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Lacquer

Lacquer is a solvent-based finish that leaves a strong and glossy finish. It is commonly applied to wooden surfaces such as furniture or walls. It requires little maintenance, and it contains a considerable amount of VOCs.

Application

  • Lacquer is commonly applied as a finish on wooden furniture

  • It is important to dust the surface frequently and clean the surface with water and light soap when needed

  • Consider covering the lacquer surface with table runner or using some kind of protective measure when placing heavy items on the surface. This will prevent dents and scratches

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Tests:

  • National Fire Protection Association NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

  • ASTM E84, Standard Test Methods for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

blue-sideboard.PNG

04: Blue lacquer sideboard

lacquer-shape-chair.jpg

Resources

Images:​

01: Pink metal wall cover with lacquer finish (Dezeen)

02: Wooden stool with lacquer finish (Dezeen)

03: Blue lacquer wall (The Berkshire House)

04: Blue lacquer sideboard (Aetna Stores)

05: Art Deco chair with lacquer finish (Dezeen)

Header Image: Lacquer finish on wood

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Information:

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Page by Lauren Brahm

05: Art Deco chair with lacquer finish

pink-lacquer-walls.jpg

01: Pink metal wall cover with lacquer finish

Characteristics 

  • Lacquer is a solvent-based finish

  • Quick-drying

  • Extremely intense gloss finish

  • Durable and resistant to damage

  • Lacquer is often applied to wooden surfaces

  • Adding nitrocellulose resin to lacquer makes each coat dry into the next, resulting in the hard surface that is flexible enough to resist cracking

  • Can discolor and deteriorate when exposed to UV light

  • Can be applied over a stain to serve as a water resistant coating

  • Flammable

  • Can be vulnerable to chips, scratches, and wear

  • Used in commercial application on furniture

lacquer-stool.jpg

02: Wooden stool with lacquer finish

Production & Maintenance

  • Lacquer is produced from tree resin

  • It contains a solution of shellac in alcohol to create a synthetic coating

  • For installation, it is applied with spray in a booth designed to keep dust particles out

  • Applied in many thin coats with extremely fine sanding between coats

  • For maintenance, keep the finishes surface dry as much as possible

  • Clean spills immediately

  • Dust regularly

  • Clean gently with water and minimal soap

  • Avoid ammonia and bleach

  • Dry with soft, dry cloth

blue-lacquer-wall.jpeg

03: Blue lacquer wall

Environmental Impact

  • Lacquer contains VOCs

  • It is flammable

  • For installation, it requires ventilation

  • After dry, lacquer provides safe air quality

  • Durable and inexpensive

  • Long term inhalation or skin contact with lacquer can be very harmful to one's health

  • Hazardous and bad for the lungs

  • One of the best finishes for wood

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