Using a few coats of lacquer might leave a lackluster finish, while excessive coats can hide the wood’s natural beauty. If you find it hard to determine how many coats of lacquer on wood you should apply, you’re on the right page.
In this guide, our expert woodworkers will provide guidance to help you achieve a stunning finish on wood without overthinking.
What is Lacquer and What are its Uses?
Lacquer is a clear or colored coating applied to surfaces to give them a glossy and protective finish. It is a widely-used wood finish found on upscale furniture and dining sets. It dries quickly, remains clear over time, and is water-resistant.
These properties make it a popular wood finish and low maintenance. Lacquer is typically made of nitrocellulose, solvents, and resins, offering various finishes from glossy to matte. It’s derived from wood pulp and lacquer tree sap.
While similar to shellac, lacquer is more durable and long-lasting. Lacquer has many uses and is commonly used in the following applications:
- Lacquer is commonly used in woodworking for finishing cabinets, furniture, and musical instruments, providing a hard and waterproof surface that protects against scratches and stains.
- In the automotive industry, lacquer is utilized as a topcoat for car finishes, offering a glossy and protective layer that resists high wear and tear.
- The metal industry often employs lacquer to coat machinery, appliances, and tools, protecting them from corrosion and rust.
- Lacquer is used in decorative arts, including pottery, sculpture, and jewelry, to add a shiny and protective finish to objects.
- The packaging industry uses lacquer to coat food and beverage packaging, such as cans, bottles, and boxes, to protect the contents from contamination and enhance their appearance
The Number of Lacquer Coats on Wood: Contributing Factors
The number of lacquer coats required for a wood surface depends on several factors, including the type of finish, lacquer thinning, temperature, and environmental changes.
Understanding these factors can help determine the optimal number of coats needed for your next woodworking project.
Type of Finish
The primary techniques for lacquer application are brushing and spraying, with spraying being favored for its smooth and uniform finish.
More spray coats are needed due to their thin coats, which help prevent problems such as white spots, dripping, and sagging.
Generally, 6-9 spray lacquer coats are equivalent to 3-4 brush because it has thicker coats, but spraying offers a faster drying time and a smoother outcome. Spray cans typically demand more applications than cans.
Moreover, for instance, a glossy finish may require more coats than a satin finish. So remember, different types of finishes require a different number of how many lacquer coats.
Lacquer Thinning
When you thin lacquer before spraying, it creates thinner, more transparent coats, reducing mistakes like blotches and streaks. Mix lacquer in a ratio of 1:1 for smoother coating than regular applications.
You’ll need about ten thinned coats for the desired result, as they’re thinner than standard layers. Lacquer burns itself, creating a thin layer even after multiple coats are applied.
Thus, try applying a reduced amount of lacquer on a spare piece of wood to figure out the appropriate quantity of coats needed.
Knowing how many coats of lacquer on wood should you apply also depends on the amount of the thinning agent. The thinner the lacquer, the more coats are needed to achieve the desired finish.
Temperature and Environmental Changes
Environmental changes and temperature can impact the quantity of the layers of lacquer. needed on a woodworking project. In colder temperatures or high humidity, lacquer may take longer to dry and cure, potentially requiring fewer coats to achieve the desired finish.
Conversely, in warmer and drier conditions, lacquer dries more quickly, possibly leading to additional necessary coats. We suggest considering the environment when applying lacquer and adjusting the quantity of coats accordingly for an optimal finish.
When to Stop
Knowing when to stop applying lacquer coats is crucial to achieving the desired finish of the final coat. Applying too few coats can result in an insufficient protective layer while applying too many coats can lead to a cloudy or hazy appearance.
How Many Coats of Water-Based Lacquer to Use on Wood
The number of coats of water-based lacquer to use on wood depends on the specific product being used and the type of finish desired.
As a general guideline, water-based lacquer usually requires 3-4 coats for a non-yellowing, protective, and smooth finish. It helps minimize wood flaws. Also, the drying process of water-based lacquer is quicker compared to that of oil-based lacquer.
How Many Coats of Oil-Based Lacquer to Use on Wood
Due to their thicker consistency, oil-based lacquers usually demand a lower number of coats compared to water-based lacquers. Typically, a clear lacquer finish requires 2-3 coats of oil-based lacquer as a general rule of thumb.
While more durable, oil-based lacquer can turn yellow as time passes and needs regular maintenance to avoid wood discoloration. Use mineral spirits to clean it, and apply thinner coats than with water-based lacquer due to its slow drying time and higher VOC content.
Types of Lacquer to Use on Wood
- Catalyzed lacquer: The most durable option with chemicals that help it dry faster and provide strong protection. However, it is more toxic, so health concerns must be considered before use.
- Waterborne lacquer: Environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and provides decent protection against wear and tear.
- Acrylic lacquers: This is a newer option better than nitrocellulose because it doesn't yellow and provides excellent protection. Acrylic lacquer is less toxic and easy to apply.
- Nitrocellulose lacquer: Historically used for musical instruments, it is not the best option anymore due to its tendency to be yellow and lower resistance to water and chemicals.
Is it Okay to Apply One Coat of Lacquer?
Applying only one lacquer coat is generally not recommended as it may not provide adequate protection for the wooden surface. A single coat is likely to wear down easily and may not be able to resist scratches, stains, and other damage.
