It's been a long time since I bought any instrument lacquer, so I was taken aback by the high cost of it these days (Stew-Mac). Where are you guys getting your lacquer and how much are you paying for a quart can?
Most recently from Cardinal, paying too much!
(I buy gallons so I don't know the quart price.)
My journey has been:
Mcfadden; really good at first, later some checking problems, then bought by Seagrave on the west coast so cost and shipping became too high. Switched to...
Mohawk; good at first then lots of checking problems. Switched to...
Cardinal: so far so good.
Sometimes I wonder why I ever started building instruments in the first place!
(BTW, Mohawk is the parent company of Behlen, so assuming that is what Stewmac still sells it is made by Mohawk)
Edited by - sunburst on 04/20/2026 16:32:37
Woodcraft and Rockler, with stores in major cities stock a musical instrument lacquer.
Try some Birchwood Casey Tru-oil instead.
John,
StewMac wants $45.89 for a quart of ColorTone lacquer. They want $53.99 for a quart of the thinner!!
I take it Cardinal lacquer is not available in quarts??
quote:
Originally posted by Banjorb3John,
I take it Cardinal lacquer is not available in quarts??
I think it probably is, but I can't find that info on their website without more effort than I feel like applying.
Most recently I bought 2 gallons because I was getting ready to spray 3 guitars and 1 banjo neck as well as a repair touch-up. Finishing with lacquer takes so much material that I always buy at least a gallon at a time.
Edited by - sunburst on 04/21/2026 18:19:05
lapsteel when you build intruments in the top tier things like true oil are the kiss of death
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
