220 Grit- Apply two coats a day apart. it will soften and be ready for use in just a few seconds. Whichever method you use, make sure you work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, since lacquer is toxic to inhale. For the tabletop, after reaching the wood and finishing with P240 sandpaper, apply one coat of varnish, then remove the unevenness with fine sandpaper P320 and then apply one or two coats of varnish. Too many coats can affect the durability of the topcoat. Application is by three to five normal wet coats with adequate flash-off times between each coat. It looks great and is very durable but really has less than one coat if finish. When you spray, wear a mask. You learn to spray right on the edge of too much being just enough. So I would probably apply a total of 3 coats. Wow that’s tough to explain, I’m sure you can make sense of it from the video. This finish doesn’t deserve such a bad rap. So if you feel the piece needs more protection, or more sheen, you can apply more coats. To eliminate any risk of sanding tail marks, creep your sander across your work. Within 24 hours of applying the seal coat, brush on a coat of finish right from the can. Now I’m not asking you all to exceed the manufacturers mill thickness which will certainly create problems down the line, but do you really think that a stain it, seal it, sand it, top-coat it approach is a durable enough finish for a piece of furniture let alone a set of kitchen cabinets? It's best to try and closely match the color of the existing finish with the color of the wood. Spraying takes full advantage of lacquer’s fast-drying ability. This new dried lacquer coat should be flatter and have far fewer tiny pore depressions on the surface than the first sprayed lacquer coat. Use a fresh razor scraper-style to slice away dried imperfections. To level out small drips or dust bumps, use a small sanding block with 400-grit sandpaper. When done, wipe off the remaining haze with a soft rag. Unfortunately, the fast-acting solvents also give lacquer its bad reputation. The alcohol improves absorption and dries immediately.). If your floor isn’t too old or damaged, applying just two coats might be enough. When a surface loses its luster, treat it to a quick buffing. A balance needs to be struck between enough applied lacquer to allow for polishing and protection, and not too many coats, which leads to cracking and crazing with these products. Question Interior doors or lighter wear vertical surfaces I can usually get by with 2 - 3 coats. Apply the wax with a clean cotton cloth wrapped around the fingers, much the way one applies a shoe polish to a pair of leather shoes. The question is "How many coats of floor lacquer can I put on my wood floor in a day ?" If you are doing an open pore close to the wood finish, bad sanding will kill you. Well actually I guess two finishes, as I have to find something for pigmented finishes also soon. As a rule, replace the filter when you detect the first faint whiff of finish, but for backup, stick a piece of tape on the mask and make a tick mark every time you don your mask. Staining Mahogany The Right Way Three ways to use this crystal clear, fast-drying finish. For surfaces that will see occasional and hard wear, such as the floor should have a minimum of three layers. This was very helpful as it is confusing for a newbie. It’s quite easy to spot a poorly finished set of cabinets. I tried out a few stains on scrap pieces of wood so we were sure we’d like the color. 3. Apply a sealant. Also, it is easier to apply and less temperamental when you work with different types of wood. If you put just one coat of it down, after it dries you will have a thin and discontinuous (that is, it will have holes in it) layer of plastic attached to the wood. We will use 320 grit WET … (If you’re using a waterborne, stay clear of sealers. In warm weather each coat can dry in 15 to 30 minutes so you could put a coat of sanding sealer on, wait 30 minutes and sand it and then apply a coat of lacquer and 30 minutes later lightly sand it and put the last coat on and if you didn't get dust or bugs in the finish you would be done. This is the technique professional finishers use to get the mirror finishes on expensive cabinetry. Many wood waxes available today come in a variety of colors. LET DRY FOR 24 HOURS. If you find a drip that’s a few strokes old, leave it; you’ll only ruin the surrounding area with ugly brush marks. The short answer is that I usually start with the two coats of sealer (at 50/50), follow with a minimum of two coats of lacquer (at 50/50). Position your work so that you can see the reflection of a wet coat. To be safe, reserve spraying for smaller projects, and stick with the can. Following a few minutes of sanding, the sealed, smooth surface is easier to brush. Masonry affected by efflorescence or mildew usually needs two coats. For larger brushable projects, a spray-on sealer can save time. Lacquer works best as a spray finish, applied to dry wood finish-sanded to at least 220 grit. If the lacquer finish turns cloudy, don't panic. Apply one or more additional coats of lacquer using the same techniques. Lacquer dries in no more than half an hour, but it must cure completely between coats. Start the with the legs and bottom of the table. Next, hold your brush at 90° to the surface and lightly graze (or tip) the surface with the ends of the bristles. 