What Is the Difference Between Lacquer and Varnish?
What is the difference between lacquer and varnish? Finishing products for different woodworking projects typically come in a wide array of different substances, each with their own disadvantages and advantages based on their particular attributes and properties and their unique chemical or natural makeups. So, what are the differences between lacquer and varnish?
The different results between all of the finishing products available today can vary widely, or be as subtle as one can imagine. When comparing products such as lacquer-based coatings to varnishes, many of the differences between lacquer and varnish are subtle. However, they do react differently in certain situations. So, here are some of the key differences between lacquer and varnish.
Difference in Chemical Makeups
Even though both lacquer and varnish are considered to be solvent-based, the makeup of a varnish product differs from lacquer in that it contains an oil that contributes to the hardening effect during the drying process. The solvent in varnish also contributes to the evaporation and drying process, but is mainly used as an agent that assists in the thinning of the product. Because it acts as a thinning agent, this makes the application of the varnish much easier than it would be without the solvent included.
A lacquer product contains different plasticizing agents that react with the dissolved nitrocellulose compound of which the lacquer makeup consists. These compounds are also mixed with different pigments and solvents, including a mixture of alcohol and shellac resin, which assist in creating the high-gloss shine that most lacquer products create.
Visual Differences Between Lacquer and Varnish
The differences in sheen when comparing varnish products to those of lacquer products is another of the differences between lacquer and varnish. However, noting the visual differences often requires an expert eye, as the differences can be very subtle.
Both lacquer and varnish are capable of being produced and applied in such a manner that they can provide anything from a high-gloss finish to a low-gloss or matte finish. Telling the difference between a high gloss lacquer and a high gloss varnish may be quite difficult to do, unless you are knowledgeable about woodwork and finishing.
However, the difference between lacquer and varnish here is that varnish products, no matter the sheen, is always a transparent coating that doesn’t alter the base color applied to the surface being coated. Lacquer products, however, can also be colored to produce a tinted or opaque coating if the user desires this look.
Comparisons in Endurance Between Lacquer and Varnish
Perhaps the biggest and most important difference between lacquer and varnish products is that the plasticizers and hardening agents that are in lacquer products usually produce a much stronger, wear-resistant coating than those produced by varnish products. That’s not to take away from the strength of a varnish coating however, as varnish products do provide a durable and lasting finish. Lacquer products gain a small edge, however, because of their ability to withstand exposure to different chemicals, such as acids and alkali products.
Regardless of which of the two methods you choose, with all the advances that have been made in the coatings industry, there are now finishing products that greatly outperform the products used by the original innovators of finishing products who used wax-based shellacs and oils to protect their woodworking efforts.