Thread: Semi transparent cashew laquer

Just bought some to seal jnat and naguras has anyone had experience with the semi transparent? If so I'd love to hear what you think

Don’t think it matters, I have some old Jnats with thick clear finish, probably old Cashew, and some with colored lacquer paint and looks like clear coat finish.

I have used a clear semi-gloss and clear gloss water based, varnish. It works well.

The goal is to seal any cracks and reinforce the sides of the stone to prevent water from getting into the sides and expand any hair line cracks. I do 4 or 5 coats with a fine synthetic brush, letting each coat dry for a couple hours between coats. Once fully coated with enough layers, I let it cure fully for a couple days.

I have not had any issues with water based varnish, since I have used it and cleanup is easy. Cost is about 5-6 dollars for a bottle, from a craft store.

I have been using water based brushing lacquer and it creates a very good barrier. I call true urushi the 1000 year glue, extensively used on million dollar historic porcelain for crack repair it is perfect for stones but might be overkill for the average uses of us here.

Urushi and it's mild brother Cashew are more difficult to use, can result in a thicker and remarkably stable coatings, it will last longer and if layered with some fibers like mulberry paper are the most shock resistant. I find that multiple layers of brushing varnish or brushing lacquer work well but truthfully I have not tested the products for effectiveness over periods beyond a year or so on stones but my lacquered kitchen cabinets finish have held up for years.

Alex

The cashew lacquer works great, especially if you thin the first coat - I use artist grade turpentine from the local Michael's. Once you get a few (3 or 4) coats on, let it set for 72 hours or so and you're done. Not difficult to work with, and the results are very satisfactory.


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Do you guys think the the varnish has anything to do with preventing water from entering and expanding cracks?

Water by itself doesn't do much. It's the temperature or pressure that's the culprit. Temperature changes cause the water to expand and contract especially freezing and thawing. Inside your home in a controlled environment this isn't going to happen. If you have a stone that's deteriorating or the stone is very delicate then the varnish may help.

The varnish does keep water out of the stone, and while it might not be an issue in a modern climate controlled home, the varnish is just a way to maintain a tool. No different than oiling your razor.

It also gives your hones more cool points.