How to Fix a Blemish in Lacquer Wood

Lacquer is created by mixing the shellac-like resin from “varnish” trees with a plasticizing agent and pigments. The resulting product is sprayed or brushed onto wood surfaces to create a glossy, water-resistant finish. However, lacquered wood is not completely impervious to the nicks and cuts that often create unsightly blemishes in the piece’s finish. Use a lacquer, or burn-in, stick to repair the lacquer blemish quickly and inexpensively.

1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
3 cups warm water
Soft cloths
Fine-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Lacquer stick
Soldering iron
400-grit sandpaper
Furniture polish

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe down the damaged area in the lacquer wood with a mixture of 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap and 3 cups warm water. Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture to remove any dirt, grime or debris, and rinse away the soapy residue with a separate damp cloth. Allow the lacquered wood piece to dry completely before continuing.
- 2
  Sand the damaged, rough lacquer edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the resulting sanding dust with a tack cloth.
- 3
  Locate a lacquer stick that closely matches the wood’s finish. Position the lacquer stick approximately one inch over the damaged area and heat it with a soldering iron until it begins to drip. Allow the dripping lacquer stick to fill in the damage completely. It’s okay if there is excess melted lacquer stick on the injured spot.
- 4
  Allow the lacquer stick to harden completely. Remove the excess with 400-grit sandpaper, paying attention to avoid sanding the area surrounding the damage.
- 5
  Apply a thin layer of furniture polish to the lacquered piece with a soft cloth according to the package's directions.

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