Lacquers

Fast-Drying AC Furniture Lacquers

Shop professional furniture lacquer for protecting and finishing wooden furniture, cabinets, joinery, doors, panels, mouldings and other suitable interior timber.

Livedale supplies fast-drying two-part acid-catalyst lacquer in four sheen levels and two container sizes, allowing furniture restorers and manufacturers to select the appearance and quantity required for each project.

AC furniture lacquer may also be described as:

• Acid-catalyst lacquer
• Two-part furniture lacquer
• Catalysed wood lacquer
• Professional spray lacquer
• Cabinet lacquer
• Clear wood lacquer
• Fast-drying furniture finish
• Protective timber coating
• Spray-applied wood finish

Once correctly mixed and applied, the lacquer creates a clear protective coating with resistance to abrasion, chemicals and wet or dry heat.

Fast-Drying Two-Part AC Furniture Lacquer – 30% to 90% Sheen

The Fast-Drying Two-Part AC Furniture Lacquer – 30%, 40%, 50% or 90% Sheen is designed for professional manual or automatic spray application.

Available sheen levels include:

• 30%
• 40%
• 50%
• 90%

Available sizes include:

• 1 litre
• 5 litres

The lacquer is mixed with the appropriate catalyst at a ratio of:

• Nine parts lacquer
• One part catalyst

The fast-drying formulation allows coat-on-coat application and is suitable for professional furniture finishing where an efficient, consistent and durable clear coating is required.

Potential applications include:

• Tables and chairs
• Cabinets and sideboards
• Furniture frames
• Doors
• Timber panels
• Shelving
• Wooden mouldings
• Shopfitting components
• Joinery
• New furniture manufacture
• Professional furniture restoration

The lacquer should only be used as part of a compatible finishing system and applied using appropriate professional spraying equipment.

Choosing the Correct Lacquer Sheen

The sheen percentage affects how much light the completed surface reflects.

30% Sheen Furniture Lacquer

The 30% option provides the lowest sheen within the range.

It may suit:

• Traditional furniture
• Restored cabinets
• Tables and chairs requiring a restrained appearance
• Timber where a softer finish is preferred
• Furniture where high reflectivity would be unsuitable

A lower sheen can help create a more understated furniture finish while still providing the protection of a catalysed lacquer.

40% Sheen Furniture Lacquer

The 40% option provides slightly more reflectivity than the 30% lacquer.

It may be selected where:

• A balanced satin-style appearance is required
• The timber grain should be enhanced without a strong gloss
• Furniture needs a practical everyday finish
• A moderate sheen suits the original furniture

50% Sheen Furniture Lacquer

The 50% option provides a more noticeable mid-sheen furniture finish.

Potential applications include:

• Contemporary furniture
• Cabinets and shelving
• Decorative timber panels
• Furniture requiring greater surface reflectivity
• Projects where the grain and colour should appear more pronounced

90% High-Sheen Furniture Lacquer

The 90% option provides the brightest and most reflective finish within the range.

It may suit:

• High-gloss furniture
• Decorative cabinets
• Contemporary tables and panels
• Statement furniture
• Timber requiring a deep, polished appearance

Higher-sheen finishes generally make surface preparation more important because scratches, sanding marks, dust and application defects can become more visible.

Clear Lacquer for Natural and Stained Timber

Clear furniture lacquer can be applied over properly prepared bare or stained timber where the complete finishing system is compatible.

On natural timber, clear lacquer can help:

• Protect the surface
• Enhance the grain
• Deepen the natural colour
• Create a consistent sheen
• Improve resistance to handling and wear

On stained timber, it can help:

• Protect the applied colour
• Increase colour depth
• Create an even finished appearance
• Reduce direct wear on the stained surface
• Provide the required sheen level

Browse Light-Fast Furniture Wood Stains for fast-drying alcohol-based stains in a choice of traditional furniture colours.

Always prepare a complete stain-and-lacquer sample before coating the finished furniture. The clear lacquer may deepen or warm the apparent stain colour.

Mixing Two-Part AC Lacquer

This lacquer must be mixed with the correct catalyst at a 9:1 ratio.

Accurate measurement is important because the catalyst starts the chemical curing process.

A practical preparation process is:

1. Read the lacquer and catalyst instructions.
2. Check the safety data before opening the containers.
3. Prepare a clean, compatible mixing cup.
4. Measure nine parts lacquer.
5. Add one part catalyst.
6. Mix thoroughly.
7. Avoid introducing unnecessary air.
8. Prepare only the quantity required.
9. Transfer the mixture to suitable spray equipment.
10. Use the mixed lacquer within its specified working time.

Browse Woodcare Mixing Cups, Cloths and Sundries for suitable workshop mixing containers and preparation materials.

Do not estimate the catalyst quantity by eye where an accurate measuring method is available.

Too much or too little catalyst can affect:

• Drying
• Curing
• Adhesion
• Surface hardness
• Chemical resistance
• Final appearance
• Long-term performance

Manual and Automatic Spray Application

The lacquer is designed for manual or automatic spraying.

