What is lacquer paint and when should you use it over other paint types?

What is lacquer paint sounds like a simple question, but it's not quite as straightforward as you might think. A simple and basic answer is that it's a clear coating. This is true, but, again, it's not strictly correct as you can get tinted lacquers. However, the clear option is the most popular.

Then you need to know what it's used for? Can you use it for painting a wall? Is it a good choice for protecting wooden furniture? Can it be used to protect kitchen cabinets? Again the answer is not straightforward, but here we look to help you understand what it is, where it can be used and the best way to apply it.  

What is lacquer paint? A simple definition

Yaeir Moinzadeh

Yaeir Moinzadeh established Blue Rise Roofing with a vision to provide reliable, top-tier roofing solutions to the community. With over 5 years in the roofing industry, Yaeir’s expertise and attention to detail have earned him a reputation for excellence.

Lacquer paint is not like a traditional paint that you think of when painting a wall or woodwork. “Lacquer is a fast-drying coating that gives a durable finish as it creates a hard, glossy and typically clear finish,” explains Yaeir Moinzadeh, owner of Blue Rise Roofing. 

The finish is similar to varnish in appearance and: “the coating can resist water, heat, chemicals and is chip resistant,” Yaeir continues. “Typically, lacquer paint dries within 15-30 minutes and is fully cured in about 24 hours.”

When is lacquer paint typically used?

The nature of lacquer paint means that it is durable, has a strong resistance to external factors and produces a deep glossy shine. This makes it a popular choice for “furniture and musical instruments, as well as ceramic tiles, metal, glass, and outdoor furniture,” reveals Moinzadeh.

Where else can it be used around the home? It’s commonly used on kitchen cabinets to provide a protective layer over natural wood, engineered wood like MDF and melamine covered wood. It will help protect the cabinets and extend their longevity. 

How to apply lacquer paint

The popular and most effective method to apply lacquer paint is with a spray gun. Why? “It allows for even application and a smooth finish,” explains Moinzadeh. “ Use an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer. With this method, a glass-like and professional-looking finish can be achieved. It is the reason why sprayers are preferred over brushes. “

But before you can apply a lacquer paint you need to prep a surface to get the best finish. “Start by prepping the target area. Make the surface smoother by cleaning it thoroughly and sanding it. After that, apply a bonding primer, especially if the surface is made of glass or metal.” suggests Moinzadeh. 

But how do you apply lacquer paint? “The key is to use even, overlapping strokes and maintain a consistent distance of about 6-8 inches from the surface.” shares Moinzadeh. “Here’s an additional tip - always apply thin coats and sand lightly between layers, for the best results.” 

He adds, “When it comes to lacquer paint, applying multiple thin layers is preferred over one thick coat. Typically, 3-4 coats are considered best for achieving a good finish. Always let each coat dry completely before applying the next! This process usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Before the final buffing and polishing, try to wait at least 24 hours.”

How do you buff a surface? “Buff the surface with steel wool for a smoother finish. This should be done after the final step.” And don’t forget about safety, “Always work in a well-ventilated area.” shares Yaeir. “In addition, to prevent yourself from inhaling strong fumes, it is critical to wear a protective mask.”

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What types of finishes and sheen is lacquer available in?

Lacquers typically come in three types. Nitrocellulose lacquer is the most commonly used, it dries quickly, but it does yellow as it ages. Catalyzed lacquer like this TekDur Pre Catalysed Wood Lacquer from Amazon, comes in two forms pre-catalyzed and post-catalyzed. 

Pre is pre-mixed, while post allows the user to mix the two-part system. Typically used on bare wood and very durable. Water-based lacquer is more eco-friendly and is commonly used to refinish kitchen cabinets.  

You can choose from a variety of sheens depending on what you want. Gloss provides the highest sheen, while matte provides the lowest sheen. In between you can choose from semi-gloss and satin like this Jenolite range available from Amazon.  

FAQs

Is lacquer paint oil-based or water-based? 

“Traditionally, lacquer paint isn’t oil-based or water-based, it is solvent-based.” explains Moinzadeh. “Lacquer thinner is typically used as its main solvent, which carries fast-drying properties and durability.”

But traditional lacquer paint has a high level of VOCs and to reduce these and make lacquer more environmentally-friendly, modern water-based lacquers are also available. 

Can you use lacquer on top of oil/water based paint? 

“It's not recommended to use traditional lacquer on top of oil or water-based paints, shares Moinzadeh. “This is because lacquer's strong solvents may dissolve underlying paint layers after reacting with them. It can also cause lifting or wrinkling. It’s preferred to use lacquer directly on bare, and properly prepared surfaces such as wood.”

However, it can be used over compatible primers, which are specifically designed for lacquer. And low VOC water-based lacquers are more compatible with other paints. 

What’s the difference between lacquer and varnish? 

Lacquer and varnish finishes both look very similar in appearance and it's hard to distinguish between the two. Lacquer is traditionally solvent based, but there are water-based options, while varnish is water or oil-based and typically takes longer to dry. Varnish is commonly applied with a brush or roller while lacquer is applied with a spray gun. 

How long does lacquer paint last? 

This will depend on the original preparation, what material it has been applied to and what conditions it has been exposed to. For example, if the lacquer is added to poorly prepped furniture, left outside in all weathers and conditions it's unlikely to last past a year before it starts to spoil. But, if applied correctly to a well prepped surface and stored/used in ideal conditions, it can easily last over 10 years.  

There is an art to spray painting and you can get some pro tips in our A DIY guide to spray painting wood and Spray painting kitchen cabinets guides. Check out our best paint sprayers guide for budget and mid-price options.