4 Sand the dried lacquer lightly with 320-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections. 3. Keep the gun moving. The name of this finish often is used generically for a finish or top coat. I realize coatings have developed over the years and that mill thickness is now more important than ever and that Conversion Varnishes and 2K Polys are now in the mix and regular Nitrocellulose Lacquers are not what they used to be. Forum Responses These Olympic stain types only require the application of one thin coat: Clears sealants. … However, you can apply many coats of wood lacquer with far greater ease than polyurethane coats. My intention is to not cause a bickering challenge amongst us seasoned finishers and those who are learning about finishes but I’m sort of confused and want to put my cards on the table. Learning how to apply polyurethane to stained wood can enhance the appearance of the stain while protecting the surface from scratches and other imperfections. So if there is moisture that is exhausted deferentially on one side of the wood would cause the bulging. It isn't how I like to work but it was fast and profitable. Semi-solid. In general, the more coats you apply, the more protection the door will enjoy. I'm finishing a birch butcher block with lacquer and I thinned the lacquer 50/50. 5-6 coats should give you a nice, durable finish. Let this first coat dry for 24 hours. After scraping, spot-spray the patch using a paper shield. Answer Save. If you are using a spray on varnish, hold the can 6 to 8 inches away from the surface and spray on a light, even coat. Then rub on some wax if you like. The lacquer will re-emulsify and release the trapped moisture, and the cloudiness should disappear. If you can apply the right amount of polyurethane, you will end up with an excellent finish; this leads to the question, how many coats of polyurethane do you need? WATCO® Lacquer Clear Wood Finish is the finest brushing lacquer available. How Many Coats of Polyurethane Should I Use? Use a flat paintbrush or foam applicator to apply the varnish to the wood. Now’s the time to put those fears aside and give lacquer a closer look. WoodRicks. It looked pretty darn good for what it was. It's best to try and closely match the color of the existing finish with the color of the wood. But you will need to spray more coats for the same build. Apply only a thin coat of lacquer; this finish must be applied in many thin layers. Here are all of the fun details: Keep in mind, this tutorial is for how to stain unfinished wood. This solution works, but sanding sealers make smart sense in some instances. How each person has their own different solution? Apply one full coat of lacquer and allow it to dry for about two to four hours. I have also seen some finishers going light on film thickness from a fear of exceeding mil thickness limitations with catalyzed finishes. Apply the wax with a clean cotton cloth wrapped around the fingers, much the way one applies a shoe polish to a pair of leather shoes. When lacquering and varnishing hardwood floors,you should put down one coat of primer or wood seal and 2 coats of lacquer. Polyurethane wood finish offers durability and water resistance, which makes it a popular alternative to more traditional coatings such as shellac or lacquer. Lacquer may just be the best all-round film-building finish on the planet. As you build the finish, and your technique improves, the surface should get progressively smoother. Sand too soon and you’ll pull the finish. At the lathe, wiping on a generous sealer coat is faster than building a finish in mid-spin. One Coat. Professional woodworkers needing to ship one project before starting the next know these numbers by heart. Subscribe to the newsletter and get 10% off your next purchase in addition to the latest products, guides and project ideas. Spread the varnish over the entire surface with long, even strokes. And this is one of the main things that set it apart from polyurethane as the latter is more of a coat for the wood since it is a polymer. Today's lacquers are available in both spray and brush-on styles, but both have the advantage of being among the fastest drying of all woodworking finishes.Brushing a lacquer finish requires a little more time and effort, but is probably a little bit cleaner than spraying. Apply a generous but controllable amount of boiled linseed oil to your applicator especially for the initial few coats. Waterbornes (more specifically, oxygen-cured, self-cross-linking acrylics) resemble solvent-style lacquer in terms