Image and some info from Domino how-to section
From drab to sassy from cheap to expensive? Using a high gloss lacquer-like finish is a great way to elevate a wood piece from plain to luscious and add glamour to any room. Its the look-of-the-moment.
But how to duplicate this high gloss finish? (Apparantly the practice started in ancient China and caught on in Europe during the 1600s.)
The look to achieve (in white in my case):
The furniture in question:
A little research here gave me some information - but it sounds like a timeous and tedious process...
Lacquer can be used to achieve a beautiful finish. Lacquer is considered more difficult to apply than other finishes because it requires several coats with sanding in between. It dries very quickly and is usually sprayed rather than brushed. It cannot be used over paint or other topcoats since it will soften and lift the finish.
For the best finish, lacquer should be sprayed. There is at least one product available which combines a lacquer base with a sealer in an easily applied topcoat which can be sprayed or brushed. If you use a brush, work quickly and apply lacquer with the grain using a good, natural bristle brush.
A properly applied lacquer finish is a thing of beauty worthy of the finest furniture. The final coat can be rubbed out with 0000 steel wool and paste wax, or it can be polished with polishing compound (automotive compound is fine) for a soft luster.
I'm wondering if it's possible to achieve a similar look with Velvaglo hi gloss white paint? I'm hesitant as I don't want to see any brushstrokes on the end result. Perhaps better to go with the Duco spraypaint? At least that is 'sprayed'.
Found some info here on duplicating a black lacquer look - but its all too complicated for me and unfortunately the products are from the US.
The last thing I want is a real 'home made job' effect on this project... advice?
Velvaglo is good, but only if you can apply it really thickly so it can spread (so horizontal surfaces are best). Not easy to sand... I have some irritating kitchen cupboards reminding me of that daily. Something you could try, but it's a bit of work, is one of the Plascon waterbased paint effects glazecoats. You can brush it on, it does dry quite fast, and very smoothly. You can sand it with fine sandpaper, and buff it after with some wax. There are a few different finishes. I've used the gloss one, and really liked the effect.
I say get a professional to do it. It's not all that expensive and if you are trying to achieve a perfect finish get the people in the know. In Durban we use Rembrandt Spray Painters. Do a D.I.Y on something that is supposed to look D.I.Y :)
PS: Thanks for message on blog really like your approach :)
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