Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Lacquer ware refinishing
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09-04-00, 06:09 PM
I have a lacquerware coffee table from Japan that has survived 40 years with only a little "fair-wear-and-tear". I like the table for its oriental design and beauty, so I want to keep it in good repair. I understand that 'lacquer-ware' is made with many thin coats of colored lacquer/varnish protected by a transparent lacquer. I used "Minwax Stain & polyurethane" to refinish the sides and legs, but those are one-solid color. The top is basically black with various designs in green, orange, other color paints, and "mother-of-pearl".
My problum is how to get the luster/sheen back in the top of the table, there are a few deep chips also. I am worried that I might destroy the painted and mother-of-pearl designs by using a polishing compound, and can not paint.
Is there something I can do to regain the gloss and repair the chips before putting on a clear coating? The top is lusterless now so would do not good to put on clear coating.
My problum is how to get the luster/sheen back in the top of the table, there are a few deep chips also. I am worried that I might destroy the painted and mother-of-pearl designs by using a polishing compound, and can not paint.
Is there something I can do to regain the gloss and repair the chips before putting on a clear coating? The top is lusterless now so would do not good to put on clear coating.
09-04-00, 07:18 PM
Searcher:
A clear coat of gloss lacquer would take care of the lack of sheen. On a piece as ornate as I envision from your description, you really should take this to a professional.
He can repair the chips and put a clear gloss finish on to preserve the beauty of the piece.
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George T.
A clear coat of gloss lacquer would take care of the lack of sheen. On a piece as ornate as I envision from your description, you really should take this to a professional.
He can repair the chips and put a clear gloss finish on to preserve the beauty of the piece.
-----------
George T.
09-05-00, 01:49 AM
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by George:
Searcher:
A clear coat of gloss lacquer would take care of the lack of sheen. On a piece as ornate as I envision from your description, you really should take this to a professional.
He can repair the chips and put a clear gloss finish on to preserve the beauty of the piece.
-----------
George T.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Searcher:
A clear coat of gloss lacquer would take care of the lack of sheen. On a piece as ornate as I envision from your description, you really should take this to a professional.
He can repair the chips and put a clear gloss finish on to preserve the beauty of the piece.
-----------
George T.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
09-05-00, 02:06 AM
George: Thanks for the rapid reply. I would like to try a do-it-yourself on this. The table was very cheap when purchased and my wife does not like it. I think she would be unhappy about spending any money on the refinishing.
I figured I could buildup the chips with layers of lacquer to the level of the present finish. I thought just a clear coat of lacquer would not give the finish any 'depth' but if you think it would work I can do that. Do you think trying to 'rub' out the lacquer with polish before the clear-coat would be a good idea,if even possible?
I figured I could buildup the chips with layers of lacquer to the level of the present finish. I thought just a clear coat of lacquer would not give the finish any 'depth' but if you think it would work I can do that. Do you think trying to 'rub' out the lacquer with polish before the clear-coat would be a good idea,if even possible?
09-05-00, 08:29 AM
Building up the chips can certainlly be done. I would suggest a brush on type lacquer (it's thicker). You won't need much, but the smallest container you'll probably find is a pint.
I'd 'drop' it on the chipped areas using a toothpick. Let it dry over night and then come back to see if the chips are filled. If not, repeat the process.
Using an aerosol lacquer (I prefer Deft), coat the entire top. THEN sand out (400 grit wet/dry lubricated wiht water) any imperfects around the chipped areas or elsewhere.
Apply another spray coat and polish.
The perceived 'depth' of a finish has nothing to do with the actual thickness of the finish, but the absolute smoothness of it.I just finished redoing a mahogany drop leaf table with a mirror finish (lacquer) which can't be more than 2 millimeters thick, but looking down on that top is like looking into a well. I can even see the pattern of the ceiling tile clearly in the reflection.
It's ALL in smoothness.
----------
George T.
I'd 'drop' it on the chipped areas using a toothpick. Let it dry over night and then come back to see if the chips are filled. If not, repeat the process.
Using an aerosol lacquer (I prefer Deft), coat the entire top. THEN sand out (400 grit wet/dry lubricated wiht water) any imperfects around the chipped areas or elsewhere.
Apply another spray coat and polish.
The perceived 'depth' of a finish has nothing to do with the actual thickness of the finish, but the absolute smoothness of it.I just finished redoing a mahogany drop leaf table with a mirror finish (lacquer) which can't be more than 2 millimeters thick, but looking down on that top is like looking into a well. I can even see the pattern of the ceiling tile clearly in the reflection.
It's ALL in smoothness.
----------
George T.