Trombone bell spot buff and lacquer work

Here was a special request for a little touch up lacquer work on the bell of a trombone.

[@MikeSpeakman]

Hi, great video. I wanted to ask what sort of lacquer you used and if you baked the trombone bell afterwards to harden the lacquer finish so it doesn't come off. The inside of the bell on my Eb tuba is raw brass, I removed the lacquer years ago because it was badly damaged. I did try re lacquering it but as I wasn't able to bake it afterwards it didn't last long. Thanks.

[@jimflys2]

I used Nikolas 2105 air-dry. I also use Egyptian if I do a full horn. Both nitrocellulose lacquers airdry. I get too many compliments on how much more open horns seem to play with nitro. There are so many reasons that I am not interested in baked finishes. I used to spay them back in the 80's at a different shop I was in. Never cared for how they flowed out. All this said, overly thinned nitro or the canned stuff will not last real long. 50/50 or 60/40 lacquer to thinner works well with good longevity. It does darken with age. I have examples that have held up so well for 15 to 25 years. I have also hsd horns that I sent out for 2 part baked that have not weathered all that well for the hype. All finishes are temporary in nature. Silver plate and nickel plate are among the most long-lasting and least temporary. All lacquers are more subject to elements like sweat, salts, low and high ph. But lacquers are oh so pretty.

[@MikeSpeakman]

@@jimflys2 thanks, that's useful information 👍