Lacquer and polyurethane are both commonly used wood finishes that provide protection and enhance the look of wood surfaces. Choosing between lacquer vs polyurethane depends on the characteristics you need for your particular project. Lacquer is fast-drying, gives an elegant glossy finish, and resists scratching and heat. Polyurethane is more durable, provides better moisture protection, and comes in matte, satin, and gloss sheens. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare lacquer vs polyurethane on key factors like durability, appearance, application, drying time, and more. With the pros and cons of each laid out, you’ll be able to decide which finish is right for your next woodworking project.
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Durability
When it comes to toughness and durability, polyurethane is generally the winner over lacquer. Here’s how the two finishes compare:
Abrasion Resistance
Polyurethane forms a harder film on the wood surface than lacquer. This makes it more resistant to scratches and wear. Polyurethane finishes are best for surfaces that will experience a lot of use and abrasion like floors, tabletops, and cabinets. Lacquer finishes scratch more easily over time.
Chemical Resistance
Polyurethane provides better resistance to common household chemicals like cleaners, solvents, and alcohol. Spilled drinks are less likely to damage a poly-coated surface. Lacquer can be damaged by prolonged chemical exposure.
Moisture Resistance
Polyurethane forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the wood. This makes it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other humid environments. Lacquer has more limited moisture resistance. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to bubbling, haziness, and peeling.
UV Resistance
Exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause finishes to fade, yellow, and peel over time. Polyurethane contains UV blockers that help it maintain its color better than lacquer when exposed to sunlight.
So for outdoor furniture or surfaces that get a lot of direct sun, polyurethane is the preferred choice. Lacquer will need to reapplied more frequently on sun-exposed surfaces to maintain its look.
Here’s a quick comparison table summarizing the durability differences:
| Durability Factor | Polyurethane | Lacquer |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
In summary, polyurethane is the clear winner when it comes to toughness and durability. Its harder film provides better protection against scratches, spills, moisture, and UV damage. Lacquer finishes require more frequent maintenance and reapplication.
Appearance
Lacquer and polyurethane also differ in the finishes and appearance they create:
Gloss Level
Lacquer dries to a very high-gloss finish. Polyurethane can be formulated as a gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or matte finish. So poly offers more versatility depending on the look you want.
Clarity
Lacquer dries crystal clear, showcasing the natural color and grain of the wood underneath very well. Polyurethane has a slight amber tint, which gives the wood a warmer tone.
Enhancing Grain
Due to its thin consistency, lacquer tends to enhance the natural patterns and grain of the wood. Polyurethane gives more of a flattened, plastic-like surface appearance that shows less grain.
Color Tones
In addition to amber clear coats, polyurethane is also available tinted in different wood tones. This allows you to modify the color of the wood without staining first. Lacquer is more limited when it comes to coloring options.
So for a ultra high-gloss look that crisply shows off wood grain, lacquer is the better choice. For more versatility in sheen levels and color options, polyurethane has the advantage.
Application
Lacquer and polyurethane also differ in how they are applied:
Brushstroke Visibility
Due to its self-leveling nature, lacquer dries smooth with barely visible brushstrokes. Polyurethane tends to show any imperfections in brush application techniques after it dries.
Spraying
Lacquer is formulated to be sprayed onto wood surfaces. This allows faster application. Oil-based polyurethane requires careful technique when spraying to avoid drips and sags. Water-based poly can be sprayed successfully.
Thinning
To improve flow and drying, lacquer can be thinned with lacquer thinner prior to application. Polyurethane should be used undiluted.
Coats
Lacquer can be built up quickly with multiple thin coats. Polyurethane requires fewer but thicker coats.
So lacquer offers faster application, while polyurethane is more finicky and requires careful brushing technique. Spraying lacquer is simpler than polyurethane.
Drying Time
One of the biggest differences between lacquer vs polyurethane is drying time:
Working Time
Oil-based polyurethane has a long working time, allowing you to brush back over areas to smooth out brush marks before it dries. Lacquer has a very fast drying time, so you need to work quickly.
Recoat Time
Lacquer can be recoated in under an hour. Polyurethane requires overnight drying before recoating.
Curing Time
Lacquer reaches full cure hardness within a day or two. Polyurethane takes up to 30 days to fully cure and hardness. Quick-curing formulas are available.
So if you’re on tight timeline and need to finish a project quickly, lacquer has a clear advantage in drying speed. Polyurethane requires more patience as it slowly cures to full hardness.
Here’s a table summarizing the key drying differences:
| Drying Factor | Polyurethane | Lacquer |
|---|---|---|
| Working Time | Long | Very Fast |
| Recoat Time | Overnight | < 1 Hour |
| Curing Time | Up to 30 Days | 1-2 Days |
Maintenance and Repair
The differences between lacquer and polyurethane also affect long-term maintenance and repair of the finished surface:
Spot Repairs
With polyurethane, it’s possible to sand down damage and reapply poly just in the affected area. Lacquer repairs require refinishing the entire surface to blend in.
