Begin with a clean surface and remove all vestiges of the old finish. Beginning with an immaculately cleaned and prepared surface is the only way to achieve an immaculate finish. The smallest defects in the surface of the wood will eventually make their way to the surface where they will be seen as blemishes and a reproach to your craftsmanship.
If the old lacquer was of polyurethane, you should apply chemical stripper. If your budget permits, a paste will ensure that there is no dripping and splashing. The liquid product is also fine but you will have to be extra careful to not touch or inhale this toxic product.
Use Wood Grain Filler
Filler is a product that can allow you to fill in the smallest cracks and fissures on the surface of the wood. Sometimes this works as a two-part epoxy, that consists of a hardener and a filler. But there are also single component fillers made of polyurethane resin. These filters will allow you to achieve that pristine surface and repair all holes and cracks before you begin.
This can even be used indoors and outdoors. But you should consider the humidity outside. If the air is too humid, the resin will not cure properly and will have bubbles inside. As time goes by these bubbles will impair the integrity of the resin and lacquer above. This will lead to peeling and flaking before long.
But if this is a concern, you can also look for an oil-based filler for your outdoor project. These will require a little more preparation but that is a good thing because you have more time to work with it and get the perfect results. The water-based type will dry very quickly and is simple to apply.
Mix your lacquer
The importance of properly mixed lacquer can’t be understated. Thinner is used to “thin” the lacquer and lower the viscosity. This makes it spread easily. If you will be using an air compressor and sprayer, you will need a much thinner lacquer than if you will be using a brush.
Pour the lacquer into a container and add the thinner to achieve the desired consistency. Lacquer will begin to dry as soon as it is exposed to the air. So, become a master at estimating how much you will need for a single stage of the process and try not to “store” any for later — although this can be done. Just add a little more thinner to the lacquer before resuming your work to return to that same smooth silky consistency you know and love.
Prepare your work environment
You will want to work in a well-ventilated work environment as the fumes from the lacquer can be noxious. It is also imperative to excellence that all dust b removed from the room to avoid the smallest inclusions in the lacquer being laid down. Lay down sheets and protective coatings where needed to protect the environment from all damage as you work. Wear protective gloves, clothing, respirators, and eye shields.
Applying the First Coat
Paint the first coat of lacquer to the furniture provided. With regular coats, you will provide a durable protective shield that will look great for many years to come. But you can also add alkyd oil to the wood to create a high gloss finish with your traditional lacquer. This will not affect the durability of the lacquer being applied.
Now it is time to add the thinner, resin, and a hardener to create the next coat of lacquer. Mix them in a container and equal amounts and mix well before applying over the previous coat, which has dried by this point.
Sand and Check Work
Once the surface has dried, sand the lacquer with 400-grit sandpaper to create the smoothest finest surface that you can achieve. Shine a flashlight or laser beam across the surface to see how even the surface. Apply two coats of lacquer allowing them to dry completely and sand them as well. Then allow these to dry for a full day, before applying the finishing coats.
Move on to the finish coats —Store any lacquer that has been mixed in air-tight containers and use it as quickly as possible. By now you have a good idea of the technique, lacquer, and sand down with 400-grit paper. Be sure to always wipe off al dust as well. Three or 4 more coats should provide a perfectly smooth final coat. There should be no dimples and the surface should be smooth as glass. Finally, clean all your brushes and pack up your work, the final task is to wait a full week for the lacquer to cure completely before the buff and polish can be applied.
