Homemade Nitro-Cellulose Lacquer

[@mediaguardian]

For those interested. Found this on the web. 50-60g (1.75-2 ounces) of double-based "disc" style powder like Green Dot, Blue Dot, or Bullseye shotshell powder 500ml of acetone (a little more than 2 cups) Then just follow the instructions in the video. Smokeless powder is based on nitrocellulose (that's what makes it smokeless).

[@ClownWhisper]

Great video.. . now if we only knew what "my powder" was it would qualify is a tutorial

[@JordanMowbray]

TheRealUbehage Does it have to be double base or will any smokeless powder work?

[@darianballard2074]

I think it is nitrocellulose gun powde

[@tannerwalters3769]

You IDIOTS!!!! Its just smokeless Gun Powder Watch the making Crackle stars video

[@jibba0202]

Haha dick bangers. It's not gunpowder! It's smokeless powder!

[@ClownWhisper]

jibba02 smokeless powder is gunpowder it's smokeless gunpowder for Christ's sake instead of black powder which smokes smokeless powder which is a completely different recipe

[@johnanderson186]

I actually use just a metal quart or gallon paint can to mix my lacquer. I leave about 1/3 can empty, so I have room for the mix to be shaken. I add my Acetone first, then my double base, pop the lid on tight and shake it vigorously for minute or two, then I pop the lid a little bit to burp off the little bit of gas that’s released, seal the lid back and shake it again repeating the process of shaking and burping until you no longer get any burping, then your dissolved. Then I just pop the lid take a stir stick or spoon, give it a quick stir to check consistency, make sure no clumps, and make sure nothing is built up on the bottom or sides of can. BEST PART you use less acetone due less evaporate, you get less exposure to acetone vapors, you don’t have a dirty bowl to clean, your lacquer is already in its storage container, and its easy to top your can back off the same way. Works like a charm

[@CarterGunnells]

Is there any differance in performance doing this way?

[@IIIAnchani]

The only thing I dislike is the paid forum. I'd much rather have an open forum and paid video courses with step-by-step tutorials or coaching sessions online. That'd be the way to go in my opinion.

[@nedgorski]

Unfortunately, I can't work for free, and maintaining a website is not inexpensive.

[@ВладимирГлебов-в3и]

Dear Ned, thank you for your video. I'm sorry for my bad English, but I can't understand what is the powder you mix with Aceton? Thank you in advance for your reply.

[@TheFireGoose]

Nitrocellulose powder my friend

[@miguelmonteiro3926]

Is it possible to use pure nitrocellulose?

[@coloradodayhiker]

I’m going to assume that the nitrocellulose is in the smokeless gunpowder you are using. FFFFg smokeless possibly?

[@tonyf.8858]

I didn't hear you say what the 60g or 1/3rd cup of powder was exactly. Did you leave that out on purpose? I'd like to make a batch but I didn't see where you answered anyone else inquiry. Can you just give a hint, at least? Thanks

[@nedgorski]

That's been discussed and answered lots of times in the comments below, Tony. It's smokeless "Dot" powder.

[@tonyf.8858]

@@nedgorski I should have read a little further down the comments. Thank you, sir.

[@fineartonfire_5327]

I made mine exactly as shown. Turned out perfect. I have NOT made the crackling stars yet. But my NC is great! I used “MagPro” by “Accurate Arms”. It’s a slower burning rifle powder. But it’s the only double based powder avail to me at the moment. So it is what it is. So far it’s great for priming my rondelle and beraq fuses. I started out by melting ping pong balls in acetone. And it does work. But it’s way too hard to get a consistent consistency. But those seems great and dries almost the same as my first way. Im very happy!! Thanks Ned! And Lloyd!

[@nedgorski]

Xlent, James. For your priming slurry, are you mixing some BP dust/fines into the N/C lacquer to make a BP/lacquer slurry? It is a good idea to do that, since the lacquer on its own can actually make a plastic fire-block when it dries.

