How to Lacquer a Wall

Use painter's tape to mask off baseboards, window frames and any other surface that will not be painted. Remove outlet covers and switch plates. Cover the floor with plastic sheeting and tape into place. Open windows and turn on fans for ventilation. Put on protective gloves and a protective mask.

Remove any wallpaper by using a chemical remover or steam. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer.

Wash the wall to remove all traces of glue, grease, dust and dirt. Use a solution of TSP, or tri-sodium phosphate, and water mixed in a bucket and then rinse it off with hot water. Follow the directions on the box of TSP for the proper proportions.

Examine the wall for imperfections. Lacquer shows any bumps and cracks in the finished product, so keep the wall surface as smooth as possible. Patch or fill cracks and holes, then sand smooth and brush away any dust created by the sanding. Also, sand a painted glossy wall, wash with the TSP solution and rinse.

Prime the painting surface by selecting a primer that is appropriate for your walls. Choice of primer type depends on factors such as whether the wall is already painted, is new and untreated, or if you are painting with latex on a surface previously covered with oil-based paint.

Use a paint sprayer to apply the primer for the most even coverage. This results in a smoother surface than if you use brushes or rollers, which can leave behind texture marks in the paint. Allow the primer to dry.

Spray the lacquer and allow it to dry.

Add a final coat of clear lacquer with the sprayer and allow it to dry.