Jim,

You can use artist's oil paint pigments with lacquer, generally speaking. Mos tof them have worked for me, though a couple have curdled. I used them because I had them on hand at the time. Most of them are ground pigments in linseed oil and will affect the drying time of the lacquer.

The best source for pigments for tinting lacquer will probably be yoru local automotive paint store. They mix colors there and will have appropriate pure pigments. Take some small pill bottles or plastic 35mm film cans with you, as they won't have anything to put it in.

color additives for lacquer

G.J. Nikolas & Co.
2800 Washington Blvd
Belwood, Il 60104
708-544-0320

http://www.finishing.com/Chemicals/nikolas.shtml

Gene Olson
Sculptor
Elk River, MN

alex b.
i get chemicals and misc. from -artchemicals.com, they will call you if you give info and phone #- very helpful and knowledgeable.
good luck and God bless.

Lots of sources out there as close as your drug store.
I assume you are looking for small quantities and many diverse colorings.
Ladies call it nail polish.
It's also a lacquer so will desolve totally in clear lacquer.
If getting in need of greater quantities go to the touch up counter in the auto supply store, and if needing more buy it by the pint or qurt from the lacquer file at same store.
Any colored powder is also worth a test try. Powdered fine graphite is a good one I use.
Ground / burnt mica another.
So final bit is what is the clear lacquer your using?"
Incralac is made just for copper based metals but works on most others also.
Note. i never mix an oil or water based tempera or pigment if it is not a compatible lacquer solvent. Do tests. bpfink