Black pyroxylin tool coating?

Bullrhider

Bullrhider

Member
The judging standards describe the Model A tools as being dipped in a thin coat of black pyroxylin. What was/is black pyroxylin and what is the best way to duplicate or imitate it? Thanks!!
 
It is for sale according to my AI Query, Yes—but “black pyroxylin” is rarely sold under that exact name today. It is usually marketed as:

Black nitrocellulose lacquer
Black nitro lacquer
Pyroxylin lacquer
Nitrocellulose coating or enamel
Industrial suppliers still offer nitrocellulose lacquer in custom colors, including black, often by quotation or in bulk. Some specialty retailers sell black nitrocellulose lacquer for guitars and wood finishing; for example, black gloss aerosol nitrocellulose lacquer is currently sold for instrument finishing.
aibookmaterial.com
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For a small project, search for “black nitrocellulose lacquer” rather than “black pyroxylin.” It is flammable and solvent-based, so use appropriate ventilation, protective equipment, and follow the product’s shipping and storage instructions. Avoid buying raw nitrocellulose solid unless you have a legitimate industrial use and the necessary safety controls.
 
Would not the two part polyurethane paint last longer and be more resistant to gasoline or other solvents? Otherwise, model airplane dope is still being sold and I think that is nitrocellulose based.
 
Bullrhider said:
The judging standards describe the Model A tools as being dipped in a thin coat of black pyroxylin. What was/is black pyroxylin and what is the best way to duplicate or imitate it? Thanks!!
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Black Pyroxylin was similar in characteristics of Nitrocellulose Lacquer. The Tools were basically dipped into an over-thinned vat of the Pyroxylin because it dried quickly and it was not intended to do anything other than provide a small amount of rust protection. Today, a cheap can of semi-glass lacquer paint from your big box store will suffice adjudication. Just one thin coat is all that is needed. Do not 'over-restore' by adding too much paint if you are looking for authentic aesthetics.
 
Pyroxylin is a version of the lacquer family that generally has additives to make the finish product a bit more flexible. It was the primary coating used for the various faux leather materials used for seat upholstery and various grain type outer roof covering materials. It was waterproof until deterioration sets in depending on how well a car was stored and maintained.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
Black Pyroxylin was similar in characteristics of Nitrocellulose Lacquer. The Tools were basically dipped into an over-thinned vat of the Pyroxylin because it dried quickly and it was not intended to do anything other than provide a small amount of rust protection. Today, a cheap can of semi-glass lacquer paint from your big box store will suffice adjudication. Just one thin coat is all that is needed. Do not 'over-restore' by adding too much paint if you are looking for authentic aesthetics.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick reply!
 
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