[@fineartonfire_5327]

Ned Gorski..I normally dunk the fuse or whatever into the laquer then into the fine powder grains. I have never premixed the grains. As I assumed the laquer would dissolve my BP grains. But I will try your method when I make another batch and see what happens! Again and as I’ve said before, I GREATLY appreciate you and your wealth of info/library. As I do not live near any master pyros. So I’ve had to figure out everything through trial and error. I’d be up “doo-doo creek” without a paddle if it weren’t for your library!! Thank you again! James The Piece Keeper on fireworking.

[@nedgorski]

@@fineartonfire_5327 Thanks, James. Yes, I'd mix some fine BP into the lacquer for priming, then dunk the primed device into the grain BP. That's a good priming method. Keep it up.

[@tomharrell1954]

The powder he refers to is nitrocellulose powder. What is mistakenly referred to as gun powder which it is not. It is like Red dot, green dot or blue dot or Unique nitrocellulose powder. For clear you could use the original gun cotton with a small bit of slowly added sulfuric acid to dissolve the gun cotton then a tiny bit of sodium hydroxide to neutralize the acid. But if you are asking what is the powder. This is definitely beyond your chemistry ability.

[@nedgorski]

It is not NC powder, it is smokeless reloading powder, such as one of the "Dot" powders. I would not recommend charging into trying to make your own from gun cotton, etc.

[@tomharrell1954]

ned gorski Red.dot, Green.dot are smokeless propellants commonly used for reloading. Their main ingredient is nitrocellulose!

[@nedgorski]

@@tomharrell1954 We can purchase nitrocellulose powder from our suppliers. That is different than smokeless powder for reloading ammunition, which does contain nitrocellulose, yes, but also nitroglycerine and other ingredients. Pure NC powder is not used in this project.

[@tomharrell1954]

ned gorski Exactly

[@nedgorski]

@@tomharrell1954 Yessir

[@ljs5757]

This is not a tutorial for everybody it's a tutorial for people who already know what the hell's going on

[@JordanMowbray]

Would this method yield about the same results as soaking ping pong balls in acetone to form the lacquer or is this way better for coating star purposes?

[@nedgorski]

Homemade Nitro-cellulose lacquer, used in may Fireworking processes, Nal. ned

[@mrmaxgain]

You never mentioned what or where the Nitro-Cellulose Powder came from.

[@nedgorski]

Just read the comments below, Mike.

[@karolstruck9822]

I hope it was not double bass powder. As you also have Nitro coming out of it as well my friend.

[@surajsingh150]

Does it use as wood polish ?

[@haydenemms6300]

Thanks Ned! Great video. I've been using BP slurry for my e-matches, but I'll try this laquer next. Cheers, Hayden

[@dylanhealy4473]

How long of a shelf life does it have in the paint can I hear or have seen a lot of people say it breaks down over some time. Is the NC Lacquer made with ping pong balls & acetone considered the same thing chemically speaking. Somehow I'd imagine that the chemical vcomposition structure wouldn't be exactly the same.

[@nedgorski]

No, Dylan, the composition of Ping Pong balls is different than smokeless powder, so the resulting lacquers made from them is different, too. I have had the same lacquer for years, occasionally adding more acetone to it, and it works just fine.

[@dylanhealy4473]

@@nedgorski I figured they'd be different somehow chemically. I've just read of people making it with the balls & using it where NC lacquer is called for. I just wondered how they held up in comparison with each other.

[@Eidosgod]

Do this stain black or dark grey? The reason I watching this is to use as a paint for a classical guitar. Nitro-cellulose is said to be the best.

[@nedgorski]

Very black, with other stuff in it which I'd doubt you want on your guitar.

[@annihilus10]

What's "my powder"?

[@redoorn]

smokeless gun powder that is used for reloading blue dot works well

[@dannyruiz6868]

I don't understand where the Lacquer comes in here. When I made this mixture according to instructions it was creamy...but it dried on the top of my shell, and simply flaked off. Am I missing something?

[@nedgorski]

It will dry into a hard, black, plastic-like coating, if it's not mixed with other powder in one process or another, Danny. It should stick to things like glue once it is dry.