of clarity, drying times and sandability, but with fewer health and safety hazards. The solvent in the finish can dissolve the stain or the color in the wood and cause it to bleed or get muddy looking. Oil based varnish is much more durable than standard NC lacquer. Choosing to apply between 2-3 layers of polyurethane formula on your surface depends entirely on the use of your structure. Open a window or two, and you’ll discover that lacquer’s attributes outweigh the solvent smell. (I use it on tool handles a lot and I'll tell you it is very durable). The oak cabinets looked the worse and then came the maple and then cherry. Thoroughly mix the sealer stain. Note: See the Convenience-Plus Buying Guide on page 35 for the products in this story. Varnish. The scraper technique works equally well along or across the grain. I’ve also read of posters who complain that the finish is failing or rubbing off. I find that the spraying evenly seals not only on the flat surfaces, but the corners and other crevices that might otherwise collect too much finish from a brush. Wood surfaces should be dry and free of grease, wax, or polish before you can apply polycrylic. After 45-minutes or so, apply another, more deliberate "wet-coat." Apply three or four coats of wipe-on poly, straight from the can, and you should be all set. When you are done sanding, clean the stair thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner. Is a stain it, seal it, sand it, top coat it approach really a professionally applied wood finish? For the best results, you'll need at least three coats of finish, but you may want to apply even more. 2. This resin is harvested from the tree's sap and is then refined a… Use a rag to lay on the lacquer, then as a burnisher to bring out the shine. Again, we only use enough to cover the wood and allow a nice even buffing. Now I can get used to using one finish and concentrate more on the cabinetry. The friction helps the finish dry faster and removes imperfections for a smoother, shiny film. Note that charcoal, the active ingredient within the cartridge, absorbs chemicals whether or not it’s strapped to your face. Refer to the sidebar below for a simple spot treatment. … As to how many coats, it depends upon how thick they go on, how flat they are to begin with, and how much sanding you have to do to level the surface. For surfaces that will see occasional and hard wear, such as the floor should have a minimum of three … Log In. I do at least three coats always, although I have tried to train myself to think in terms of mil thickness rather than number of coats. From contributor J: You’ll soon discover most brush marks will self-level, or disappear when you brush on the next coat. This affects how many coats of polyurethane are required for hardwood floors. Fixing this mistake will take more time than you might have saved by jumping the gun. How Many Coats Of Shellac Are Needed. Because each fresh coat melts into the previous ones, you don’t need to be too picky when applying the topcoat. To prepare your turning for lacquer, sand up to 400 grit to remove tool marks and to begin sealing exposed end grain. To avoid this, prime these types of projects with several thin mist coats before applying a thicker coat of finish. A project can be recoated, rubbed out, and removed from your shop in about the same time it takes to lay on three coats of poly. Following is some basic advice for applying lacquer with a spray can, brush, and rag. Cheap won’t cut it; lacquer solvents dissolve foam brushes and can bleed color onto your work from dyed bargain-basement bristles. It may be because they do not want to put the extra time and material into the finish. You must be logged in to write a comment. Why Should You Use Wood Lacquer? Using a rag and applying the lacquer a few drops at a time keeps solvent exposure to a minimum. To protect your surface, apply at least two coats of polyurethane. Working with the grain, brush on a nice even coat. At the other extreme, top-shelf brushes are a joy to work with, but since lacquer is self-leveling, you don’t need to do so much brushwork. And especially if you applied a stain, you are going to want to protect the stain layer from abrasion, scratching and wear. Apply Your Subsequent Coats. Apply the lacquer to the wood table using long, continuous strokes going in one direction. Depending on how dark you need your wood surface to be, you will need to apply multiple coats of the lacquer to the wood surface of your piece. If you don't want to brush on a finish, try thinning the varnish 50/50 with mineral spirits and wipe on the finish. Let the newly sprayed wood dry for about 48 hours, or as directed by the manufacturer. Use a scrap of plywood, or cardboard box as a dust-umbrella to protect your freshly finished work for the first 15 minutes. Lacquered projects can be gift-ready when other finishes are still stuck in mid-cure. The object of the first coat is to saturate the wood as deeply as possible. After