Shelf Life of Chestnut Acrylic Lacquer

[afterglow]

OK, so I've been away from the workshop for about 4 or 5 years. And there's this bottle of Chestnut Acrylic Lacquer sitting, unused, on a shelf.

And there's a little oak shelf, all made and sanded down, ready for finishing. So this afternoon, in the interests of getting a project finished and making a bit more space in the workshop, I opened up the lacquer and found it has the consistency of warm shoe polish.

"Apply by fine brush or a clean cloth" it says on the back. Hah! A brush wouldn't work with stuff of this consistency. I presume it hasn't aged too well.

And, considering I have now spread it all over my little oak shelf, am I likely to get away with it anyway? In another hour or two it'll be time for the second coat. Is there anything I should look for if it's "off"? Never used acrylic before and so a bit clueless here, except I'm sure it should be runnier than this.

Cheers,

Lee

[Alf]

Hmm, doesn't sound good. I know for shellac it's advised to put a little on some glass and if it doesn't cure you know it's had it; perhaps the same might apply to acrylic lacquer? I'd suggest giving Terry Smart a ping via _{the other place} but I'd be highly surprised if he hasn't packed in being Chestnut's forum guru for the festive period. 'Tis but a thought though.

Cheers, Alf

[afterglow]

Thanks Alf,

I decided to abandon the Chestnut and just used up some other acrylic varnish from a tin - Ronseal - nasty but already on my shelf.

It'll do for a quick shelf in the bathroom.

Cheers!

Lee