Manual spray application may suit:

• Furniture restoration
• Bespoke furniture
• Cabinet work
• Small production runs
• Individual panels and components
• Workshop finishing

Automatic spray application may suit:

• Furniture manufacturing
• Repeated components
• Production finishing
• Larger quantities of similar timber parts
• Controlled workshop systems

Application equipment must be suitable for the lacquer, catalyst and spraying environment.

Spray settings may need to account for:

• Nozzle size
• Air pressure
• Product viscosity
• Working temperature
• Component shape
• Required film thickness
• Spray distance
• Overlap between passes

Follow the product and equipment manufacturer’s instructions rather than relying on one setting for every project.

Coat-on-Coat Furniture Finishing

The fast-drying AC lacquer is designed for coat-on-coat application.

This allows further lacquer coats to be applied as part of a controlled finishing process without unnecessarily extending production time.

A typical sequence may involve:

1. Preparing the timber.
2. Applying stain where required.
3. Allowing the colour to dry fully.
4. Mixing the lacquer and catalyst.
5. Applying the first controlled coat.
6. Allowing the required flash-off or drying period.
7. Inspecting the surface.
8. Applying a further coat where required.
9. Allowing the completed finish to cure.
10. Checking the final surface before handling or assembly.

The exact drying and recoating periods should follow the technical instructions supplied with the lacquer.

Do not apply heavy coats in an attempt to reduce the number of applications. Excessive coating thickness can lead to runs, sagging, trapped solvent or uneven curing.

Preparing Timber for AC Lacquer

Correct surface preparation is essential for adhesion and appearance.

The timber should be:

• Clean
• Dry
• Smooth
• Free from wax
• Free from silicone
• Free from grease
• Free from sanding dust
• Properly repaired
• Evenly coloured
• Compatible with the lacquer system

A typical preparation process may include:

1. Removing dirt, wax and polish.
2. Stripping incompatible old coatings.
3. Repairing cracks, holes and damaged timber.
4. Sanding the surface evenly.
5. Sanding replacement components to the same standard.
6. Removing all dust.
7. Testing any proposed stain.
8. Allowing colour products to dry.
9. Wiping with a suitable tack rag.
10. Preparing the spray and curing area.

Browse:

• Paint Strippers, Thinners and Spirits
• Wood Fillers, Furniture Waxes and Touch-Up Repairs
• Steel Wool and Wood-Finishing Abrasives
• Woodcare Cloths and Tack Rags

Any remaining wax, silicone, oil or incompatible coating may cause poor adhesion, fisheyes or an uneven finish.

Sanding Bare Timber Before Lacquering

Sand the timber progressively rather than moving directly from a very coarse abrasive to a fine finishing grade.

A suitable process may involve:

1. Levelling rough areas or repairs.
2. Sanding with a medium abrasive.
3. Following with a finer finishing grit.
4. Working in the direction of the grain where practical.
5. Taking care around veneers and edges.
6. Removing all sanding residue.
7. Inspecting the timber under good lighting.
8. Testing the selected finishing system.

Browse Furniture Sanding Pads, Abrasive Paper and Wire Wool for flexible foam pads, cabinet glasspaper and finishing abrasives.

Deep sanding marks can become more visible once the timber is stained and coated with a clear lacquer.

Filling and Repairing Timber Before Lacquer

Cracks, holes, dents and damaged edges should be repaired before the lacquer is applied.

Browse Wood Fillers and Furniture Touch-Up Repair Products for:

• Acrylic wood filler
• Two-part wood filler
• Grain filler
• Wax repair sticks
• Scratch and colour repairs

A sandable filler may be used where the repaired area will be levelled, coloured and coated.

Wax repair sticks are generally intended for small cosmetic repairs and may not be suitable beneath every catalysed lacquer system.

Check compatibility before applying lacquer over any filler, wax or touch-up product.

Applying Lacquer Over Wood Stain

When lacquering stained furniture:

1. Prepare the timber evenly.
2. Apply the stain consistently.
3. Allow it to dry fully.
4. Check the colour.
5. Test the lacquer over a sample.
6. Confirm that the stain does not lift or bleed.
7. Apply a light controlled first coat.
8. Build the finish according to the product instructions.
9. Inspect the colour after each stage.
10. Allow the complete system to cure.

The timber species, stain colour and selected sheen can all influence the finished appearance.

Dark colours and high-sheen lacquers can make dust, scratches and uneven application more noticeable.

De-Nibbing and Sanding Between Coats

Where the finishing process requires cutting back between coats, use a fine abrasive suited to the cured lacquer.

Potential options may include:

• Fine foam-backed sanding pads
• Fine cabinet glasspaper
• Aluminium-oxide finishing paper
• Other approved lacquer abrasives

Avoid using an abrasive that is too coarse.

