Lacquer vs polyurethane reddit. Acrylic mixtures are relatively new to the market while polyurethane has been around for years. I have seen catalyzed lacquer finishes that are very resistant to lacquer thinner especially just a quick swipe with a q tip. Acetone however will cut through almost instantly and will not hurt polyester. Polyurethane is typically applied to hardwood floors that receive a high amount of traffic.
Of the three its also the most toxic so make sure that you are in a well ventilated area as well as using a mask when handling lacquer. The only change i would make to larrys advice is this. The solvents in it dont do poly a whole lot of favors. It is a little more expensive than lacquer or poly but the final finish is excellent.
Polyester cannot be polished with a satin sheen. For outdoor grade furniture or if you dont have a spray booth polyurethane thinned to a wiping varnish put on in several 3 5 coats. To add to richs fine answer. Wood finishes a quick guide varnish stain oil wax lacquer polyurethane shellac duration.
Automotive urethane is a great choice as well. Polyurethane coatings for furniture pre catalyzed lacquers have been a great invention they look great and are harder and tougher than regular lacquers but they have some draw backs and arent always the solution to your finishing needs. Lacquer paint requires a special kind of paint thinner aptly named lacquer thinner to make it even. And if you are set up to spray lacquer you are set up to spray auto urethane.
Polyurethane coating for furniture. Comparison table for acrylic enamel and lacquer. The fine sanding scratches that produce the satin sheen in rubbed lacquer or polyurethane finishes end up looking greywhite in color even though the finish is black. Area to be done stain vs natural coats poly furniture move carpet rip up etc there are basically 2 components that go into the price.
For indoor finishes that arent being used as a commercial bar and if you can spray it lacquer wins. Lacquer thinner when working with a polyurethane is generally only used for cleaning spray guns. 1 workmanshipskill of labor and 2 grade of polyurethane. It sands much easier than lacquer or poly and is much harder and glossier.
Its faster and is a pro grade finish in two coats. Youll want to use mineral spirits paint thinner or naphtha when dealing with an oil based poly. Example of lacquer paint are mrcolor and modo paint.