Lacquer is a shiny, protective film used on metals, woods, and porcelain. Lacquer is made from compounds of cellulose, resin, or lac.
Lacquer made with resin is called a true “spirit” varnish. The resin is usually mixed with turpentine. The turpentine evaporates when it is exposed to air, leaving only the coating of resin on the material. When a cellulose compound is used to make lacquer, the compound is usually dissolved in butyl alcohol or butyl acetate. The butyl compounds also evaporate when exposed to air. When lac is used to make lacquer, the evaporating solution used is ethyl alcohol. These lacquers are made in all colors that are commonly found in paints.
In Asia, a natural lacquer is taken from the sap of the lacquer, or varnish, tree. The Japanese and Chinese tap the tree and collect the sap. Then they strain the sap and dry it by heat. This makes a dark-brown liquid as thick as syrup. The liquid is diluted and sometimes colored before it is used as lacquer.
Modern lacquers are used to finish thousands of materials. The paper industry uses both clear and colored lacquers to finish packages, labels, and book covers. In the furniture industry, lacquers are especially useful in retaining the color of blond furniture. In addition, they give a waterproof finish to furniture. In the auto industry, lacquers are used to give a high gloss to car finishes. Acrylic-resin lacquers make an excellent coating for brass and chromium.
