You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
This is a big subject and different experts argue ad-nauseum as to what is lacquer and what is varnish! Eg. according to many polishers the polyurethane 'varnish' we buy in the diy ships is really a lacquer! The following URL will give you a reasonable explanation.
Thanks.
The reason i ask is the varnish you buy in B Q has a "plasticky" feel to it, whereas most modern furniture has a "harder" finish. The brochure usually says water based laqcuer.
Personally polyuethane varnish can feel a bit cheap.
I agree. Most furniture we buy has been sprayed with cellulose lacquer - which is durable and has a slightly waxy look. Whereas Polyurethane - which we apply with brush tends to look plasticky. I would suggest you try Sadolin Polyurethane varnish with Teflon surface protection - clear satin finish. It is expensive but you will get durability and a non plastcky look. And you can wash the brushes in water. It dries in about an hour. Because it dries quickly avoid over brushing and use good quality brushes for a really good finish. It is quite thin and you will require about 3 coats - but it will not look like - layer upon layer - like polyurethane. I hope this helps
Okay thanks. I notice in your profile you are interested in woodwork / DIY. Have you ever thought about taking any finished peices to a local joiner who may have a spray booth and can apply a finish professionally or do you always do it yourself. The finish you get on decent shop bought furniture is usually of a very high standard. Is it ever possible to replicate this at home?
I live in London and there are no nearby joinery workshops where I could go. in any case It is very difficult for workshops to cater for small jobs because of economics - the loading of polishes into the spray guns - and then cleaning them - time consuming - hence they would have to charge you a lot. They usually say no. You can get as good (if not exactly the same) results as the shop finished yourself with carefulness and dilligence. Old saying - preparation. preperation...... do not rush. use all grades of sandpaper finsihing with 00. After that I usually use a hoover with a brush to clean - this way I lift all the dust. Then wipe with a clean cloth moist with white spirit. Good qality brushes - use high quality varnish (like Sadolin etc.) Before the final coat rub down very litely with 000 grade sand paper to remove the 'nibs' -again wipe with very slightly moist (almost dry) white spirit cloth. Let it dry then apply the final coat - along the grain. You will get good results. Follow the instructions on the tin to the letter. If they say allow 24 hrs betwen coats - there is a good reason for it. If you want more info send me a PM I will be happy to discuss. Good luck
Whats the difference between lacquer and varnish?
