Paint Type
Lacquer Paint
Lacquer is a fast-drying coating used for furniture, woodwork, metal, automotive accents, and other approved surfaces. Nitrocellulose, acrylic, and catalyzed lacquers have different application, safety, and durability requirements, so use the primer, thinner, and recoat system specified for the selected product.
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Lacquer paint compatibility
Match the lacquer to the exact material and existing finish. Test compatibility before applying lacquer over another coating.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or sealer | Finish | Article |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Excellent with a wood-finishing lacquer | Use clean, dry wood; sand as needed and remove dust, wax, grease, and incompatible finish. | Use the lacquer system's sanding sealer or primer when specified. | Often smooth and fast-drying, with sheen and durability determined by the formula. | — |
| Metal | Good with a metal or automotive lacquer | Remove rust and loose coating, then clean, degrease, dry, and prepare the surface for adhesion. | Use a lacquer-compatible metal primer unless direct application is approved. | Can produce a hard, glossy finish that may be polished after curing. | — |
| Aluminum | Good with an approved metal lacquer system | Remove oxidation, clean and degrease thoroughly, then abrade or pretreat as directed. | Use an aluminum-compatible primer when the product system requires one. | Product-specific; industrial and automotive lacquers may be designed for high gloss. | — |
| Masonry | Limited to products that expressly approve masonry or plaster | Use a cured, clean, dry surface free from dust, loose material, and moisture problems. | Product-specific. | Best treated as a decorative finish unless the product approves the exposure and wear. | — |
| Unglazed ceramic | Good for decorative use when listed by the product | Remove dust and contamination and let the porous ceramic dry fully. | Product-specific; glazed ceramic needs a different adhesion system. | Usually smooth and glossy; not automatically suitable for food contact, heat, or washing. | — |
Sources: Rust-Oleum Lacquer Spray, Sherwin-Williams Opex Acrylic Clear Metal Lacquer, Sher-Wood CAB-Acrylic Lacquer, and Mohawk DuraCoat Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer.
Lacquer paint articles
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