Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Lacquer vs. Tung Oil Varnish
Bob Moffett
>I have been using Tung Oil Varnish to finish Wine Bottle Stoppers and following with Beal Buffing System. I am think of switching to Deft High Gloss Lacquer. What are the advantages or disadvantages of using lacquer over the varnish?
Thanks, in advance for your help. I want a durable finish.
Bob M.
Re: Lacquer vs. Tung Oil Varnish
R.J. "Sam" Simpson
>Hi Y'all,
Bob, if you are getting good results with varnish the only reason to consider a change would be drying time.
The difference between varnish and lacquer is considerable.
Varnish is a thermo-curing crosslinked molecule that is not reversible when dry. Depending on the resins used, it is very durable.
Lacquer is an evaporative drying long chain molecule that can be rewetted after drying. Some would consider this an advantage, since it offers reparability. But the biggest advantage is the drying time, which offers rapid film build.
A varnish finish built of several hand rubbed layers and finished off with beeswax, is very pleasing to the eye. Very durable and resistant to normal household abuse. But can take several weeks to attain.
A lacquer finish can certainly be made to appear almost as lustrous, especially if rubbed out and finished with wax. In good weather conditions a full finish can be created in one day. But it is more easily damaged by handling due to it's susceptibility to high pH and alcohol. (to be considered in proximity to wine)
All in all I prefer varnish to lacquer. But due to production schedules I use far more lacquer than varnish.
Regards Sam Simpson.