Unlock the Shine: A Guide to Applying Lacquer To Your Home Furniture

Applying lacquer can seem intimidating, but with a few easy steps, you can achieve a beautiful finish that will last for many years. The right combination of materials and technique can create any type of finish you desire, from glossy to matte. Here are some tips to help you master the art of applying lacquer.

The first step is to prepare the wood for the lacquer by removing any rough edges, blemishes, and previous finishes. Sand the surface with progressively finer sandpaper and use a tack cloth to remove all sawdust and debris to ensure a clean, smooth surface.

Next, carefully apply the first coat of lacquer with long, even strokes. Start at one end and work your way across, remembering to overlap the edges of each stroke in order to create a uniform, consistent coat. Allow the first coat to dry for several hours before adding a second coat and repeating the process.

Sand the lacquered surface with increasingly finer grades of sandpaper to smooth the wood between each coat and use a tack cloth to remove all dust. Applying multiple coats will achieve a darker, richer finish, so apply until you reach the desired finish.

To create a beautiful sheen, use both steel wool and pumice stone to lightly buff the wood before the final coat of lacquer. This process will remove any imperfections that may have been missed with the sandpaper, as well as give the wood an even finish.

After the desired finish is achieved, use paint thinner to clean off any excess lacquer or oils. If the lacquer becomes heavy or there is misapplication, aerosol lacquer thinner or a spray bomb may be used to remelt the lacquer and help the brush glide more smoothly. This can also help with thebrush marks made by the dust puffs.

The finished project can then be wiped down with any available furniture polish to create a smooth, lustrous finish and to protect the lacquer. Ozium will help to build an even better finish and help to maintain the original lacquer.

By taking the time to properly prepare the wood and carefully apply the lacquer, you can achieve a stunning, professional finish. With a bit of practice and some patience, you’ll soon become an expert with the art of lacquering.