We recommend applying multiple coats of lacquer to achieve a more durable and long-lasting finish. But determining how many lacquer coats on wood are required will still depend on the specific type of lacquer being used and your desired outcome.
However, as a general guideline, at least two to three layers of lacquer are recommended for a clear finish, and additional coats may be needed for a colored finish.
Actual Number of Coats of Popular Lacquer Products
Different lacquer products may require a varying number of lacquer layers, and it can be challenging to determine the exact number required. Additionally, the waiting time between coats may differ depending on the product.
Below is a table of popular lacquer products with the number of coats, waiting time, and best for:
| Lacquer Products | Interval Time Between Coats | Amount of Coats | Ideal For |
| PlastiKote Clear Lacquer | 60 minutes | 3 coats | Cabinets, outdoor furniture, trims |
| Deft Lacquer Sanding Sealer Spray | 60 minutes | 4 coats | Paneling, high-end furniture, cabinets |
| Rust-Oleum Lacquer Spray | 20 minutes | 2 – 3 coats | Paneling, cabinets, furniture |
| Deft Interior Clear Wood Finish | 30 minutes | 5 coats | Furniture |
| Minwax Gloss Brushing Lacquer Spray | 30 minutes | 3 coats | Trims, furniture, cabinets |
| Rust-Oleum Watco Lacquer Finish | 30 – 60 minutes | 5 coats | Paneling, furniture, cabinets, doors |
| Deft Interior Clear Wood Finish | 30 – 60 minutes | 5 coats | Cabinets, wood furniture, paneling |
Advantages of Applying Multiple Coats Of Lacquer
- Improved Durability: Multiple coats of lacquer provide better protection for the wood surface, making it more resistant to wear and tear, scratches, and other forms of damage.
- Enhances Appearance: More lacquer coats can improve the appearance of the wood surface, providing a smooth and glossy lacquer finish.
- Better Coverage: Multiple lacquer coatings provide better coverage and fill in gaps, knots, and other imperfections in the wood surface, giving a more uniform finish.
- Increased Thickness: Multiple coats of lacquer increase the thickness of the protective layer on the wood grain, which makes it more resistant to damage.
- Uniform Drying: Several coats of wood lacquer allows each layer to dry uniformly, avoiding any unevenness or blotchiness of lacquer finishes that can occur with a single coat.
Number of Lacquer Coats on Different Surfaces
Furniture
When brushing wood lacquer onto furniture, it is recommended to apply 3 to 5 coats, while spraying requires 6 to 8 lacquer coats to achieve a proper finish.
We recommend letting every coat dry for around one hour and giving it a gentle sanding to achieve a polished finish.
Cabinets
It’s advised to apply 3 lacquer coats on cabinets, with the actual number depending on the cabinet doors’ flaws and wood type. Achieving a pleasant satin finish typically requires 2 to 3 coats.
Cabinets are often located in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens, so ensure lacquer is applied to all surfaces to prevent water from causing internal wood rot.
Wood Floors
To improve the finish of wood floors, put 2 to 3 lacquer coats after using a sealer or primer. If a primer is applied, two layers are enough; we suggested at least three coats without a primer.
Plastic
To avoid sagging or runs, it’s important to begin with a medium or light coat when applying lacquer to plastic. Usually, 3 or 2 coats of lacquer are sufficient for most purposes, while a high-gloss finish may require four to five coats.
Metal
To achieve a strong finish, we recommend applying around 6-10 thin lacquer coats on metal. If the metal is subjected to high levels of wear and tear, additional coats may be required.
Do You Need to Sand Between Coats? How Long Should I Wait Between Coats of Lacquer?
It’s generally recommended to lightly sand between lacquer layers to ensure an even and smooth surface. The waiting time between coats of lacquer depends on the specific product and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Generally, wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Usually, in a humid environment, it can take 1 to 2 hours.
How Many Coats of Lacquer Should You Spray?
To achieve an optimal finish with lacquer, it is recommended to spray between 6-9 coats. However, you can apply up to 10 coats if necessary, as sprayed coats dry faster than brushed coats.
How Many Coats of Lacquer Should You Brush?
To achieve the best results, it is advisable to apply three to five coats of brush on wood, as they are thicker and need a longer period to dry.
Lacquer vs Polyurethane: What is the Difference?
To put it simply, lacquer and polyurethane are two different types of finishes with different properties.
When applied, lacquer penetrates the wood, while polyurethane forms a plastic shell around it. Both coatings dry to form a hard layer and are known for their durability, but lacquer offers better heat protection than polyurethane.
Lacquer [1] has a lower viscosity and is ideally applied using a spray gun with high volume but low pressure. In contrast, polyurethane is more susceptible to damage from high temperatures caused by hot objects.
How to Apply Lacquer Properly: Useful Tips
- Avoid a tacky finish by allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next during the finishing process.
- Apply thin, even coats to prevent running and dripping.
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth when applying the lacquer.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to know how many coats of lacquer on the wood are required to achieve a beautiful, durable finish. While it may be tempting to apply just one or two coats, it’s best to apply at least 3 or 5 coats to provide optimal protection and shine.
By following our tips and guides, you can ensure that your final product is not only visually stunning but also long-lasting.
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