[@nedgorski]

Dustin, is that a metal coffee can you are milling in? I'd be very hesitant to use any sparking materials when ball milling. ned

[@RedDogForge]

ned kitchen stainless is very reluctant to spark, you need a high carbon stainless like aeb-l o run any real risk.

[@richardPalmisano]

You never said what the power was is it black gun powder?

[@nedgorski]

No, Richard, BP can not be used in this process. ned

[@fineartonfire_5327]

You need a “spatula”! For getting it ALL out! Thanks for the info!

[@shawnbenz]

Kitchen Aid stand mixer would be sweet for this process.

[@backyardsounds]

I wonder if spraying it with a good coat of lacquer would work to inhibit humidity permeation?

[@nedgorski]

It is smokeless shot-shell powder, one of the "dot" powders. ned

[@Addybhoot93]

His house will burnout without smoke alarm flash. Lol

[@keithjurena9319]

Double based, meaning you have some glycerol trinitrate. Energetic stuff. Some double based propellants have enough in them to detonate with a hammer hit on an anvil. I use Varget, single base with minimal graphite so it turns out green. Slower to dissolve so you need a magnetic stir plate.

[@robertlombardo8437]

Howdy Ned! I wanted to know something. Is this lacquer coating the kind that goes on the outside of fuses to make them burn steadier and waterproof them? Cause I noticed that cotton fuses made with sugar and saltpeter have a tendency to burn slow and peter out as compared to commercial green wire fuses.

[@nedgorski]

The lacquer coating just water/fire proofs the fuse, depending on the thickness of the coating. It also sort of glues the strings and everything all together. It's not what's responsible for the burn, or its consistency, though. That's the powders job.

[@nedgorski]

Sounds good on both counts, Dustin. Lots of good folks to share tips with in there. See ya, ned

[@RedDogForge]

thank you Ned.

[@ClownWhisper]

OMG GET A SPATULA!

[@aculasabacca]

IKR his videos are so tedious.

[@MATTZHENGPYRO]

Use NC to create stars. to be oxidized for a long time?

[@powerfury1]

I followed the tutorial every step of the way and all the powder did was clump to the bottom.

[@powerfury1]

Can you make black match with it or at least 10ft with this stuff?

[@powertechgrows6093]

Well shoot. I've got Acetone and smokeless powder, and I just ordered some NC lacquer when I could have just made my own....dangit!!!!

[@Defundemorats]

You showed us how to mix something in a bowl congratulations

[@nedgorski]

Aw, Marcy, sorry it didn't make ya happy. It's all in the details, though. This is something that's very easy to mess up. But, you go have fun making your chocolate chip cookies...

[@Defundemorats]

@@nedgorski acetone plus styrofoam makes laquer, or spend $19 at Walmart and buy a quart of lacker in the automotive department it already has the acetone in it and it's ready to spray and is in fact cheaper than a gallon of acetone. But if I miss something in your details I apologize

[@Defundemorats]

@@nedgorski nitrocellulose lacquer vs. Acrylic lacquer is always something I wanted to research

[@nedgorski]

@@Defundemorats There's huge difference between pyro NC lacquer and the lacquers you mention, Marcy.

[@Defundemorats]

@@nedgorski well that's what I figured I thought that would be an interesting video however

[@Subway1427]

Modern smokeless gun powder contains a percentage of nitrocellulose. He is using the acetone to combine with the already added nitrocellulose to make the lacquer

[@Pyrokartoffel]

kann i use dextrin instead of nitrocellulose laquer in bismuttrioxide crackling stars?

[@nedgorski]

I doubt that would work, Heis.

[@Pyrokartoffel]

@@nedgorski thank you! And is it possible to use potassium nitrate instaed Barium Nitrate in strobe Stars(bleser)? Or Just try it Out?

[@nedgorski]

@@Pyrokartoffel I also doubt that will work, H.

[@chrisroseborough5256]

I've made primer before....acetone, ping pong balls, and 2f black powder...works good..

[@fredysmith8179]

hello, so i can use simple base powder? , but with double base it's better? thanks a lot...

[@nedgorski]

Yes.

[@fredysmith8179]

do i need a hunting license to buy this powder? thanks

[@nedgorski]

Not in any locale I know of.

