How to Lacquer Furniture

Last Updated: June 3, 2020 References

Lacquer is a varnish that is often used on wood to create a durable and shiny surface. A clear lacquer can be used on a natural wood surface, or you can employ a shiny colored lacquer to make furniture more noticeable. As with any furniture finish, the time you put into sanding and prepping the surface will pay off with a smooth surface.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Wood

1
Choose the piece of furniture that you want to lacquer. If it has a rough surface, you will need to sand it first with a medium (80-grit) sandpaper until the edges are even. Employ a power sander for faster results.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Fill in any holes with lacquer filler. Regular brands of filler will not be compatible with the chemicals in lacquer.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Sand the surface again with extra fine (120-grit) sandpaper. The sanding will create a smooth surface but also help the primer to stick to the surface of your wood.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Wipe the furniture thoroughly with tack cloths. Remove all debris before continuing. Vacuum the entire area with a shop-vac to remove excess dust before you start your finishing process.
4
Set down clean drop cloths. Choose a very well ventilated place to apply your lacquer. Many types of lacquer are toxic and flammable.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying Lacquer

1
Purchase a lacquer base/primer. It will help the lacquer to stick more easily to the surface. If your wood has a very rough finish, do two coats of lacquer primer. Dry according to package directions in between coats.
2
Buy cans of colored lacquer spray. Aerosol lacquer is the best product to use the first time you try the method because it can be applied uniformly.
- If you must apply liquid lacquer, use a wide natural bristle brush. Practice on another piece of wood before you finish your piece of furniture.
3
Wear a mask, safety goggles and gloves when you apply all paint and lacquer.
4
Sand the surface of the primer with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe it with a tack cloth before applying your lacquer.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Shake the can according to package directions. Hold the can between 10 and 18 inches from the surface of the furniture. Spray it in small horizontal strokes.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If the surface starts to dimple, like an orange peel, you are holding the can too far away.
- If the surface starts to streak, you are holding it too close.
- It may take a few practice strokes to find the ideal distance for your climate and furniture.
6
Cover the entire surface with a coat of lacquer. It will take a half hour or less to dry, but 48 hours to cure. Let each coat cure before you apply another layer.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying Additional Lacquer Coats

1
Sand the surface lightly again, with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth.^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Apply a second coat of lacquer. Let it cure.
3
Sand and wipe the surface. Apply a third coat of lacquer and let it cure for 48 hours. Lacquer is thinner than other finishes and requires more coats.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Finish by buffing the surface of the furniture with No 0000 steel wool.^{[8]
X
Research source} Wipe with a tack cloth, and then apply paste wax to the surface. Buff the surface with a lint-free cloth.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

I sanded the wood thoroughly, but brushing it first created all kinds of discoloration spots. Any idea what happened and how to fix it?

Community Answer

You may have uncovered slightly deteriorated wood portions from your thorough sanding. Also, you may have used a rancid or old lacquer, or used a brush that wasn't thoroughly cleaned from a previous use. How to fix it would depend on the cause of the problem or how extensive it is. You could continue to sand to get all of the discoloration and putty, but the results may vary. For improper use of a tainted brush or bad lacquer, it's best to sand it again. But take it easy and/or use lacquer thinner if it's still fresh and remove the old varnish or lacquer. If it is extensive, you should consider the service of a professional, unless you have plenty of time and don't care if it comes out right or not.
Question

How do I mix lacquer with other finishing painting?

Community Answer

It is best not to mix unrelated products. Mixing most lacquers with most kinds of paints doesn't usually work well, unless the product manufacturer states that it can be done. Lacquer-based paint was used extensively in the early to mid-20th century. It is used in the auto-repair industry, however. Lacquer-based paints may be a bit difficult to work with and there is some skill and tricks involved, so practice on something that doesn't matter first.

Warnings

Don’t use lacquer on rosewood or mahogany furniture. The oils in the wood aren’t compatible with the chemicals in the lacquer. The color will bleed.^{[10]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0