laquer over poly?

[Jeff Monson]

Can I spray laquer over some spots of wipe on poly? I'm finishing my kitchen cabinets and have decided to spray my cabinets using laquer.
When assembling my raised panel doors I did apply some wipe on poly to the center panel edges, so my question is will it look uniform and will it stick?

[John Miliunas]

Jeff, as in any other method of applying finish, trying it out on a test piece is THE best way to make that determination. Lac on top of enamel is a no-no, as the lac will actually "eat" into the enamel finish and you end up with a mess. :( On top of poly, I'm not sure, as I've never tried it. Sorry. :o Still, the best way to find out is to try it on a test piece. :) :cool:

[Steve Schoene]

The solvents in lacquer are fairly vigorous and may well lift the varnish. ATM (Acetone, Toluene, Methanol) is sold as a paint remover. These are common ingredients in lacquer thinner, so I would be extremely doubtful that the lacquer would be a good choice over the poly.

[John Mihich]

You might (big might) be able to use shellac over the panel then the lacquer. Use the clear shellac, adds less color. Of course test before doing it.

[Steve Schoene]

The solvents in the lacquer will dissolve shellac even easier than they will dissolve varnish.

Easiest solution is to continue with varnish--though a good traditional resin varnish will give a nicer look than poly. It will, for sure, adhere to the poly--scuff sanded of course.

I suppose you could apply a barrier coat of epoxy or two part poly that lacquer wouldn't touch, but this is getting to be a lot more complicated than sticking with the varnish. Besides, the varnish will be considerably more durable than lacquer for kitchen cabinets. Its just more work.

[Matt Tawes]

If you're intending to spray water-based lacquer such as Target coatings USL then you only need a couple seal coats of shellac then spray the lacquer and you'll have no problems.

[Jim Becker]

If you're intending to spray water-based lacquer such as Target coatings USL then you only need a couple seal coats of shellac then spray the lacquer and you'll have no problems.

This is because virtually all water-bornes are acrylics, including the USL. It has "properties" similar to lacquer, but it's a different product altogether. (And I love it...)