Recoating
Polyurethane can be directly recoated without having to sand or strip first. Lacquer may require abrasion between coats to improve adhesion.
Stripping
Removing lacquer completely requires strong solvents like methylene chloride. Polyurethane can be more easily stripped with less toxic chemicals.
So polyurethane offers easier repair and maintenance long-term. Lacquer is more difficult to manage once the original finish has been applied.
Cost Comparison
On average, polyurethane is a more affordable option than lacquer:
– Polyurethane costs $20-50 per gallon on average
– Lacquer costs $50-100 per gallon on average
Polyurethane is cheaper because of its lower VOC content and fewer ingredients. Lacquer is more expensive to manufacture to meet strict VOC regulations.
So if budget is a factor in choosing a finish, polyurethane offers good durability and options at a lower cost than lacquer. Professional spray lacquer systems are a significant investment for woodworking shops.
Environmental Impact
Both lacquer and polyurethane have some health and environmental drawbacks:
VOCs
The solvents in lacquer produce higher VOC emissions as compared to water-based polyurethane. VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and other health effects.
Flammability
Oil-based polyurethane and lacquer contain flammable solvents. Rags used to apply them can spontaneously combust if not properly disposed of. Water-based poly has less flammability risk.
Disposal
Lacquer thinner and oil-based polyurethane are considered hazardous wastes that require special disposal. Water-based polys are lower risk.
So water-based polyurethane finishes have the least impact during application and disposal. Lacquer and oil-based poly have more VOCs and flammability concerns.
Ease of Use
For DIYers without professional spraying equipment, polyurethane is generally easier to use successfully:
Learning Curve
Oil-based polyurethane has a more forgiving application window. Lacquer dries extremely fast, requiring skill to avoid drips and brushmarks.
Fumes
Polyurethane has less pungent odor during application. Lacquer thinner fumes can be quite strong smelling.
Cleanup
Water-based polyurethane brushes and equipment can be cleaned with soap and water. Lacquer thinner is needed to clean lacquer.
So polyurethane is a good choice for DIYers looking for a less challenging finish to apply. Lacquer requires more skill and experience.
Conclusion
To recap the key differences:
– Polyurethane is more durable, protective, and moisture resistant. Lacquer shows wear sooner.
– Lacquer dries crystal clear with a glass-like finish. Polyurethane has more color options but a flatter appearance.
– Lacquer sprays easily but dries incredibly fast. Polyurethane requires careful brushing but has a longer working time.
– Lacquer dries faster but is trickier for spot repairs down the road. Polyurethane cures slower but is easier to maintain.
– Polyurethane is more budget friendly and has less environmental impact than lacquer.
For wood projects that need maximum toughness like floors and tables, polyurethane is the best choice. For a crystal clear, glass-like finish where drying time is critical, lacquer excels. Consider the durability, appearance, and application factors that matter most for your particular project when deciding between lacquer vs polyurethane.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about lacquer and polyurethane:
Can you apply polyurethane over lacquer?
Yes, polyurethane can be successfully applied over a cured lacquer finish. The lacquer must be sanded with 220-grit sandpaper first to rough up the surface and ensure adhesion.
Can you apply lacquer over polyurethane?
Lacquer does not adhere well directly to polyurethane. The polyurethane would need to be completely sanded and stripped first before applying lacquer.
Is lacquer or polyurethane more scratch resistant?
Polyurethane forms a harder film and is more resistant to scratches and abrasions than lacquer. Lacquer finishes scratch more easily.
Is lacquer waterproof?
No, lacquer does not provide good waterproofing. Polyurethane is a better choice if water resistance is needed. Lacquer can bubble and peel when exposed to moisture.
Can polyurethane be sprayed?
Oil-based polyurethane requires expertise when spraying to avoid drips and unevenness. Water-based polyurethane can be sprayed successfully with proper technique. Lacquer is formulated specifically for spraying application.
Is lacquer toxic?
The solvents in lacquer (like lacquer thinner) have high VOC levels and can produce strong fumes. Proper ventilation is essential when using lacquer to reduce health risks. Water-based finishes are lower in VOCs.
How long does it take polyurethane to cure?
It typically takes 24-48 hours for polyurethane to dry between coats. Full curing to maximum hardness takes approximately 21-30 days. Quick dry polyurethane formulas may cure in as little as 24 hours.
Can you wax over polyurethane?
Yes, paste wax can be applied over cured polyurethane to provide additional protection and sheen. Be sure poly has cured for at least one week before applying wax.
I hope this comprehensive guide has helped compare the pros and cons of lacquer vs polyurethane! Let me know if you have any other questions.
