If you’ve ever marveled at a dining table that looks like glass, or a cabinet that never bears fingerprints or scratches, it’s likely finished with acrylic lacquer. This isn’t an old-fashioned varnish or basic paint. It’s a modern, quick-drying, clear coating that furniture makers, interior designers, and even car detailers love using.
Acrylic laquer gives wood a bright and shine without waiting a long time for drying. Once cured, it holds up well under daily use, spills and light heat. In this article, you’ll learn what acrylic lacquer is, how to use it, when you should use (or avoid) it and the right way to apply it.
What Is Acrylic Lacquer ?
Acrylic lacquer is a clear or colored finish made from acrylic resins mixed into fast-evaporating solvents. When you spray or brush it on wood, the solvents disappear quickly, and you’re left with a smooth hard coating that protects.
The biggest advantage? It dries quickly — much faster than oil varnish. The majority of coats dry in mere minutes and can be recoated within an hour.
Acrylic lacquer is commonly used on:
- Furniture such as dinning tables, cabinets, cupboards
- Interior doors and window frames
- Store fixtures and display units
- Car and appliance trims that need a glossy, durable finish
Why Acrylic Lacquer Is Better Than Many Older Finishes
If you’ve been using regular enamel or old varnish, switching to acrylic lacquer feels like stepping up from slow, old tools to something modern and efficient. Here’s why:
1. Very Fast Drying
Acrylic lacquer dries to the touch in 15–30 minutes and can be recoated in 1–2 hours. You can easily finish a cabinet in a single day.
Shops and carpenters love it because faster drying means faster delivery.
2. Super Clear and Glossy
It forms a bright, glass-like finish that shows off the wood grain. Unlike some oil-based coatings, acrylic lacquer does not turn yellow over time.
It’s especially good for light woods like mango, sheesham, and veneers.
3. Strong and Long-Lasting (for Indoor Use)
When fully cured, it resists:
- Scratches
- Water marks
- Mild spills
- Alcohol and cleaning products
- UV fading (if the formula has stabilizers)
It’s not as tough as two-part PU for heavy use, but it’s ideal for homes, offices, and indoor retail spaces.
4. Easy to Fix
If the surface gets a scratch or small chip, you don’t have to remove the entire finish. Light sanding and a quick touch-up are usually enough. It blends into the old layer very well.
Read This PU Sealer Guide before You Finish Any Wood
Types of Acrylic Lacquer
Acrylic lacquer comes in different formulas. Choosing the right one depends on your project.
1. Clear Acrylic Lacquer
Best for natural wood, veneers, and light woods.
Sheens: gloss, satin, matte
Use for dining tables, cabinets, doors, and panels.
2. Tinted or Colored Acrylic Lacquer
Best for MDF, engineered wood, and furniture where a solid color is the main goal.
Use for wardrobes, kitchens, and modern furniture.
3. Brushing vs. Spraying
- Brushing lacquer: Thicker, good for small jobs or touch-ups
- Spray lacquer: Thinner, gives the best smooth finish with no brush marks
Large surfaces like tables or doors look much better when sprayed.
4. Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based
Solvent-based:
- Dries fastest
- Highest gloss
- Strong smell (needs ventilation)
- Best for workshops
Water-based:
- Low smell, safer indoors
- Slightly slower drying
- Easy to clean up
- Great for homes and kids’ furniture
How to Apply Acrylic Lacquer (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Acrylic lacquer isn’t difficult to apply, but rushing the process can leave marks or bubbles. Follow these steps for a clean, professional finish:
Step 1: Get the Surface Ready
- Sand the surface: start with 180–220 grit, finish with 320–400 grit.
- Wipe off all dust.
- Use a sanding sealer on MDF or highly porous wood.
Step 2: Choose the Right Conditions
- Work in a clean, dust-free space.
- Ideal temperature: 25–30°C
- Humidity: below 60%
- Avoid strong sunlight or damp weather.
Step 3: Mix and Thin Properly
- Thin with the recommended thinner (10–20% for spraying).
- Stir gently.
- Strain the mixture before filling the spray gun.
Step 4: Apply the First Coat
- Spray or brush thin, even layers.
- Keep the spray gun 15–20 cm away.
- Let it dry 1–2 hours before recoating.
Step 5: Sand Between Coats
- Sand lightly with 320–400 grit.
- Clean with a tack cloth.
- Apply 2–4 coats based on how thick or glossy you want the finish.
Step 6: Final Curing and Polishing
- Allow 24–48 hours for full curing.
- For a mirror shine, lightly buff with fine steel wool and polishing compound.
How Acrylic Lacquer Compares to Other Finishes
| Finish | Drying Time | Durability | Gloss | Repair Ease | Best Use |
| Acrylic Lacquer | 15–30 min | High (indoors) | Very high | Easy | Furniture, cabinets |
| PU | 4–24 hrs | Very high | High | Medium | Floors, heavy use |
| Varnish | 6–12 hrs | Medium | Medium | Hard | Traditional furniture |
| Shellac | 30–60 min | Low | Warm | Easy | Antiques, quick repairs |
| Oil/Wax | 6–24 hrs | Low–Medium | Low–Medium | Easy | Rustic furniture |
Bottom line:
Acrylic lacquer is great for indoor furniture where you want a clean, glossy, durable finish. For floors and outdoor pieces, PU or exterior-grade products are better.
Safety Tips When Using Acrylic Lacquer
- Work in a well-ventilated room.
- Use an appropriate vapor respirator.
- Use chemical-resistant gloves.
- Wear safety goggles.
- Close containers when not in use and store away from heat.
Water-based lacquer is a safer option for homes and apartments.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Runs or drips: Coat is too thick → apply thinner coats.
- Orange peel texture: Spray pressure or distance is wrong → adjust settings.
- Blushing (milky look): Caused by humidity → use retarder thinner.
- Dust bumps: Clean the area and surface properly.
- Poor adhesion: Not sanding enough → always prep the surface.
Where Acrylic Lacquer Is Used
Acrylic lacquer is widely used in:
- Modular kitchens
- Wardrobes and cupboards
- Dining tables and consoles
- Office and shop furniture
It gives a premium, modern look without complicated application.
Care and Maintenance
- Wipe spills quickly.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive pads.
- Use mild soap for stains.
- Recoat every 3–5 years if needed.
FAQs
1. Is acrylic lacquer safe for dining tables?
Yes, once fully cured. Just avoid placing very hot pots directly on it.
2. How many coats do I need?
Usually 2–4 thin coats.
3. Can I apply it over old paint?
Yes, if the old finish is in good condition and sanded properly.
4. Acrylic lacquer vs PU—what’s better?
Lacquer dries faster and is easier to repair. PU is tougher for heavy use.
5. Is acrylic lacquer good for outdoor furniture?
No. It’s best for indoor use.
6. How do I fix a scratch?
Light scratches can be buffed. For deep chips, you can sand and touch up.
Final Thoughts
Acrylic lacquer is one of the most effective ways to get a glossy, smooth finish on your indoor wood. It’s great for contemporary furniture, cabinets, doors and decorative pieces. It dries quickly, feels high end and is easy to mend.
On floors, and outdoors, PU or other heavy-duty finishes are a better bet, but for most indoor projects acrylic lacquer is the winner.