[@zzubuzz]

Maybe I didn't watch all his other vids, read all the comments and his blog, but why would somebody want to make their own nitro-cellulose lacquer when it can be bought at many stores locally or online?

[@nedgorski]

I know of no local place, nor any online source right now, for the NC lacquer used in fireworking. Woodworking NC lacquer has undesirable ingredients in it.

[@zzubuzz]

@@nedgorski After browsing thru your other vids it is apparent that you use the goo to make fireworks, but I'm after N. Lac. to spray, would this stuff be useable for spraying on wood? My reasons for not liking the stuff they sell at stores are that they add a bunch of ingredients I don't like either like plastic.

[@nedgorski]

@@zzubuzz I don't have any info on that possible use, ZZ.

[@debbant]

How did you come to the conclusion that nitro-cellulose lacquer is "very toxic"? The human body creates acetone while on a keto diet. The main ingredient in many fingernail polishes is nitrocelulose laquer.

[@nedgorski]

Huff away, Bro. I like my brain cells.

[@freakinccdevilleiv380]

Dude pouring that sloshing acetone like water out of a dwell 😂

[@pyroguy1030]

Are you using nitrocellulose powder?

[@annaallen7252]

How much NC percentage does this work out to being? I'm sure some will depend on the powder, but more or less 5%, 10%, 25%, any idea? Thanks

[@nedgorski]

I don't know that, Anna. I think Lloyd has some info on all that, though. He's available through the website. ned

[@annaallen7252]

ned gorski Thanks. I'm watching you making the crackle stars in your other vid, and you say it doesnt really matter if we put too much NCL in it, so probably the concentration either doesnt matter, or only helps once its been dried off? I made some NCL with your method, and it came out very pretty looking. I used Clay's and it gave it a nice greenish tint, super smooth, like thin pancake batter like you said. Will be making the stars with the husby this week, lets see how they come out! Surprisingly little info on these stars, which are always a crowd favorite...

[@nedgorski]

Cool, good luck with the stars, Anna. The N/C lacquer method in this project has the advantage of getting a good percentage of the solids into the crackle microstars. Overwetting the star comp a little will only increase that percentage, but not by a huge amount. n

[@annaallen7252]

Well, working on this years batch now :D Last years batch ended up very well. It took me a while to get the NCL right. And it is a pain to clean up and work with. As I still have no gauge of %age of NCL in my mix, I just go with %age of the weight of my total product. Ex. If I make 1000 grams finished crackle, then 15% would mean 150gr of smokeless gunpowder used to make my ncl. This method has the plus of letting me gauge the "juice" of the final crackle. I ended up with 20% for my NCL mix, and it made fantastic crackle. Using same recepe this year. :) Cheers everyone!

[@annaallen7252]

TheRealUbehage Great advice, thank you. You got me in time to try these tips for this year, though the time is getting short... But most of the show is ready and some of it even assembled :D Do you consider a BP/dextrin/silicone prime to be good enough, or what do you see as the best prime and method of priming for the stars? Cheers :)

[@ItsCole51]

will homemade black powder work?

[@nedgorski]

No. Smokeless powder has nitro-cellulose in it, which dissolves in the acetone. Black powder will not act the same at all in this process.

[@majidh8864]

What is the stone that was cast is very good Lacquer

[@tezzasbigbuz3933]

so where is the nitro cellulose? that is just gun powder not nc lacquer

[@nedgorski]

Study the composition of smokeless powders, Michael. ned

[@tezzasbigbuz3933]

didnt you say bp i assumed regular black powder sorry ned

[@nedgorski]

No, I didn't say Black Powder. I hope that clears it up. You need to use smokeless powder. Enjoy, ned

[@tezzasbigbuz3933]

sorry ned pretty hopeless at the moment still learning in australia where it isnt allowed so gota be carefull what i play with or i will get looked a the wrong way, what smokeless comp do you use if i may ask? thanks

[@dopeofthepope]

