8 Best Wood Lacquer of 2024 [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]

Not only will it add a shine to the wooden surfaces, but it will also provide them with a protective layer. If you choose wisely, then you may find options that dry fast. And those will allow you to complete your work easily. 

Now, there are a lot of brands selling wood lacquer today, and it becomes really difficult to make a choice. However, we did a lot of research and came up with the top 8 products, which we have reviewed below.

Each review covers all the features of that specific product as well as the pros and cons so that you can make a fully-informed choice. So, do not wait any longer and dive in! 

Best Wood Lacquer 

Whether you're a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, these wood lacquers offer excellent quality, durability, and stunning finishes. So, if you're ready to elevate your woodworking projects to the next level, here's the list of the 8 best wood lacquers for you to explore.

1. Rust-Oleum Wood Lacquer - Best for Ultra-Gloss Finish

One of our topmost recommendations is the Rust-Oleum 1906830, which is known for its beautiful ultra-gloss finish. You will be satisfied with the 11-ounce bottle, which can be used for almost any small project. Read on to know more about its bells and whistles. 

Why Did We Like It?

The Rust-Oleum 1906830 is an acrylic formula that cures very fast so that you can get all your work done in a day. It dries to touch within 20 minutes, and you can apply another coat in an hour. 

Moreover, each coating adds optimum durability, and you can even sand the surface after it dries up. This wood lacquer is already known to provide a very glossy and smooth surface. But once the surface is sanded, you can add another layer to get a more glossy finish. 

Besides, you can apply it on different types of surfaces, including wood, metal, masonry, plaster, and unglazed ceramic. Hence, a single purchase can be used for multiple purposes. No matter the surface, the dried layer will be very hard, rendering a professional factory-like finish. We are sure that your guests would be wondering where you got the furniture from after application!

What Could've Been Better? 

While we did not face any issues with opening the can, some customers have complained that they did it with great difficulty. The lid was stuck, and it took a lot of time to open it. So, please check the bottle carefully after purchasing and ensure that you contact customer care if you face difficulties. 

2. Minwax ‎Lacquer for Wood 152000000 - Best for Versatile Surfaces

Up next is the Minwax ‎152000000, which has earned rave reviews for its brilliant glossy finish and clear texture. You can use it for all the wooden surfaces in the house to protect them from daily wear and tear. We were very happy to see its performance, and you can learn more about it in the section below. 

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, the lacquer has a quick-drying formula, which dries to the touch within 30 minutes. Hence, you can begin coating all your furniture, and a majority of them can well be covered within a day. 

Plus, you will be able to apply it on stained as well as bare wood. If you have bare wood, applying a layer of lacquer will provide it with a glossy finish, and the raw wooden look will be preserved as well. 

Beyond that, it adds a protective layer to metal and wooden surfaces, which should prevent them from turning yellow over time. It will also prevent scratches from everyday activities and will keep the furniture looking new. 

Moreover, no sanding is required in between coats, and one coat should be enough to get a glossy finish. In case you want to apply a second coat, you can easily do it soon after the previous layer dries. 

What Could've Been Better?

The only issue is that this product cannot be used for exterior surfaces. This is because the formula will not be able to protect furniture from direct rays of the sun and may turn yellow if exposed to direct sunlight. So, keep this in mind before making the purchase decision.

3. Watco Wood Lacquer 63041 - Best for Wood Filler

If you are looking for a product to paint your wooden doors and cabinets, then the Watco 63041 will be an excellent choice. It ranks high in performance, and you will love the crystal-clear glossy layer that forms on top. This product is recommended for interior use and works well with wooden panels too. 

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, let us tell you that this is a very useful lacquer that will add a glossy layer as well as act as a wood filler. Now wood with holes or gaps is more prone to having insects staying in them. It is also prone to get damaged easily, and the holes can become more prominent over time. 

The lacquer will prevent scratches on the body and will ensure that all gaps and holes in the wooden surface are properly filled. You will not need to add anything extra to the holes or cracks. 

Next, one bottle of this product can cover an area of 290 square feet. You can apply 2 coats to the wooden surface, and there is no need to sand the surface in between. Just allow the base layer to dry, and then you can easily apply another layer on top of it. 

What Could've Been Better?

In case you are purchasing this item, remember that you will need some time to dry the surface. It takes more time to dry when compared with its peers, and you will need to keep it for at least 2 hours. However, now that you are prepared for it, this should not be a drawback. 

