Tip #43
Finishing Touches
Part 3 of 6 - Applying A Natural Finish (continued)
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Lacquer

Lacquer has as its base, cellulose, a chemical made from cotton. Lacquer is extremely fast-drying and is suitable for both wood and metal finishing.

Until recently, lacquers had to be sprayed onto a project. They were so quick-drying that they dried right on a brush. However, today, slower drying, brushing lacquers are relatively easy to find. These finishes are especially suitable for smaller projects -- picture frames, carvings, pens/pencils, small shelves, any project where you can cover the entire project surface with a single brush-full of lacquer.

If you've stained he wood, first seal it with a lacquer sealer to keep the stain from bleeding into the lacquer top coat. Sand the sealer lightly with 5/0 garnet sandpaper and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust. Brush the lacquer on in long, even strokes with the grain, as with shellac. Allow to dry for two hours between coats. If necessary, you can sand down the high spots where the brush strokes overlapped with 6/0 garnet sandpaper.

After the final coat, let dry for a day. Rub down the finish with a felt pad and rubbing compound made especially for use with lacquers. When the surface is smooth, wipe off the grime and apply a good wax.

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