Hmm, maybe there is something wrong with my can. Stranger things have happened. I stir pretty obsessively too. To say it doesn't powder is an understatement; it's very gummy and clogs up the sandpaper rapidly, which made sanding with 600 grit almost futile. That together with it taking a long time to harden is what started me thinking maybe there was an issue. I'm in the Mid-Atlantic, and it's definitely hot and humid here in the summer. But lately it hasn't been too bad: about 75-80° and 70% humidity. It hasn't caused any problems with other finishes I've been spraying, though.
I know, I've spent a good deal of time at SW's OEM finishes site reading about the Kem Aquas and you'd never even know Acroma existed. I would very much like to try the Sayerlack, as well. I don't completely understand SW's motivation in buying companies like Sayerlack and Acroma, unless it's to give themselves more European presence or just comes down to a ruthless corporate policy of buying and smothering companies to eliminate competition. I wish they would make these brands available at their SW retail locations, which would be extremely convenient. I first read about these brands and others making WB coatings at Woodweb and Painttalk.com, which I've found to be pretty interesting sources for info on finishing from guys who really know their stuff. As you've found, there isn't a lot about AcromaPro online, but they do have their own site (http://www.acromapro.com/home), which has product data sheets and a list of US distributors. I'm not sure where you are in the NE, but there's a Bates Finishing Supply in Littleton, MA. But you'll see all that when you check out the site. There's a place maybe 45 minutes from me that carries Acroma, but I called around to all the "closest" distribs and a Bald Eagle Finishing in central PA was the most helpful and receptive. I offered to buy a can, but they said they'd send me a few samples, and that's what I've been spraying. Price-wise they seem to run a little cheaper than General products, though then there's also shipping. But I have to have General and Target stuff shipped as well.
I don't remember exactly how I tracked down the Duralaq, but in the end it couldn't be easier. Perhaps wherever I'd read about it the person explained that as a Benjamin Moore brand you can buy it at any BM distributor. I'm in Baltimore, MD, and around me the main BM distributor is a store called Budeke's, a local family-owned business that has been around a long time and is geared more toward the pro painter market but will serve anyone. I had never been to either of their two locations until recently, but the store was really good. Anyway, I just contacted them to get info about the Duralaq and the guy I talked to was extremely helpful and said I could get all the Duralaq coatings at either of their locations. Sometimes it might take a day or two to get stock from the warehouse. Hopefully it would be the same case with your BM supplier. The prices are also very reasonable at $40-45/gallon.
There are a number of other European brands making WB products that I'm interested in trying, having read positive reviews about them, typically at Woodweb. But just tracking them down can be something of a chore. It took me quite a while to get some Kem Aqua, for example, though that's not European. I'd seen a lot of positive feedback on KA products so I was eager to check it out. As I mentioned I haven't been able to get the pigmented topcoat to spray as I'd like, though I'm going to keep trying. I really like the clear topcoat though.
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Originally Posted by John TenEyck