4. Deft Lacquer 37125015138

Are you looking for something to cover up stains on wooden surfaces? The Deft 37125015138 will be a perfect choice as a single layer can easily cover stains and marks. We have used it on our old furniture pieces, and they looked new and freshly painted after applying this option. 

Why Did We Like It?

This product is perfect as a first coat, and you can apply it for all lacquer-based projects. It will cover all stains in the first go, and then another layer can be applied to it. This is a 100% nitrocellulose sealer, and you can use it on both metal and wooden surfaces. That includes MDI boards, particleboards, softwood, and hardwood to name a few. 

Plus, it dries up within half an hour, and you can sand it after an hour. The second coat will provide more gloss to the surface, and you will be happy to see the results. 

Also, once the product dries up, it does not remain toxic, and you can allow kids and pets near the painted surfaces. 

Moreover, it is a non-yellowing formula, and it will not dry up inside the can. This is a major problem that people face with such products, but you can rest assured that it would not cause any problems. 

What Could've Been Better?

While this lacquer covers up stains, it forms a very thin layer because of its consistency. So, you will have to apply 2 layers to get the proper consistency. That means putting in a little more effort than usual, but we will not be holding this as a drawback as it provides an ample amount of shine. 

5. Watco Wood Lacquer 63181

Now that we are halfway through the list, it is time to introduce the Watco 63181. We used it for our furniture, and they got a beautiful semi-gloss finish. The product comes in a 13.6 ounces bottle and is very easy to apply. Read on to know about the other features. 

Why Did We Like It?

We used this product on our cabinets, and it dried to the touch within 30 minutes. One can apply another coat over the initial layer after an hour has passed. Plus, it will dry to form a very hard layer that would not be prone to scratches. 

Next, one bottle of this product will cover 40 square feet, and hence, you can use it for a number of cabinets. Measure the area that needs to be painted with the lacquer and then purchase accordingly. 

Moving on, this is a great wood-filling agent, and you can use the lacquer to fill up spaces or holes in wooden pieces. It would give you a plain and semi-glossy finish that does not require sanding. Hence, you can apply the second coat directly without sanding in between. 

What Could've Been Better?

While the product works very well, we would have preferred to get a better nozzle that can be controlled. The nozzle offered here cannot be turned horizontally or vertically. However, you can always buy a separate nozzle from any local store and attach it to the spray bottle. 

6. S.M. Arnold

Up next, we have a superior-grade lacquer that can cover aluminum surfaces as well as wood. The S.M. Arnold ‎66-108 comes in a 12 fl. Oz. bottle, and it is used in a lot of garages for professional work. We were very happy to see the color and the brilliant texture that is provided. 

Why Did We Like It?

This is a very high-quality coating formula that has excellent adhesion capacities, and that is because it contains acrylic resin. It will stick to metal and wood, and you can use it for water pumps, alternators, and transmission boxes too. 

The best part about the lacquer is that it is highly resistant to heat and can tolerate very high temperatures. We have tested it, and it can tolerate temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Next, this item will dry very fast, and it will not peel off at all. Hence, you can use it for indoor and outdoor furniture if you wish to give them a metallic effect. 

Also, this product is not transparent and has a silver aluminum color. The color can be achieved in 1 coat, and you will not need to add a second layer of lacquer. Moreover, it is VOC-compliant and can be safely used in 50 states. 

What Could've Been Better?

While it would work for those who want a dull shade, it will not work well for those who prefer shinier surfaces. This product does not offer shine or gloss, and it is best that you know that before purchasing. Other than this, we faced no issues with this option. 

7. Minwax Lacquer 154000000

We are finally nearing the end of the list, and it is time to talk about a product that is very easy to sand. The Minwax 154000000 is a marvelous option, and we have used it on old wooden furniture pieces, which had been developing gaps. The results were very pleasing, and the furniture looks new. 

Why Did We Like It?

This is one of those products, which will dry to form a hard layer, and it will seal wood quickly. Not only that, you will just have to apply a thin layer, and that would work to block all cracks. You can use it for your old cabinets, woodwork, doors, and other pieces of furniture. 

Other than that, it can be sanded easily, and you will get an even surface after sanding. Then the topcoat can be applied and that would provide a slightly glossy and smooth layer. We were happy to see that it dries up very fast and you can complete your work within the same day. 

