How to Refinish Wood With A Topcoat of Enamel and Lacquer.

Once a surface has been properly prepared and sealed, you can finish it with both enamel and lacquer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. ENAMEL
   
   Enamel is a good finishing choice if you want to hide the surface of the wood completely.
   
   Enamels are both durable and washable and comes in a myriad of colors. It is usual to apply them with a brush.
   
   As there are a variety of enamel bases, make sure you use an enamel that is compatible with the sealer you used.

2. Protect your clothing and the surrounding area. Make the area you are working in as dust-free as possible.
   
   Stir your enamel slowly and thoroughly.
   
   Use a good quality brush, compatible with the enamel you have chosen.
   
   Brush on the enamel, in one direction only and use long, smooth strokes.
   
   Never overload your brush. Make your application smooth and even.
   
   Once the surface is covered, brush across it lightly at right angles to your original strokes.

3. Leave the enamel to dry overnight.
   
   Lightly sand your work with a VERY fine abrasive.
   
   Vacuum away the dust and clean off your surface with a tack cloth.
   
   Apply your second coat of enamel. If you are satisfied with the appearance of your work, two coats will be enough. Otherwise sand again and apply a third coat similarly.

4. LACQUER
   
   Lacquer dries with a high glossy finish.
   
   Lacquer may be sprayed on but that is not necessary.
   
   The surface must be well prepared beforehand as every imperfection will show through the lacquer.

5. If the surface you are working on has been stained, it must be sealed before the lacquer application.
   
   If you are using a brush make sure you have the right lacquer for the purpose.

6. If you are using a brushed on lacquer, use a natural bristle brush.
   
   If your brush has been used for other purposes, rinse it in a lacquer thinner.
   
   Take a small amount of lacquer on your brush. Clean it against the container and stroke quickly across the wood surface.
   
   Apply only a thin coat.
   
   Two hours is enough drying time before another coat can be applied.
   
   Smooth any imperfections, with a medium grade steel wool. WEAR GLOVES WHEN USING STEEL WOOL.
   Clean surface with a tack cloth before apply another coat.
   
   Lacquer gives a very high gloss. If you want to modify this, when the final coat is dry, rub the surface gently with the finest steel wool.

7. If you are going to spray on your lacquer, follow the directions on HOW TO SPRAY ON A WOOD FINISH