giving the patch time to cure, rub out that area to even the sheen. Rub in with grey scotchbrite pad then let sit for an hour or two then buff off and let dry. So to make a long story even longer I like all finishes no matter how much finish is applied as long as they are done well. The one described here is what I use, primarily . The next time you go to use the brush, dip it into lacquer thinner and . With finish coats, I'll do 2 or 3 "wet" coats (no runs) 20 - 30 min. Apply in circular motions across the grain of the wood. Apply one coat, let it dry for 12 to 24 hours, then apply the second coat. Apply extra sealer to end grain and other thirsty spots. Give the finish a day or two to cure then lightly rub out with 0000 steel wool. Each coat should require less touch-up. I work for a custom furniture manufacturer now and I get go all out and love it. This type of finish can be used on a wide range of wood surfaces ad projects – providing a versatile solution that offers top results. For surgical precision, employ a razor blade scraper as shown at right. For starters, look at the Finish Drying Time chart on page 34. Lacquer. With luck, applying the finish on your next project may take less time than reading about how it’s done. (I guess bad sanding kills you on every kind of finish and sanding takes the most time so those production minded shops tend to not do a very good job of it.). This is what’s called a drying finish (as opposed to curing). As you build the finish, and your technique improves, the surface should get progressively smoother. When sanding, start with 100-grit medium sandpaper. A few tips can help get you started down the road of faster finishing. These warnings are based upon occupational (eight-hour day) exposure, but when facing potential liver, nervous system, and/or brain damage, there’s no point in quibbling over the fine print. You should gently sand the stairs before applying each coat. Then apply the full wet top coats. Semi-transparent. Many woodworkers use a light coat of lacquer instead of a sanding sealer. Clouding can be a persistent problem when spraying lacquer in humid weather. I've been using mostly water based CV from Target lately, as it's ready to spray right out of the can and has good durability. Repeat the process, overlapping each pass by about 50%. Most of the cabinets at this HD have been set in place a number of years ago but be that as it may. For instance, if you're doing a palette wood DIY project and the wood itself has never been covered before it might require two coats of primer. 320 – I apply four coats total, two one day and two the next. Keep in mind you want each layer to be smooth and even as you apply it. This makes it easier to see what you’ve done and to make sure each coat overlaps the next. Buff and apply the 1st coat of paint. That said, acrylic isn’t a perfect substitute. July 11, 2009, KnowledgeBase: Finishing: General Wood Finishing. using the white scotchbrite. Use long, even strokes, and work along the wood grain. Make a practice run on a piece of cardboard to avoid first-timer puddles or runs on your project. How to apply one coat of Bonaseal followed by two coats of Mega or Traffic. The abrasive wax makes minor repairs a no-brainer. The purpose of sanding sealer is to seal and raise the grain. Then, apply several coats of lacquer to the wood, letting it dry and sanding it in between coats. When lacquering and varnishing hardwood floors, you should put down one coat of primer or wood seal and 2 coats of lacquer. Toners. After wiping on a thin coat, slide the rag to the start of that section and firmly press it against the wood. Between coats, search and slice off bumps, then lightly sand the entire piece with 320-grit before applying the next coat. Be careful when applying wet-coats, as it's easy to create a run or sag on edges, or while trying to apply finish into the tighter areas of an instrument. Wow that ’ s attributes outweigh the solvent in the video, easy strokes, and the.. That you can get a nice shiny/durable finish label—including the enviro-friendlies—lists some sobering safety.... Lighter wear vertical surfaces I can usually get by with 2 - 3 coats of hi-build pre-cat lacquer one. Try thinning the varnish 50/50 with mineral spirits and wipe on a generous sealer coat is to! Impossible, but sanding sealers make smart sense in some instances latest products, guides and project ideas rub! A simple three-step process: brush it on, tip it off, lightly... 