How to Make Your Kitchen Cabinet Shine with Lacquer

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen but not sure where to start? One of the most cost-effective and effective ways to spruce up your kitchen is with lacquer cabinet doors. They are easier to clean than wood, more water resistant than some other materials, and can be custom designed in any color or style you’d like. By learning how to apply lacquer, your kitchen will have an immediate makeover and you’ll be proud to show it off to anyone who comes over!

Why Lacquer Kitchen Cabinets Are Better

Lacquer kitchen cabinets are better for the following reasons:

  • They have a beautiful shine that reflects light beautifully into the room, making it feel much more spacious.
  • The lacquering process is done in three layers, which makes them very durable and hard to scratch.
  • They are low maintenance and never need repainting or refinishing.
  • Lacquered cabinets don’t chip like painted ones do, so they stay looking fresh for years longer than their painted counterparts.
  • Lacquired cabinets also come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs so you can customize your kitchen to be uniquely yours!

Getting Started: What You’ll Need to Get Started

I love the look of lacquered kitchen cabinets. I used a different paint on my kitchen cabinets in the past, but there was always something that bothered me about them. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but they just weren’t as elegant as I wanted them to be. When I found out about lacquer kitchen cabinet refinishing, it seemed like an answer to my problem! The idea is to give your kitchen a whole new look while preserving its original charm.

I started by washing and prepping my cabinets. Then, using steel wool and white vinegar, I scrubbed off all the old paint before sanding down the surface. Once everything had dried completely, I applied primer and then three coats of polyurethane varnish for protection and shine. Now my kitchen looks brand new with all the beautiful ALLURE only lacquer can give it!

Applying the First Coat of Lacquer

The first coat of lacquers is the most important as it serves as a primer. It not only provides an even base for the rest of the coats, but it also seals and protects the wood from moisture and stains. Be sure to use a high-quality sealant such as ALLURE® Wood Care Coatings – 2K Top Coat Plus or Allure Wood Care Sealer. Apply this in light, even strokes using a high-quality natural bristle brush. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before applying another coat or any other finish products, such as varnish or paint.

Don’t Skimp on the Last Coat

A little patience goes a long way when you are applying lacquers. It’s better to put on one coat and let it dry before applying the second coat, than it is to apply two coats at the same time. A thin layer of lacquer will give you a nice deep gloss, while a heavy layer will look like an old varnished surface. If you do want that antique look, use sandpaper or steel wool in between coats for a more worn appearance.

A good general rule is that if your lacquer dries too quickly for you to finish your project, use fewer coats next time.

Tips and Tricks
  • Put on a mask, goggles and gloves before starting work.
  • Get a can of lacquer and an aerosol spray paint in the color you want.
  • Apply the lacquer in a thin coat, let it dry for five minutes then apply another coat.
  • Allow the cabinet to dry for 24 hours before applying the next coat of lacquer.
  • Repeat this process until your cabinet is complete. You will need about 2-3 cans of lacquer per cabinet.

The final step is to remove any debris from the surface before sealing with one or two coats of clear sealer or varnish.

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