How to Apply Lacquer to a Sculpture

Clay is a very porous material. Once you finish carving a sculpture, you want to seal the clay before reinforcing it with epoxy or painting it. It's important to take a few moments to add a lacquer coating to protect your work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Finish any final carving details on your sculpture. Remove any unwanted clay shavings and smooth any rough edges.

2. Consider whether your sculpture will live inside or outside. If your sculpture will be outdoors, you can choose a lacquer with UV coating to protect it from sun damage.

3. Choose the proper safety gear for your environment. You'll need more safety precautions if you are working indoors due to the fumes that lacquer spray gives off.

4. Check that your spray nozzle is clear before you start spraying. A clogged nozzle can cause you to spray unevenly, ruining your project.

5. Spray the lacquer in a smooth, even coat over the entire sculpture, making you sure you cover all the surfaces and grooves. Hold the spray can several inches from the surface to avoid overspraying, causing the lacquer to pool.

6. Allow the lacquer spray to dry at least 30 minutes before adding anything else to your sculpture. Check the instructions on the lacquer spray can for more exact drying times.

Tips & Warnings

• For more details on safety when using lacquer, see the related eHow article titled "How to Use Lacquer Safely." http://www.ehow.com/how_14589_lacquer-safely.html
• Wearing basic safety gear like a mask and gloves reduces the difficulties of working with lacquer.
• Lacquer is both toxic and flammable. Pay particular attention to the ventilation in the area where you are working so that the fumes don't build up and cause problems. If possible, work outside.

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on 6/23/2008 how can i do a black lacquer finish?