Moreover, it will provide the furniture with a clear layer that will not turn yellow over time. This is a very big advantage as the color of the wood will be protected. 

What Could've Been Better?

When the product arrived initially, there was a huge dent in the can because it was not packaged well. It would be great if the brand provided thicker cans or packing materials. However, the brand replaced the product for us, and hence, we will not be holding it against them. 

8. Deft Inc. ‎37125010041

If you are looking for a non-yellowing formula, then the Deft Inc. ‎37125010041 is going to be an incredible option. It is easy to apply, and you will be able to get positive results very soon. We were very happy with the overall crystal clear glossy finish that was achieved after application. 

Why Did We Like It?

This is an easy-to-apply option that is available on the market, and you will be able to cover a large area with it. To be specific, 400 square feet can be covered with 1 gallon. And the best part is that it is made with 100 percent nitrocellulose. That makes it perfect for wooden and metal surfaces. 

Moreover, it spreads well on the surface with the right brush. You can use a brush to spread it on wood, and then you will have to wait for 30 minutes. During this time, the entire top surface will dry up, and you can then apply a second layer if necessary. 

Also, the lacquer would not become yellow over time, and the furniture would look freshly painted for a long time. The color will not darken at all, and the real shade of wood will be preserved. 

What Could've Been Better?

While we achieved great coverage, the smell did bother us a lot. It has a very strong smell, and you might have to cover your nose during the process. However, you will be happy with the results once you have painted the entire surface. 

Best Wood Lacquers Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Wood Lacquer 

Now that you know all about our top products, it is time that we tell you about some of the important factors to consider. Know that the most expensive product may not always be a perfect choice. There are many other things to consider, and we will be talking about them. So, read on and make a note of the following points. 

1. Place Of Application

First of all, you will have to consider the items or the furniture that needs wood lacquer. The lacquer for furniture that is kept on the patio or the deck will be different from the one, which can be applied to indoor furniture.

Now all of the products listed here work well for indoor furniture, but only some will work for outdoor ones. If you still apply a product meant for indoor furniture outside the house, then the clear layer might turn into a yellow one with direct exposure to the sun. 

Also, the lacquer might start to peel off in some time if you have applied it to chairs kept outside. Hence, be very careful about using it, and always check the back of the pack to know where the lacquer can be applied. 

2. Finish

There are different kinds of finish that you might strive for, and there are separate lacquers for that. While some will offer an ultra-glossy finish, others might offer a glossy or semi-glossy finish. The choice is yours to make, and once you decide on the finish, then only purchase one that matches the purpose. You might want different levels of shine or gloss, and hence, making this decision before purchasing is necessary. 

3. 3. Surface

All wood lacquer varieties cannot be applied to all kinds of surfaces. Some are made specifically for wooden layers, while others may be applied to metal, masonry, ceramic, and plaster, to name a few. Also, there are products that can only be applied to stained wood, and there will be other options for bare wood. 

We will recommend that you make a note of the surfaces to be painted before moving forward. 

4. Area To Cover

If you need to cover a small area, then there is no point in purchasing a large bottle of lacquer. So, we will suggest that you measure the area that needs to be covered before buying it. But if you’re still skeptical, just buy a little extra to make room for unforeseen wastage. This will prevent you from having to stop in between work to order more. 

Wood Lacquer FAQ's

How does wood lacquer differ from other wood finishes?

Wood lacquer is a type of finish that typically contains a mixture of solvents, resins, and additives. It differs from other finishes like varnish or polyurethane in terms of the type of film it forms, the level of glossiness, and the application method.

Can wood lacquer be used on all types of wood?

Wood lacquer can be used on most types of wood, including hardwoods and softwoods. However, some porous woods may require additional preparation or the use of a wood sealer before applying the lacquer to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.

How is wood lacquer applied?

Wood lacquer can be applied using various methods such as spraying, brushing, or wiping. The specific application technique may vary depending on the type of lacquer and the desired finish. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Conclusion

We have finally reached the end of this guide, and it is time to wrap up. Before purchasing, ensure that you check the size and the description well, and you should be able to make the right choice.  

But if you are still confused, then let us take you through our favorites quickly. The Rust-Oleum 1906830 is one of the top options that work for both interior and exterior surfaces. On the other hand, the Minwax ‎152000000 will prevent scratches. 

And if you are looking to cover up stains, then the Deft 37125015138 will work brilliantly well. Let us know if you have any further questions in the comment section below. 

Until next time! 

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