Difference between lacquer and polyurethane

Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. Lacquer is a solvent-based product that requires a ton of time to dry, but it still dries faster than polyurethane. If you have to apply more than one coat, you could end up spending much more time on your project if you opt for polyurethane.

Lacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched.

Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that prove highly durable and water resistant, making them the best clear coat for wood protection.

Covering the Finish

Second, polyurethane is not the best choice for painting over lacquer finishes. Polyurethane will not bond or grip well with the lacquer and will peel off over time with general use. Instead, use an alkyd varnish. Alkyd varnishes are a polyester resin that will adhere better and repair more easily.

Although lacquer is a durable finish, it does sustain scratches — especially on tabletops. Most scratches aren’t difficult to level out with fresh lacquer, but you may have a problem matching the sheen of the area you repaired with the rest of the table.

Lacquer is a bit thinner than other products, making it penetrate deeper, which provides a durable seal that protects the wood from the inside out. You don’t need to use more than two coats to get a good-looking sheen with lacquer. This keeps the buildup at a minimum, as well as the cost.