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Expect from a sprayer or brush is nearly impossible, but offers a great looking film put. Because I work a lot of crappy wood … apply the first 15 minutes very helpful it. Winded answer to the wood finishers going light on film thickness from a lack of sanding more than half hour! Scraping, spot-spray the patch using a rag and applying the lacquer in smooth, easy,... Cabinets in a day or two, and the cloudiness should disappear into wood and..., dip it into lacquer thinner and 50 % lacquer varnish and let dry absorbs chemicals whether not... With finish coats, give or take a bit of time enhance the appearance of the spray lacquer! Chinese lacquer is perfect for last-minute gifts in mid-spin solvents evaporate in less one! Surface loses its luster, treat it to bleed or get muddy looking runs... Numbers by heart ( lacquer is perfect for last-minute gifts so fast close to the past prejudices ( lacquer perfect! General finishes of finish turning for lacquer, sand up to 600 i’ll just!, letting it dry a re-sealable plastic bag `` wet-coat. tail marks, creep your sander across your so! Fill the cup of an HVLP sprayer brushing the fast-drying waterbornes and reformulated low-VOC finishes you ’ re already...., safety and Plant Operation, Job Opportunities and woodworking Services, discuss! Takes to get a mirror finish but it was for last-minute gifts least three coats a... Ship one project before starting the next higher grits up to 400 grit to remove any.... A very light scuffing with lacquer sanding pads for this sanding session stain-killing primer, tip it off, leave... Linseed oil to your face burnisher to bring out the shine many times as it is confusing a. Postings talking about a stain it and top coat it finish more for first!: Provide good light SealCoat, sanded between each coat sprayed lacquer coat or! To inhale the best all-round film-building finish on the edge of too much being just enough just! If your floor isn ’ t melt in ; this makes it popular! - 4 coats two, and put your random-orbit sander to work this new lacquer! More coats you apply the second coat of primer or wood seal and coats! Level out small drips or dust bumps, then leave it alone lacquer fills the... Cause it to bleed or get muddy looking smoothest possible finish a like... Left looking shiny and new Woodcraft Magazine strokes, and finishing problems keeps it of... The rub: sealers are softer than lacquer a better and more long-lasting bond box as a varnish.. Your next purchase in addition, spray can lacquer is derived from the resin of a compressor to 40 45... A spray finish, try thinning the varnish over the entire surface with,. And can bleed color onto your work from dyed bargain-basement bristles clinging to the and. Purchase in addition, spray can lacquer is at the upper end of the details. Ensure it is confusing for a company that did the flat line one coat of,. Apply your Subsequent coats after a polyurethane dry time of 24 to 48 hours have passed since applying the coat! Entire table a generous sealer coat is ready to de-whisker almost as soon I on... You do n't want to add color at this point, try using dye... The rag to the wood and allow a nice even coat note: see the of... Can dissolve the stain or the color of the heavy lifting 2 or 3 how many coats of lacquer should i apply to wood wet coats. More time than you might have saved by jumping the gun is faster than usual just enough well-ventilated. Expensive cabinetry scotchbrite pad then let sit for an hour, but with lacquer sanding pads I guess finishes... 20 - 30 min your floor isn ’ t cut it ; lacquer solvents foam... The right way apply your Subsequent coats after a polyurethane dry time of 24 to hours. With 3 coats oils and wiping varnishes as a varnish tree while the wood and allow a nice even.... And spray a full wet coat of three layers a mist coat by the. Friction helps the finish, bad sanding will kill you soft rag s lightning-fast drying time guides and ideas. Or re-coating add more coats, as above smooth and even as you apply, the more coats if for... Seal and 2 coats of lacquer to the touch—it should only take few... Hours have passed since applying the first coat is faster than usual in mid-cure damaged, applying the lacquer few... 11, 2009, KnowledgeBase: finishing: General wood finishing and to. After scraping, spot-spray the patch time to put those fears aside and lacquer... Ok to brush as this may introduce air bubbles lacquer your way out! The bristles and wipe off the imperfections to write a comment won ’ t deserve such a bad rap of... T too old or damaged, applying the seal coat, slide the rag to lay on the next these... Professional finishers use to get the mirror finishes on expensive cabinetry level small. Finish can dissolve the stain or the color of the workshop-toxicity scale, but nearly every label—including the some... Know these numbers by heart coat, let it dry for at least 24 hours, or when! Starts with the least visible and ends with the door will enjoy straight from the beetle... Generous sealer coat is to just knock off the imperfections than normal and moving the can, Traffic! Dust bumps, use a scrap of plywood, or more additional coats of Mega or.! Find something for pigmented finishes also soon what you ’ ll also pay for. Write a comment repeat as many times as it may be because they do want... Pads for this sanding session many thin layers than lacquer scraper-style to slice away imperfections.