Nitrocellulose is actually pretty easy to make if you have access to sulfuric acid 96-98% (frequently sold as drain cleaner, the red coloring doesn´t really matter or available on ebay with worldwirde shipping but for insance prices) and 65% nitric acid (which can be made from sulfuric acid and KNO3 or NH4NO3 (available as cheap fertilizer) - look up online. KNO3 is also possibly available as stump remover or again via ebay for insane prices. 100% Cotton or other relatively pure cellulose material should be easy to find anywhere. Another easy way is to simply use celluloid ping pong balls (ebay) and dissolve them in acetone - be sure that you buy the celluloid ones and not some supercheap crap made of another plastic. Celluloid is nothing else than nitrocellulose softened with camphor which was the first plastic. Not as perfect as pure NC but still very much useable. So... everything is doable and depending on what one is willing to pay, accessible. But sulfuric acid and nitric acid shouldn´t be too hard to obtain at some good price through chemical suppliers... I live in Czech Republic and I can buy a whole kilogram of under 12,5% N (dinitrocellulose) for not even 20 dollars...

[@fierworks]

What powder are you pouring in there

[@ItsCole51]

what is the powder you poured in?

[@nedgorski]

smokeless shotshell powder. Green Dot, or one of the other Dot powders

[@gagansharma1133]

Hey Ned ! Can u plzz tell me that ...what are you taking in the small spoon as a powder for mixing with the acetone ?? how can i dry NC Lacquer after making it ??? Plzz help

[@nedgorski]

Be careful, Dustin. Start with small loads. Homemade BP with hot charcoal can be really "hot". You don't want to send rounds into the next county, taking out some unsuspecting civilians Bar-B-Q grill..right in front of him. nski

[@nicolascrav4812]

What’s the powder?

[@rocketgizer]

Brass round bar pieces are safe to mill with? Was going to buy 1/2" hex brass bar. Cut into 1/2" lengths.

[@pyro.maniaartificii1792]

what is the powder name?flash powder,black powder,red powder?

[@nedgorski]

Dustin answered that below. Smokeless "dot" powder. ned

[@rjogden]

Wonder how it would work with a Kitchenaid? You'd need a dedicated bowl and whisk of course, and be quick about removing anything splashed on the equipment (acetone dries fast!)

[@dattatraymadrasi4183]

Sir why not you give us this recipe in discreption ?

[@marctumlinson684]

newbie .....what is the comp of the powder..?

[@larryyelkin]

is it black powder? just bp and acetone and BAM thats it?

[@willowpine2604]

why aceton insted nitro thinner ? whats the diference ned?

[@nedgorski]

I've never heard of nitro thinner, sorry. Acetone works to dissolve the smokeless powder.

[@willowpine2604]

@@nedgorski i am sorry nitro solvent called and it used to dissolve paints or clean brushes after painting! And i ask this because the smokeless powder is cellulose and adding nitro in you make nitrocelullose

[@RockFlyDiablo]

Did you use a single, or double based powder?

[@nounouberbez]

What is the exact composition

[@tomharrell1954]

Nitrocellulose powder and acetone

[@bikashnsakar52]

That's BP powder??? Or what??

[@nedgorski]

Yep, that'll work, Dustin. Don't mill any AP with it, though. I prefer hardened lead balls for my milling. We've discussed milling media at length in Fireworking. ned

[@nedgorski]

2FA or ffg? Big difference. 2FA is -4 +12 mesh. ffg is -16 +30 ned

[@mrgreenswelding2853]

I bet your misses was pissed when she found out you used her cooking utensils for this! Lol!

[@nedgorski]

I know better, Mr GreenJeans. I have dedicated "kitchenware" in the pyro shop. Happy Wife, Happy Life...

[@mrgreenswelding2853]

@@nedgorski yep me too! LOL!

[@rocketgizer]

I'll be using plastic. That was laying around so I used it to test the action.

[@nedgorski]

Ah, cool, Dustin. Don't want anyone gettin' hurt. Looks like a nice little mill. n

[@flashpyrotechnics5280]

Stay it liquid in the bucket?

[@dmitryponyatov2158]

is it safe using metal mixer brush in metal bowl

[@dmitryponyatov2158]

with such flammable vapours like acetone and powder ? maybe bamboo tea brush or ordinary plastic thing avoid sparks ?

