surface preparation is the key to a successful finish.
1. Sand surface to be finished with quality, stearate-free sandpaper. The sandpaper grit schedule will vary between 220 to 400-grit depending on the surface condition and type of wood being finished. After the surface has been sanded and prepared, remove dust with a water-damped, lint-free cloth. DO NOT USE OIL/WAX TACK CLOTHS.
2. If the surface to be finished has a grain filler, glaze or solvent-based stain applied to it, ensure that these products are compatible with the EM8000cv by preparing and a test panel before proceeding. If compatibility is in question, seal the opposing surface with EMTECH USH3000 Shellac Sealer before finishing with EM8000cv.
3. Mix varnish gently, than strain through a medium-mesh paint filter before using. Allow the strained varnish to settle before using.
4. Apply topcoats of EM8000cv as supplied, or thinned 5%-10% by liquid volume with SA5 Spray/Brush Retarder. Allow each coat to air dry for a minimum of 1 hour before re-coating. Sanding between each coat is not required unless there are visible surface defects or the last coat has dried for more then 24-hours. Lightly sand with 400 or 600-grit stearate free sandpaper to remove imperfections. Allow the finish to dry and cure in a warm, dry area. Final chemical cure takes place after 120 hours at 70F.
5. The addition of 3-5% by liquid volume of CL100 CrossLinker will convert EM8000 from a pre-cat into a post-catalyzed solution. See the instructions for CL100 CrossLinker for exact procedures.
Mez Works Furniture –
Great product, low odor, nice atomization, durable and a beautiful sheen. My first large application was a custom 12.5′ white oak dining table, that faces West on a lake and sees every sunset. After 6 months, I revisited the home and the finish has held up to countless large family gatherings along with everyday use, with literally no wear. I was especially surprised to see no color fade/damage from the sun exposure. I used the CL1000 crosslinker for extra durability at 5% volume. I would highly recommend mixing and using a fine strainer a few times until it strains smoothly. With just a single strain like I would a standard CV, I was getting some ‘chunks’ out of the gun, but after 2-3 strains it atomized perfectly. I applied 3 light coats with a ~320 scuff in between. Good stuff!
Jeff Weiss –
Terre – Thank you for sharing your good words and for the observation/advise on use. Greatly appreciated! JW
Nathan Grover (Verified Customer) –
Outstanding finish for hard white Maple, I used target coatings clear conversion varnish for all of my kitchen cabinets. I finished using 12 coats with sanding with 240 grit after first coat, then the next 4 coats were sanded with 400 and all subsequent with 800 grit every other coat. This was probably not necessary to go to this extreme, but will say it left the cabinets with a beautiful depth and silky smooth finish. The quick drying attributes of this finish made this process much faster and easily controlled to prevent contamination than any other product I have used previously. This was applied with an hvlp sprayer and compressor. Support was exceptional, as I had some issues in the beginning of finishing that were resolved buy the owner of the company himself! You can not go wrong with this product, and I recommend it with no reservations
Jeff Weiss –
Thank you for sharing your observations and experience with us. We appreciate your good words.
Rob Black (Verified Customer) –
I used this product (with the CL100 cross linker) to refinish kitchen cabinets that had significant water damage / staining. I used several coats of gloss followed by one coat of satin which produces a nice sheen with some depth. I understand some people have had issues incorporating the cross linker to the finish but I just followed Jeff’s video and never had a problem. After letting the mixture sit overnight in a closed container (one of the best attributes of this cross-linked system is that you don’t have to use it all instantly, I would love to understand the chemistry), I filtered it through a fine mesh stainless steel strainer. I had no issues with a standard HVLP system. The material drys quickly and levels out perfectly.
I have used (and non-scientifically) tested this with 3M 216U, Mirka Abranet, and Sunmight Film (Green) & Sunmight Gold without any issues.
I have been using water-based coatings for about 30 years (mostly hand-applied with foam pads). The technology has improved tremendously and these products are the best I have ever used..
