See how to use Amy Howard at Home® Furniture Lacquer™ to get the thick, rich, high-gloss finish of actual lacquer on a piece of furniture, frame or home décor items. Spray it on, and transform a pale, washy, faded piece into an edgy, chic high-fashion statement piece set in lacquer. The smoother your original piece is, and the more evenly you apply each coat...the smoother your final finish will be.
11 Steps
How to Use Amy Howard at Home Furniture Lacquer
1. Clean Piece
Wipe down your piece with a degreaser and a damp rag to be sure it's clean and clear of any dust or dirt. Let piece dry.
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2. Sand and Smooth
It's not required, but it's recommended that you lightly sand your piece with 400 grit sandpaper. This will get you the best results with a smooth sleek, modern and polished finish. If your piece has dents, cracks or divots fill them with a wood filler, then sand the spot smooth.
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3. Shake
Vigorously shake your Furniture Lacquer Primer for 2-3 minutes.
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4. Spray with Primer
Using the Lacquer Primer, hold the spray can 6-8 inches away from your piece and spray. Spray in a steady and consistent motion, as though you were brushing on the paint.
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5. Coat Evenly
Use 1-2 solid, opaque coats for wood furniture. The primer is not meant for other materials such as metal or plastic. The primer helps fill in the grains to produce a smoother and sleeker finish. it also acts as a “sealing agent” to ensure that colors from the original piece won't bleed through.
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6. Lightly Sand
Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper. You don't have to sand it vigorously. Simply sand it enough to smooth out rough patches. Thoroughly wipe down your piece with a tack cloth to remove sanding grit and dust.
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7. Apply Lacquer
Spray on Furniture Lacquer. For horizontal surfaces, hold the tip about 6-8 inches from the surface. Start at the area closest to you by spraying left to right to left moving away from you. Be sure that the spraying is consistent and overlap the applications. For vertical surfaces, spray in the same manner but start at the top and work your way down spraying. The application should be smooth and consistent for the best finish.
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8. Lightly Sand
Before applying your next coat be sure to lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper and wipe down your piece with a tack cloth
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9. Apply Second Coat
Spray the lacquer on in 2-3 thin coats as opposed to 2 thicker coats. Take your time applying your coats and you'll have a smoother, sleeker finish in the long run.
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10. Enjoy the Bragging Rights
Once your final lacquer layer is complete and dry, Take a moment, step back and Enjoy the Bragging Rights!
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11. Helpful Tip
Remember to wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area.
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