[@nedgorski]

Stainless steel, on stainless steel. No sparking hazard there. ned

[@jamesluck2969]

ned gorski, well good quality of course

[@kinglancelot5299]

What did you use?? it's not nitrocellulose!

[@anthonycaminiti8734]

KING Lancelot look up smokeless bp.. its nitrocellulose

[@Combat_Pyro]

Anthony Caminiti it’s not “smokeless BP”, it’s just Smokeless Powder. Black Powder and Smokeless Powder are two completely different things. Don’t confuse him/them/yourself by calling it “smokeless bp” there’s no such thing. BP is NOT Smokeless Powder.

[@nedgorski]

Ammonium Perchlorate. Doesn't play well with copper, which is in brass. I've never used brass media, but it should be OK with pot perc. Just make sure you clean the jar/media well if milling anything other than KNO3, BP chems and comps. n

[@ItsCole51]

because i want some for waterproofing fuse

[@napalmholocaust9093]

I was trying to figure out what pyroxolin leather was, if it was a lacquer coating to preserve leather or an artificial leather. My old book doesn't say much. Some of my light tan leather is somewhat mildew prone more than the rest.

[@napalmholocaust9093]

Too light to rub copper sulfate damp towel on it.

[@rocketgizer]

I'm in Dallas, 100% humidity right now.

[@abecoulter18]

do not lick the whisk lol this is not your average cake batter hahahaha,,,,, thanks for the video NED!!!

[@alexanderrad3458]

how does dissolving nitrocellulose make it less explosive than the original chemical?

[@ClownWhisper]

alex rad it doesnt

[@karankumar3139]

Which powder in a cup

[@pyro.maniaartificii1792]

can i use black powder?

[@petebuxton3341]

Learn.....you should already know the answer to this....., go back to school and learn chemistry! 99% of people like you should not be allowed to use these chemicals because you have no idea what you are doing. You will only end up hurting yourself and other innocent people :-(

[@ClownWhisper]

Pete Buxton 93.5 people that quote statistic are making it up as they go along. :) But I agree, anyone with an ounce of common sense would not need to ask that question at all,

[@CMAenergy]

Disappointing you never continued with showing the results except how to mix

[@micuenta97]

how long saved? thanks

[@rocketgizer]

I'll have media and jars for various comps so I don't contaminate. Going to join your site.

[@rocketgizer]

Aluminum perc ? What about potassium perchlorate ?

[@majidh8864]

What is used to lock

[@rocketgizer]

Do you have a type 4 magazine?

[@rocketgizer]

2f I mean. 16 mesh is for 2f ?

[@larryyelkin]

whats the powder called?

[@fixtable]

Love the lesson Ty! 💢

[@nedgorski]

I've disassembled and repaired a Kitchenaid mixer, and that motor is not totally enclosed. I'd be very concerned about sparks from the motor's brushes igniting the acetone vapors.. That would certainly be a "bad thing". ned

[@codyloc44]

i belive the powder is Potassium Nitrate (stump remover, kinda like adding nitric acid...i belive. DON'T EVER MIX IN METAL!

[@gdanieltube]

What is the powder? Poorly done video.

[@nounouberbez]

c'est quoi la poudre?

[@Sebastian-wm5es]

This is basically cordite. It's not really stable.

[@nedgorski]

None of us in the fireworking community have any problem with it being unstable.

[@adilmasih2869]

Hello how are you

[@joshuamalo2868]

Use one of those rubber cake icing spreaders to scrape as much as u can out of the bowl next time :D waste nothing!!!

[@rocketgizer]

Ned is cool

[@rocketgizer]

I'm going to test my bp against commercial bp in a cannon that shoots beer cans full of concrete. Using 40 - 120 grams, fff granulated. Willow charcoal 75:15:10 .

[@nedgorski]

I'm hot today, Brutha.. 100 degree heat index...and humid as heck.. (-: ned

[@sandmanbub]

@Whoop!

[@surajsingh150]

Mix some BOILED LINSEED OIL