What Are The Pros & Cons Of Lacquer In Woodworking?

1. What Are The Pros & Cons Of Lacquer In Woodworking? Natural oil-stain, lacquer, polyurethane, and varnish, are all top contenders as choices for finishing the furniture/wood. Lacquer and polyurethane are the two common wood finishes that are used for adding a smooth and glossy coat. When it comes to giving clear finishes, only a few can compare with ease of application and the beauty of lacquer. The mohawk lacquer is known for its quality and effective results. Such lacquers dry to the touch quickly and can also be re-coated within a few hours. Most wooden floors and furniture are finished with lacquers to add a protective and attractive layer to the raw wood. Relatively lacquer finish is resistant to staining and long-lived. It won’t oxidize and also become brittle. Along with several pros, a lacquer also has several cons in woodworking. Some of them are as such. Pros of lacquer:-

2. Easy application:- A lacquer finish is very easy to apply. It has an easy application process. It is a painless process. They are resin-based solutions that are made into a liquid by solvents that dry into a hard film when exposed to air. It can easily be self-applied and helps to saves time and money. Lacquer keeps the cost as well as the buildup at a minimum. Dries quickly:- Lacquer takes very little time to dry. Some companies also say that their lacquer begins drying while it is being applied. In-room temperature, lacquer usually dries within 15 minutes. For a good-looking sheen, it doesn’t need more than two coats and thus is also considered as affordable than others. Durability and additional molecules:- Lacquers do not need any additional molecules for becoming hard. It is tough and lasts even longer than its competitors without chipping or flaking. It is a thinner product that remains clear for years. It doesn’t even turn yellow like varnish, polyurethane, or shellac. Cons of lacquer:- Wrong application:- When lacquer is not applied properly or as per the requirements, it turns out bad. Due to this proper precautions are required for its application. When it starts drying out quickly, it traps air under it, which further results in bubbles. Short life:-

3. It is not easy to preserve the excess or leftover lacquer for more than six months, as it does not have a long shelf life. Once the lacquer dries, it becomes rough and ugly. Chemical resistance and waterproofing:- One of the main cons of lacquer is that it does not resist chemicals. It is also not waterproof. Because of this, the water can penetrate the surface covered with it and can enter the wood, which can further deteriorate the wood prematurely. With its contact with salt, water, or other everyday chemicals, it turns different colors. If the lacquer is inhaled, swallowed, or get absorbed into the skin, it poses health risks. Heat resistant:- As lacquer cover the furniture or wood with a thin layer, so it is don’t provide any heat protection. The thin layer of lacquer allows the surface to brighten, and when the wood is exposed to the sun, it deteriorates more quickly. It is suggested to always used high-quality lacquers like mohawk lacquer. As good quality lacquers are less flammable and risky.