The Thing About Lacquers

For woodworkers, knowing the several types of lacquers and understanding their characteristics can help choose the right one for the job.

There are three basic lacquer types: the nitrocellulose lacquer, the acrylic lacquer, and the catalyzed lacquer.

#1 Nitrocellulose Lacquers

Nitrocellulose lacquers are relatively inexpensive. They are quick to dry, and the cured resins provide a reasonably good protective layer. This type of finish is created by mixing fast-drying solvents with wood and cotton pulp that contain cellulose, which has been broken down by nitric and sulfuric acid. This type of lacquer replaced shellac and other oil-based varnishes and became one of the preferred finish and industry standards for furniture and cabinet manufacturers. After the curing process, its slightly amber colour enhances both light and dark woods with a warm and attractive veneer. Because it is a type of evaporative finish, each time a new coat of lacquer is applied, it blends well into the previous ones, making it easy to repair. One downside to note when using this type of finish, however, is that it can turn yellow with age. It also eventually shrinks to the point of making cracks on the surface.

#2 Acrylic Lacquers

The finishing industry solves the yellowing problems associated with nitrocellulose lacquer as it ages by developing coats containing acrylic resins that are genuinely "water-white." This development was also one of the ways to supply the increased popularity of using unstained, light-coloured woods like ash, birch, and maple when making furniture and other woodwork. A good thing is that acrylic resin is crystal-clear and will stay that way over a more extended period. One of the most widely acknowledged acrylic-based lacquer is the CAB-acrylic lacquer made with cellulose acetate butyrate and acrylic resins. This type of lacquer dries to a less brittle and more flexible film than the nitrocellulose type, which means that it is more expensive. Otherwise, it pretty much works the same way through spraying. Often, this type of lacquer is used as a protective topcoat over coloured pigment lacquers for better wear and enhanced resistance to scratches.

#3 Catalyzed Lacquers

The development of catalyzed lacquers started from the cabinet and furniture production industries market demand. They wanted a product with the same look and ease of application given by nitrocellulose lacquer, but with much better water, chemicals, and abrasion resistance, like acrylic lacquers. These lacquers are hybrid reactive finishes that cure chemically, not just through evaporation of its solvents. It contains some nitrocellulose resins; however, the addition of urea resins is what makes it more durable. An acid catalyst is then added to the mixture to initiate the chemical curing process.

Moreover, for this type of lacquer, you have two choices between its pre-catalyzed or post-catalyzed versions. The time to add the catalyst to the mix makes the main difference between the two types of catalyzed lacquers. For pre-catalyzed lacquer, the manufacturer adds the catalyst either at the factory or in the store during purchase. On the other hand, when buying post-catalyzed lacquer, you will also have to purchase the catalyst separately and mix it yourself. You must be careful to get the proportions right for you to achieve a finish with proper curing.

Here at Paint Core Finishes, we use pre-catalyzed and post-catalyzed water-based lacquer when refinishing cabinets. We love them for their remarkable durability, moisture resistance, excellent finish in the look and feel, and friendliness to the environment. Let our team of experts help you reclaim your kitchen cabinets, vanities, and woodwork!