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Lacquer vs. Varnish: Understanding the Pros and Cons
Are you doing finishing work on your wood surfaces and torn between lacquer and varnish? Both of these are common finishes for a reason and play a huge factor in not only wood protection but also in achieving the overall look and feel of your space. Now, the question is: which should you choose? Both finishes have their champions, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. So, let’s take a closer look at which one might be the better choice for you.
What is lacquer?
Lacquer is a type of finish that is either derived synthetically or naturally from the lacquer tree sap. It is most used for its aesthetic and protective abilities. It is also known for its smooth, hard finish—which can either be glossy, satin, or matte. Lacquer can be applied through spraying or brushing, and from here forms its hard, protective, water and heat-resistant coating.
COMMON USES: furniture, cabinetry, and hardwood floors.
What is varnish?
Varnish, on the other hand, is a type of finish made from resins dissolved in oil or solvent. It is traditionally used for its protective qualities—as it is both water and UV-resistant. This is why it is a good choice for decks, outdoor furniture, and where any element-exposing factors are concerned.
It is thicker than lacquer and should be applied in layers that dry up to a hard clear finish—which ranges from glossy to satin to matte.
But, which one should you use?
Lacquer is quick-drying and versatile
One of the lacquer's best qualities is its ability to finish and dry up quickly. This makes it very ideal for fast-paced projects and renovations, or for those who simply want to see immediate results.
Lacquer is also a robust and durable coat that can resist stains and scratches, which means less touch-up for woodwork over time.
Finish-wise, if you’re looking for something glossy, rich, and with a deep shine, lacquer is the way to go. It beautifully enhances the already-natural beauty of the wood. It deepens its color and highlights the grain, bringing an elegant flair to any room or piece of furniture.
Varnish is tough and traditional
Varnish, on the other hand, is a traditionally favored finish for outdoor wood projects since it is water and UV-resistant. As it is applied thicker than its lacquer counterpart, it can build up a solid shield to protect the wood from environmental elements. It could be a good choice for decks, outdoor furniture, and anywhere exposure to the elements is a concern.
However, varnish takes longer to dry than lacquer. If you’re working on quick or timeline-dependent projects, it can be a hurdle. Varnish also leans towards a more natural matte finish. Some may also say the smell of varnish can be too strong, even after it dries.
To summarize:
| Lacquer | Varnish | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Indoor furniture | Outdoor surfaces |
| Application | Sprayed in thin coats | Brushed, fewer coats |
| Drying Time | Quick | Slower |
| Durability | Glossy, moderate durabilit | High durability, scratch-resistant |
| Finish | High-gloss | Natural, matte to glossy |
Why We Love Lacquer at Green Valley Painting
We find that lacquer's quick-trying time and stunning, natural finish are perfect for many of our indoor projects here at Green Valley Painting—it aligns with our goals to transform spaces with a luxurious touch. This also means you get to use your places sooner than ever, without sacrificing quality.
But varnish certainly has its place—most especially in projects that need that extra toughness.
Thinking about giving your wood surfaces a new life?
Contact Green Valley Painting and let’s discuss how our lacquer finishing services can make all the difference for or space (or if varnish might be better suited for your needs.) Either way, our team is always here to help you make the best choice for your project!
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