Lacquer finishes for wood products are popular, but working with lacquer isn’t always as simple as it seems. After all, you don’t merely slop a lacquer finish onto a piece of wood and let it dry; in fact, you have to pay attention to certain tips if you want the finish to be smooth, even, and attractive. Fortunately, learning these tips is extremely easy, and once you get familiar with the do’s and don’ts of working with lacquer, you’ll likely be surprised by how simple it is to do.
Lacquer versus Shellac
Lacquer and shellac are two separate products because shellac comes from the lac beetle and lacquer come from the sap of a tree. Lacquer comes in either spray or paint form, and the basic rule of thumb is to use the spray for smaller objects and the paint for larger ones. If you use a spray, it is not recommended that you apply it with a brush and vice versa. Use the spray as a spray and the paint as paint, and the end result should be a good one. Bristle brushes should be used with the paint type, and the main thing to remember is to make each coat very thin. You can apply more than one coat if you like, but none of these coats should be very thick, or it can result in bubbles or an uneven appearance.
The Basics
With any type of lacquer, it is important that you work in an area that is very well ventilated. You should take extra safety precautions, including masks and gloves, and use a fan if you wish to make the area more airy. It is also important to remember not to mix different types of finishes, such as lacquer and shellac, or lacquer and polyurethane. Lacquers are usually preferred over other finishes because they tend to be forgiving and accommodating when you make a slight mess-up, and they dry faster and are easier to repair than other finishes. Depending on the type of wood you are using and the brand of lacquer, you may need to check the product to determine whether or not you need to sand the wood before applying the lacquer. If you pay attention to the instructions on the label and apply the lacquer in smooth, slow, and very thin coats, your final product should be one you are proud of.
Potential Problems with Lacquer Finishes
Even though working with lacquer is relatively simple, there are occasions where mistakes can be made, but not to worry, because there are easy solutions to correct these mistakes. If there are problems in the overall look of the final product, it may be due to things such as high humidity, coats that are too thick, or even improper preparation of the wood before the lacquer is applied. If the problem is too severe, you can use a thinner or solvent to remove the lacquer and basically start over from there. Fortunately, most lacquer companies have instructions on what to do in case problems arise, making it easy to get the look you want in the end.
