I have noticed a lot of turners on this forum.

My question to you is…have/do you use a sprayer, either an airbrush or say a small spray gun to deliver finishes to the piece while still spinning in the lathe?

I do spray finishes (water-based) to turned bowls and things, but do so off the lathe, like a piece of furniture.

What say you?

Ace, I am like you, the spray finishes I use, I spray them off the lathe. Most of the finishes I do on the lathe are friction finish.

 

 

I have not used spray finish on the lathe.  I do off the lathe and then return it for buffing and polishing.  It seem to me that the overspray would get all over the ways and the air movement would blow your finish away from the piece.  Also wouldn't the spinning of the piece "throw" the finish off before it could cure?

Hey Ace...........you have raised a question I have never given a thought. When I had my lathe, the finish was all friction applied. I hope others really chime in here on their favorites ways to apply finish........and even the finish preferences.

I am getting closer and closer to the purchase of a lathe.

Waterlox.  You can wipe it on while still on the lathe.

 

Other finishes you might be able to use the slowest speed and not throw off the finish.

Just wondering...any of you guys use spray cans of Shellac or Lacquer and spray on the lathe???????

 

-Ace-

If I'm not using a friction polish, I'll occassionally use a liquid acrylic finish (also known as superglue) given the...sticky...nature of it, I never apply to spinning lathe. However, I'll always buff it on the lathe.

I have used a lacquer based Sanding Sealer in a spray can with good results.  (Put paper towels behind the spray pattern.)After drying, and while still on the lathe spinning, a little polish on a Terry cloth rag pops the finish nicely.
Larry