Aggressive sanding may:

• Cut through the lacquer
• Damage the stain
• Round furniture edges
• Create visible scratches
• Produce an uneven sheen

After sanding:

1. Remove loose dust.
2. Vacuum mouldings and joints.
3. Wipe with a clean tack rag.
4. Inspect the surface carefully.
5. Apply the next coat only when the surface is clean.

Do not use steel wool between coats unless it is confirmed as suitable for the lacquer system, as loose steel fibres can become trapped beneath the finish.

Avoiding Common Spray-Lacquer Problems

Runs and sags

These may result from excessive material, slow movement or holding the spray gun too close.

Dry spray

This may occur where the lacquer begins drying before it reaches or flows across the surface.

Dust and surface nibs

These may be caused by an unclean spray area, inadequate preparation or contaminated application equipment.

Fisheyes and cratering

These may indicate contamination from silicone, wax, oil or another incompatible substance.

Uneven sheen

This may result from inconsistent film thickness, poor mixing or uneven spray overlap.

Clouding or blooming

This may be influenced by moisture, temperature, solvent evaporation or unsuitable application conditions.

Correct the cause rather than applying repeated heavy coats over the defect.

Choosing AC Lacquer, Oil or French Polish

Choose AC furniture lacquer where:

• A professional sprayed coating is required
• Fast drying is important
• Resistance to abrasion and chemicals is needed
• A consistent sheen is required
• Furniture is being manufactured or professionally restored

Choose Furniture and Wood-Finishing Oils where:

• A penetrating finish is preferred
• The natural feel of the timber should remain more apparent
• Straightforward future maintenance is important
• The timber and application are suitable for oil

Choose French Polishes and Wood Sealers where:

• A traditional shellac finish is required
• Antique furniture is being restored
• Traditional hand application is preferred
• Warmth, clarity and depth are important

Do not combine different finishing systems without confirming their compatibility.

Return to Woodcare Oils, Polishes, Lacquers, Sealers and Strippers to compare the complete furniture-finishing range.

Lacquer for Furniture Restoration

When restoring an existing piece of furniture, first identify the original coating.

An old finish may be:

• Wax
• Oil
• Shellac
• Cellulose lacquer
• Catalysed lacquer
• Varnish
• Paint
• Another specialist coating

Applying AC lacquer over an unknown or incompatible surface may cause poor adhesion or a visible reaction.

Where the original finish cannot be identified reliably, prepare and test a concealed area before committing to the complete item.

Professional restoration may involve removing the old coating and rebuilding the finish from the prepared timber.

Lacquer for Furniture Manufacturing

Fast-drying two-part lacquer can support efficient production finishing across:

• Chair and sofa frames
• Cabinet components
• Tables
• Doors
• Shelving
• Timber panels
• Mouldings
• Shopfitting components
• Reproduction furniture

Consistent production results depend on controlling:

• Timber preparation
• Stain formulation
• Mixing ratio
• Spray equipment
• Application thickness
• Workshop temperature
• Drying conditions
• Sheen selection
• Final curing
• Handling and packaging

Record successful mixing and application settings so that they can be repeated across later production batches.

Cleaning Spray Equipment

Clean spray guns and associated equipment using only the cleaner or thinner recommended for the lacquer system and equipment.

Do not assume that any general-purpose solvent is suitable.

After spraying:

1. Empty the remaining mixed lacquer safely.
2. Follow the correct disposal procedure.
3. Flush the equipment with the approved cleaner.
4. Clean the nozzle, air cap and fluid passages.
5. Inspect seals and components.
6. Reassemble the equipment correctly.
7. Store it in a clean, safe condition.

Mixed catalysed lacquer should not be returned to the original container.

Browse Woodcare Strippers, Thinners and Spirits for workshop solvents and preparation products, checking compatibility before use.

Safe Use of Two-Part AC Lacquer

Two-part furniture lacquer and catalyst must be handled in accordance with their labels, safety data sheets and professional workplace controls.

Before use:

• Read the technical and safety information
• Use suitable professional extraction
• Wear the specified respiratory protection
• Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection
• Keep away from flames, sparks and ignition sources
• Prevent skin and eye contact
• Protect nearby fabric, foam and finished furniture
• Use compatible spray equipment
• Keep containers closed when not in use
• Store and dispose of materials correctly

Do not spray furniture lacquer in an ordinary domestic room or poorly ventilated workshop.

Only trained users with suitable spray facilities and protective equipment should carry out professional lacquer application.

Trade AC Furniture Lacquer

Livedale supplies fast-drying two-part acid-catalyst lacquer to professional furniture restorers, cabinet makers, joiners, wood finishers, manufacturers and training workshops throughout the UK.

Choose from:

• 30% sheen
• 40% sheen
• 50% sheen
• 90% sheen
• 1-litre containers
• 5-litre containers

The lacquer provides coat-on-coat application and resistance to abrasion, chemicals and wet or dry heat when correctly mixed, applied and cured.

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Prepare the timber carefully, mix the lacquer and catalyst at the specified 9:1 ratio and follow the technical and safety instructions throughout application and curing.