Jeff Weiss –
Rob – Thank you for sharing your experiences and good words with us – we greatly appreciate them! JeffW
Jay Mikaels (Verified Customer) –
Good stuff. Living and spraying in California we are limited to water based coatings. After many frustrating And very disappointing experiences with stuff from the big box stores I stumbled across a recommendation for Target’s emtech line of finishes on a woodworking forum and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m spraying heavy use furniture all day and this “conversion varnish” style finish lays down and looks fantastic the durability is quite good too. The recommendation for this is to use a 1.3-1.5 nozzle tip for HVLP spraying applications. But even with a 1.8 nozzle tip on my gun I needed to thin with about 10% water to get good atomization. Not sure if this is related to my setup or what…
Jeff Weiss –
Jay — Thank you for your post and for sharing your good words with us. While a 1.3 – 1.5mm tip set is recommended as a starting-point for various types of spray equipment the use of a 1.8mm tip will certainly lay-down more material then the other sizes. A 1.8mm size might be OK with low volume low pressure guns. There is a bit of “wiggle room” to determine the best tip size for the various types of spray guns available on the market today. Again, thank you for sharing your observations with our subscribers. -JeffW-
Jeff Chaplin –
I really like EM800cv. I sprayed an entire kitchen with 30+ cabinets with it, in an unheated garage, in the middle of winter. It came out beautifully and the product layed down perfectly on the Maple I was using. I’ve used it for just about every woodworking project that requires a clear coat. It sprays and atomizes very well with a 1.5mm tip on my HVLP gun with about 10% thinning. I also shoots well with the 1.8mm tip without thinning. Target has always been helpful with their tech support. Jeff has always got back to me in record time when I’ve had a question or a problem. Great company and staff.
Jeff Weiss –
Jeff – Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Greatly appreciated!
-JW-
Mike Owen (Verified Customer) –
Excellent product. (CV 8000) Using it to restore some old furniture. Stripping and using the emtech stain, sanding sealer or the primer/grain filler. I have been adding 10% water and 10% retarder spraying it with a Neiko mini hvlp with a 1 mm nozzle and about 18 psi at the gun. Double coating each time (3 – semi gloss) I let the second run dry over night and light sand with 400 grit. The finish is absolutly beautiful. Since I am for sure an amature, it says a lot about how good this product really is.
Thomas Fugate (Verified Customer) –
LOVE this product. Always produces impeccable results. I spray with Fuji Spray Q5 with 1.3MM tip set, opened 2-2 1/2 turns, pressure set to ~70-75%, using a slow (6-8″/ second) 7-8 in spray pattern, 50% overlapping passes. This produces a fairly light coating JUST enough to flow out. I do three coats, sanding very lightly w/320 between coats. I’ve completed many project in the same day and sometimes wait overnight before the final coat during higher humidity times of the year. Final coat is a heavier, wet pass. And I always use the CL100 cross linker.
Jeff Weiss –
Thomas – Thank you for sharing your experience with the EM8000cv in combination with the FujiSpray Q5.
This information is practical for by the EM8000 as well as for the EM2000 and EM6000.
-JW –
Thomas Fugate (Verified Customer) –
P.S. When I’ve run into problems finishing, I can always count on Jeff talking me off the ledge with sound advice. Just terrific company with awesome customer support.
GEORGE WOLF (Verified Customer) –
I’ve built maple and cherry cabinets for my entire kitchen and pantry. I’m finishing with Pre-cat EM8000 with a Fuji Sprayer and 1.3mm nozzle. I diluted the first coat with about 30% water and used it as a sealer/grain raiser. I sanded that first coat down pretty well with 220/320 sandpaper. The 2nd and 3rd coats were only thinned about 5-10 % to get the viscosity down to 20 sec. I’ll probably end up with 6-8 coats when I’m through.The EM8000 lays down beautifully with my gravity feed Fuji HVLP spray gun. My only disappointment is that the EM8000 finish has given my white hard maple a definite yellow hue. I’m wondering if this is typical of the EM8000 or if it was that I used a product that was stored in my garage for about 6 months before using. Is there a product you would recommend that has less of a yellow color?
Jeff Weiss –
George – Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Yes, the EM8000cv does color-shift to a soft straw/yellow tone as it ages. This is due to the alkyd resin used in the formula to create the varnish backbone. While the color-shift has a nice warming effect on exotic and dark domestic woods it can be seen on pine and some cuts of maple. A non-yellowing option in the Emtech line is the EM7000HBL Lacquer and the EM9300 Polycarbonate Urethane. The 7000 is closer to the 8000 in terms of hardness and durability.
*One note of interest to share with my readers is that with all of the raw material sourcing problems over the past 8 months I have been developing a new version of the EM8000cv that is now in limited production. The new version has a clearer resin structure offers improved early chemical/water resistance. The color-shift over light woods in slight less noticeable, but it does contain the an alkyd resin that will retain the straw color that is hallmark to the EM8000cv history.
-JW-
zachwedekind (Verified Customer) –
This is my go to product for all of our tables
Jeff Weiss –
Zach – Thank you for sharing your position on our EM8000cv. Yes, it is a very durable product for tabletop use when crosslinked w/CL100.
-JW-