How to lacquer wood. Pre cat lacquers are ready for use and best for finishing furniture or kitchen cupboards. These fall into a number of very different groups. Spraying lacquer you also have the option to spray lacquer on your wood piece especially if it is a large surface area that needs coverageunderstanding how to spray lacquer will allow you to add the finish quickly and evenly every time. Lacquerware shikki is a japanese craft with a wide range of fine and decorative arts as lacquer has been used in urushi e prints and on a wide variety of objects from buddha statues to bento boxes for food.
If it is formulated to be sprayed on it is usually lacquer. Lacquer is a varnish that is often used on wood to create a durable and shiny surface. While the terms varnish polyurethane lacquer and shellac are commonly used to reference a final finish in general these products are not the same nor are they recommended to be used interchangeably. As with any furniture finish the time you put into sanding and prepping the surface will pay off with a smooth surface.
The term lacquer originates from the sanskrit word laksha l representing the number 100000 which was used for both the lac insect because of their enormous number and the scarlet resinous secretion. Advantages and disadvantages of lacquer in woodworking. Shikki means lacquer ware in the most literal sense while nurimono means coated things. A number of terms are used in japanese to refer to lacquerware.
Deciding factors are. A clear lacquer can be used on a natural wood surface or you can employ a shiny colored lacquer to make furniture more noticeable. One way of knowing the difference between varnish and lacquer is that if the product is prepared to be brushed on it is usually varnish. Acid cat lacquers require a catalyst which gives them superior strength making them ideal for table tops and areas requiring a high level of protection.
Lacquer varnish polyurethane shellac and natural oil stain are all top contenders as choices for wood finishing. Todays lacquers are available in both spray and brush on styles but both have the advantage of being among the fastest drying of all woodworking finishesbrushing a lacquer finish requires a little more time and effort but is probably a little bit cleaner than spraying. Lacquer finishes have been used for centuries to give woodworking projects a tough durable and water resistant clear finish. The ravages of time and use of a piece of furniture can be limited by a durable top or finish coat.
Diyers have used a combination of lacquer with hvlp paint sprayers as a cheap and quick way to finish their wood. These wood lacquers are widely used by the trade for their superb durability ease of use and performance.