How to Choose the Paint for a Lacquer-Finished Cabinet

To cover old lacquer finishes, you need the right oil-based paint.

A fresh coat of paint can revitalize an old lacquer-finished cabinet. Painting over lacquer-finished cabinets requires paints that are different from what you would use on an untreated surface. Lacquer finishes are glossy and nonporous, and basic latex paint won't adhere well. Fortunately, there are oil-based varieties that work on lacquer-finished cabinets.

Things You'll Need

• 1 oz. tester paint

Instructions

1. Opt for oil-based paints, and stay away from fast-drying varieties. In general, oil-based paints adhere well to slick surfaces, but fast-drying oil-based products aren't as effective as standard oil-based varieties.

2. Consider the paint's sheen. If you're doing detail-work, and you want the paint to match the lacquer's existing sheen, use a high-gloss finish. If you're painting over a large area, your sheen options are limitless. Matte finishes cover surface imperfections well, but glossy finishes hold up better.

3. Test the paint before you buy a full gallon. Most hardware and home-improvement stores offer 1-oz. tester paints. Apply the tester paint to a hidden area on the cabinet. The color you see on a paint swatch may look different when it's exposed to your home's drying conditions and lighting.

References

• "Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair"; Thomas G. Lemmer, Brett Martin, Karen Ruth; 2008
• "Stanley Complete: Complete Painting"; Larry Johnston; 2007