DIY Laquer Finish on Furniture

Lacquer is a hard, clear finish used to cover paint or stain. Lacquer provides a protective coating and showcases attractive wood grain patterns. Old pieces look like new when they are covered in lacquer and restored or re-purposed. Because lacquer sits on top of wood, it can be stripped and reapplied easier than penetrative stains and finish. Lacquer brushes easily onto wood, and it can be left shiny or buffed to a satin finish.

Plastic drop cloth
Rubber gloves
Bowls
Lacquer thinner
Tack cloth
Natural or polyester fiber brush
320-grit sandpaper
#0000 steel wool

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the floor with a plastic drop cloth, and put on rubber gloves. Fill a bowl with lacquer and another with lacquer thinner.
- 2
  Wipe loose particles from the surface of the wood with a tack cloth.
- 3
  Dip the brush into the lacquer. Apply a coat to the surface of the furniture in steady, rapid strokes. Avoid short back-and-forth motions, and cover each section only once. Dip the brush into the lacquer thinner and rinse thoroughly. Allow the lacquer to dry for two to four hours.
- 4
  Smooth the finish with 320-grit sandpaper, and then go over it with the tack cloth. Repeat the application process and allow the second coat to dry for up to 4 hours.
- 5
  Rub the finish in circular motions with steel wool to achieve a satin finish.

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