How to Use Amy Howard’s Spray Lacquer January 13, 2014
Greetings!,
I’ve been wanting to write a tutorial about using Amy Howard’s High Performance Spray Lacquer, but who can say it better that one of the Amy Howard’s own? Check out how this mid century Asian piece was transformed!
Original Article found on Amy Howard at Home’s website
How To Lacquer : The Chest
After posting on Monday with the Before and After pictures, I thought it would be helpful to share the process photos as well with instructions to get that great shiny, lacquered finish!
Materials Needed:
• Few pieces of fine sandpaper (grit #400)
• Dust Mask
• Ventilated Area
• Amy Howard At Home Lacquer Primer
• Amy Howard At Home Lacquer Paint
How To Lacquer:
![DSC_1135[1]](http://www.thetreasuredhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/how-to-use-amy-howards-spray-lacquer0.jpg)
Make sure your piece is clean and clear of any dust or dirt. Just simply wipe it down.
Alex used Simple Green to get rid of the dirt and dust.
Although it is not required, it is recommended that you lightly sand your piece. This will ensure that your finished piece has that sleek, modern lacquered finish.
For this size chest, we used 3 cans of Primer
Using your Amy Howard at Home Lacquer Primer, hold your spray can 8-10 inches away from your piece and spray.
You want to make sure the Primer has 2 solid coats. You should have 2 OPAQUE primer coats. This primer will fill in any ridges in your piece. This primer will also act as a “sealing agent†to ensure that colors from the original piece will not bleed through, like mahogany.
Before you apply the color lacquer, lightly sand the primer layer to soften any edges or smooth out any rough spots. You do not have to sand it profusely, simply sand it a little bit.
I decided we would use Easton Green Lacquer for this chest!
Once your primer coats are completely dry, you may now begin your chosen color coats. Remember, when you begin to spray your color, use your spray directions as if you were using a brush. Pretend you are gliding your paint across the surface at 8-10 inches from the surface.
*Do not forget to lightly sand between each layer of lacquer.
It is recommended that you have 3-4 thin coats compared to a thick 2 coats. A lacquer finish is supposed to look sleek and solid, so you want to build up that lacquer finish. Take your time at applying your coats. It will give you a much prettier finish in the long run.
Once your final lacquer layer is complete and dry, go enjoy your new piece!
The Lacquer is now available online in 17 colors – Be sure to check it out here!
Can this product be used on furniture with laminated (plastic) tops. I have an Ethan Allen piece with laminate sides and top and tried regular semi-gloss spray paint which was a disaster. I need some advice PLEASE!
While laminate will not be as durable as applying that spray lacquer over wood, you can use it for laminate. Just be sure to have a very clean surface. I would rough up the surface with a fine sandpaper or steel wool first then, apply multiple thin coats, with 48 hours of drive time between each coat, for maximum durability.
If I use one step paint on unfinished wood dining table top, how is the best way to protect it? Wax? Will clear lacquer work? Should or can I use Lacquer primer before using one step on unfinished wood?
I don’t use lacquer or a lacquer primer when finishing furniture. So, I can’t speak to that. Yes, you can paint directly on unfinished wood, using One Step paint. For a tabletop, we usually use a poly acrylic. We typically apply 5 to 6 coats of it on a tabletop, for maximum protection. Hope this helps!
I have a piece that already has a lacquered finish and I am just wanting to change the color but also keep the lacquered finish…. can I still use this guide? Also, the current color is black and I am wanting to go to a teal color… any specific info. I should know for that? Thanks!!