Brownell's Spray and Bake Finishes

March 23, 2001, 03:25 PM

I was just wondering if these finishes stink up your oven after you bake them. How long does this smell last? I don't want the wife to get upset if I should decide to try one of these finishes on my alloy 1911 frame. Thanks in advance.

ASG

Keith J · March 23, 2001, 06:29 PM

Aluminum alloy frames are heat treated and baking a finish can damage this heat treatment. 6061 T6 can take 350 F for up to 1/2 hour. Going to any higher temp will eventually cause degradation.

As far as the stink, the baking lacquer smell will dissipate upon cooling. Make sure the volatiles have flashed off before putting it in the oven, otherwise, there is a flame hazard.

Epoxies will off-gas but the smell also dissipates upon cooling. Best bet would still be to used a thrift-store toaster oven. Calibrate it before using and use aluminum foil to act as a radiation shield to force convective heating.

George Stringer · March 24, 2001, 09:53 AM

Keith, been there got the lumps for that. If you'll apply the lacquer or teflon outside and then bake it the smell isn't nearly so bad. George

DFBonnett · March 24, 2001, 01:09 PM

I've used both the baking lacquer and the Alumahyde II. The baking lacquer is best used in the warmer weather when you can open the windows. I prefer the Alumahyde II as it does not need to be baked and appears tougher, at least when used on mags. Downside of A II is that it must cure for at least a week to harden up. Others say two weeks.
YMMV

March 23, 2001, 06:29 PM	#2
Keith J Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 469	Careful Aluminum alloy frames are heat treated and baking a finish can damage this heat treatment. 6061 T6 can take 350 F for up to 1/2 hour. Going to any higher temp will eventually cause degradation. As far as the stink, the baking lacquer smell will dissipate upon cooling. Make sure the volatiles have flashed off before putting it in the oven, otherwise, there is a flame hazard. Epoxies will off-gas but the smell also dissipates upon cooling. Best bet would still be to used a thrift-store toaster oven. Calibrate it before using and use aluminum foil to act as a radiation shield to force convective heating.

March 23, 2001, 03:25 PM	#1
ASG Guest Posts: n/a	I was just wondering if these finishes stink up your oven after you bake them. How long does this smell last? I don't want the wife to get upset if I should decide to try one of these finishes on my alloy 1911 frame. Thanks in advance. ASG

March 24, 2001, 09:53 AM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Keith, been there got the lumps for that. If you'll apply the lacquer or teflon outside and then bake it the smell isn't nearly so bad. George

March 24, 2001, 01:09 PM	#4
DFBonnett Junior member Join Date: November 1, 1998 Posts: 109	I've used both the baking lacquer and the Alumahyde II. The baking lacquer is best used in the warmer weather when you can open the windows. I prefer the Alumahyde II as it does not need to be baked and appears tougher, at least when used on mags. Downside of A II is that it must cure for at least a week to harden up. Others say two weeks. YMMV