Airbrushing Lacquer on Cabinets

When it comes right down to sheer speed and efficiency, nothing works better for applying lacquer paint to a wood cabinet than a paint sprayer or airbrush. These mechanical tools combine a paint roller's ability to cover large areas quickly with a detailing paintbrush's ability to get into tiny areas, such as intricate engravings. Once you master your airbrush, you'll be able to refinish almost any surface in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional tools.

Worktable or sawhorses
Drop cloths
Medium grade sandpaper
Fine grade sandpaper
Orbital sander (optional)
Tack cloth
Paint sprayer
Scrap wood

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the cabinets on a flat, elevated surface, such as a work table or sawhorses. Place drop cloths on the floor to protect against spills.
- 2
  Sand the cabinets down with medium grade sandpaper, followed by fine grade sandpaper. If desired, use an orbital sander to make the job go faster. Wipe the wood down with a tack cloth.
- 3
  Mix the lacquer thoroughly before pouring it into the reservoir tank of your airbrush. Aim the sprayer nozzle at a piece of scrap wood and pull the trigger until the lacquer comes out. Make a few practice passes with the sprayer until you are comfortable using it.
- 4
  Hold the nozzle about 1 foot from the surface you intend to spray and aim at one of the corners. Spray from that corner to the opposite corner at a quick but steady pace. Overlap each pass with the sprayer and always spray in the same direction.
- 5
  Repeat the spraying process for every surface of the cabinets until they are completely coated in lacquer. Allow the lacquer to dry completely. If desired, apply one more coat of lacquer to ensure full, even coverage.

Retrofitting Drawer Hardware

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Other Furniture