Storing Nitrocellulose Lacquer

[DMHolman]

Guys -

I have a tiny chip repair that I'll be using some nitrocellulose lacquer (NL) and a bit of pigment. Couldn't buy anything smaller than a quart of NL. I'd like to keep a small quantity of it in my repair toolbox.

Anyone know of any issues with storing small amounts (2-3 oz) of NL in smoked blown glass bottles with plastic caps? I also have clear glass bottles with bare metal caps.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

->Donald

[john grey]

NC lacquer is often NC and acetone: that may evaporate if not kept in a very tightly sealed container. NC lacquer is NOT explosive albeit highly flammable. "Plastic" may mean several polymers. If it's acrylic; it may get eaten through. Consider the container's cap and make sure it won't be solvent via acetone, etc.

[SurferJoe46]

I have stored paint that is almost the same as your NL - aviation type butyl-nitrate dope and I always add a little extra thinner to it before capping it up first.

Then - as I keep mine in their original cans, I always turn them upside-down. I know it might be an old painter's fable, but they seem to stay fresh longer.

That (^) and keep them cool and out of freezing areas.

[jrfrond]

Nitro should be stored in a cool and dark area. The brown glass bottles should work well.

One thing about nitro is that, if it dries out or thickens, it can be reconstituted with lacquer thinner. I've had no problems with this. What you DON'T want is for it to oxidize and go brown.

[walterw]

the chip being repaired is on a nitro-finished instrument, right?

[DMHolman]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the input.

Originally Posted by walterw

the chip being repaired is on a nitro-finished instrument, right?

Walter - Yes it is.

-+>D