This is a post in a series of 31 Days of Wood Finishing. See the intro post with all the topics here.
Lacquer became available in the 1920’s. It was regarded then as the ultimate finish.
Pros of Lacquer:
-It is very fast drying
-It has more water resistance than shellac
-Runs and sags are very much reduced when spraying.
-It can be easily rubbed.
-It has excellent clarity
-Projects can be completed very quickly because of the quick dry time.
-It also can be easily repairable, like shellac
You can spray lacquer, and apply it with a brush. If you are using padding lacquer you can apply it with a cloth pad.
Cons of Lacquer:
–It is a toxic finish, and you need to wear a mask while using it.
-Has a residual smell that can stick around while it is off gassing.
-Has only moderate heat , water, and acid resistance. So watch out if you leave a hot pizza, or dish on it too long. You will have a nasty white mark to repair.
I use this finish frequently for repairs, and make sure to put on the mask. It is a beautiful finish, and it is what you see on most furniture today.
Zeke Willard