How to Lacquer Furniture

Choose the piece of furniture that you want to lacquer., Sand the surface again with extra fine (120-grit) sandpaper., Wipe the furniture thoroughly with tack cloths., Set down clean drop cloths., Purchase a lacquer base/primer., Buy cans of colored...

16 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 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.

    Fill in any holes with lacquer filler.

    Regular brands of filler will not be compatible with the chemicals in lacquer.
  2. Step 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. , Remove all debris before continuing.

    Vacuum the entire area with a shop-vac to remove excess dust before you start your finishing process. , Choose a very well ventilated place to apply your lacquer.

    Many types of lacquer are toxic and flammable. , 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. , 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. ,, Wipe it with a tack cloth before applying your lacquer. , Hold the can between 10 and 18 inches from the surface of the furniture.

    Spray it in small horizontal strokes.

    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. , It will take a half hour or less to dry, but 48 hours to cure.

    Let each coat cure before you apply another layer. , Wipe with a tack cloth. , Let it cure. , Apply a third coat of lacquer and let it cure for 48 hours.

    Lacquer is thinner than other finishes and requires more coats. , 0000 steel wool.

    Wipe with a tack cloth, and then apply paste wax to the surface.

    Buff the surface with a lint-free cloth.
  3. Step 3: Wipe the furniture thoroughly with tack cloths.

  4. Step 4: Set down clean drop cloths.

  5. Step 5: Purchase a lacquer base/primer.

  6. Step 6: Buy cans of colored lacquer spray.

  7. Step 7: Wear a mask

  8. Step 8: safety goggles and gloves when you apply all paint and lacquer.

  9. Step 9: Sand the surface of the primer with fine-grit sandpaper.

  10. Step 10: Shake the can according to package directions.

  11. Step 11: Cover the entire surface with a coat of lacquer.

  12. Step 12: Sand the surface lightly again

  13. Step 13: with fine-grit sandpaper.

  14. Step 14: Apply a second coat of lacquer.

  15. Step 15: Sand and wipe the surface.

  16. Step 16: Finish by buffing the surface of the furniture with No.

Detailed Guide

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.

Fill in any holes with lacquer filler.

Regular brands of filler will not be compatible with the chemicals in lacquer.

The sanding will create a smooth surface but also help the primer to stick to the surface of your wood. , Remove all debris before continuing.

Vacuum the entire area with a shop-vac to remove excess dust before you start your finishing process. , Choose a very well ventilated place to apply your lacquer.

Many types of lacquer are toxic and flammable. , 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. , 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. ,, Wipe it with a tack cloth before applying your lacquer. , Hold the can between 10 and 18 inches from the surface of the furniture.

Spray it in small horizontal strokes.

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. , It will take a half hour or less to dry, but 48 hours to cure.

Let each coat cure before you apply another layer. , Wipe with a tack cloth. , Let it cure. , Apply a third coat of lacquer and let it cure for 48 hours.

Lacquer is thinner than other finishes and requires more coats. , 0000 steel wool.

Wipe with a tack cloth, and then apply paste wax to the surface.

Buff the surface with a lint-free cloth.

About the Author

A

Andrew Harris

Andrew Harris specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 7 years. Andrew is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.

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