Step-by-Step Guide To Lacquer Wood

You don’t want to be a novice at lacquering wood. But if you follow these tips, you will soon become an expert in no time.

Let’s start by making sure you understand that spraying or brushing it on is possible.

Spraying is easy and requires little skill. It is not difficult to spray it.

In this post, we’ll be looking at both.

General Lacquering Rules

1. You can find a great spray gun for a reasonable price. Don’t underestimate its power.
2. To ensure a beautiful finish on the wood you are working with, compression should be rated at 4CFM and 100 PSI.
3. You must know the weather conditions. There are many days when you don’t have to lacquer wood. Check the weather forecast before doing so.
4. The temperature should be between 65 and 65 degrees.
5. Avoid the days with lots of bugs- they love lacquer!
6. Avoid dusting the lacquer at all costs. This will cause a bumpy feeling.
7. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause the lacquer’s to blister and create ugly pieces of wood.
8. Avoid contacting the wood with silicones or oils. Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
9. Ventilation – If you aren’t going to be doing this outside, make sure that your shop has adequate ventilation.

Let’s have a look at the brush-on method…

How To Brush Lacquer

1. Make a sealant coat first by mixing lacquer thinner with your lacquer in an a bowl (half-and-half mixture).
2. You need a good brush. Make sure it has soft bristles that can hold a lot of laquer.
3. Slowly and evenly apply one stroke to each piece. Do not apply multiple coats of the sealant coat. This will cause too many brush strokes.
4. Use a piece 320 grit sandpaper to roughen up the wood. (lightly)
5. Use a tack-cloth to remove any residue left from sanding.
6. Make sure to first « damp » your brush with lacquer.
7. Next, dip the brush in the lacquer and let it absorb as much as you can.
8. Applying lacquer with a brush properly is as simple as keeping the brush on the same side.
9. You want to have enough brush to get from one end of the wood to the next.
10. You may feel compelled to cover any areas you don’t have enough coverage with your first coat. Do not succumb to this temptation. These should be left alone, and you can apply another coat after the first coat has dried. It will be fine. Promise.
11. Do not clean your brush well between coats. Instead, dip it in lacquer thinner and wipe it on a towel. You can use the brush again after it has dried completely.
12. Between each coat, use the 320 grit Sandpaper. Before applying the next coat, remove any residue with the tack-cloth.
13. Depending on the wood’s color, apply as many coats of paint as you like.
14. To « sand » the wood, you should use steel wool or pumice rock. These materials are better at removing imperfections that sandpaper can’t. The finished wood will have a beautiful sheen.

The spray on method may be the best option for you if the brush-on method is not your thing.

How To Spray Lacquer

1. Use the
2. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then use 0000-grade stainless wool to polish it.
3. The air regulator should be adjusted to 30 PSI.
4. The spray gun should be filled with no more that 30% thinner, and the remainder lacquer.
5. First, practice spraying on a piece of wood.
6. Apply the wet coat to all surfaces of the wood.
7. You will most likely get some spray-it is almost impossible to avoid it. However, try to limit your spraying.
8. Give the steel wool a second chance. If lacquer is caught in the steel wool, don’t wait too long. You can always try it again tomorrow.
9. Continue with steps 7 through 8 and apply three more wet coats.
10. Apply two coats of lacquer at a ratio of 2/1.
11. It can be left alone for up to two days.
12. Steel wool can be used to remove all dust and bugs. After it has been sitting for 2 days, you can remove the steel wool.
13. Use a piece of 1000-grit sandpaper to wet it with water or some dishwashing soap. Use this to rub the wood.
14. To polish the surface, use 4F pumice (lubricate it with water first). Grab an old cotton t-shirt to help you with this step.
15. Use soap, water or paint thinner to clean the lacquer. Then polish it.

That’s it! These are the top tips to get the best results, no matter if you’re spraying or brushing.