Lacquer is the fastest-drying finish used with wooden furniture. It is more durable than shellac, although it is very thin, so it must be applied in numerous thin coats. Furniture Lacquer finishes are high-gloss, satin, and matte, in clear form and also clear stain colours to help match your existing room design.
Because lacquer dries so fast, sometimes almost instantly, it is very difficult to work with and takes an expert hand. That’s where Duncan’s vast experience comes to the fore; brushing lacquers are not recommended for amateur use. Spraying lacquers must be applied with a motorized spray gun. It’s imperative you use the right type of lacquer for the job.
The restrictions of lacquer
Lacquer cannot be used on mahogany and rosewood as the oils in these woods will bleed through the finish. Lacquer can be used over lacquer-base, non-grain-raising (NGR), and water stains, and over lacquer-base fillers. It cannot be used to cover other finishes, or over oil-base stains or many fillers as the solvents will dissolve other finishes and incompatible stains and fillers.
Thinned lacquer or shellac or a compatible lacquer-base sanding sealer should be used as a sealer under a lacquer finish.
