Best Lacquer Sprayer

Best Lacquer Sprayer Comparison Chart

There’s a saying when it comes to the best lacquer sprayer: cheap sprayers give you cheap-looking results.

Picture	Name
	Graco Magnum ProX19 Adjustable paint flow Paint up to 500 gallons/year Easy Clean Adapter
	Apollo 7700t 1mm needle Weighs around 1 lb Parts Kit Included
	Fuji Semi Pro 2 3 stage turbine system 1.3mm 25 foot hose
	Graco Magnum X5 Adjustable paint flow Airless Easy to Clean
	Wagner Control Spray Max 2 stage turbine: no compressor needed 1/2 inch to 12 inch spray pattern 20 ft hose
	Earlex HV5500 Turbine: no compressor needed 13 ft hose 3 spray pattern adjustments
	Ingersoll Rand 270G 33 OZ cup Fluid and spray pattern adjustments 1.5mm nozzle, needs 8 CFMs
	Ingersoll Rand 210G Budget Friendly Model Needs 10.5 CFMs at 50 PSI 20 OZ cup

Best Lacquer Sprayers: Editor’s Ratings and Reviews

Best Sprayer for Lacquer: HVLP

Earlex HV5500 

The Earlex Spray Station HV5500 delivers consistent results with easy spray pattern adjustments on the fly.

Instead of fiddling with difficult knobs or dials, you simply push to receive the pattern adjustments that your next project requires.

What we really liked about this Earlex Spray Station was the fact that the spray pattern adjustments come with a push and click type of design.

The easy spray pattern changing system on this Earlex sprayer lets you tackle a wide variety of projects using different paint mediums like latex, oils, lacquers, and sealers with minimal hassle.

Storage is a breeze since the gun conveniently rests on top when not in use, and the built-in carry handle makes it highly portable — perfect for moving between job sites or around your workspace.

One thing to note: the motor is a bit loud. Even with hearing protection, you might experience some ringing after extended use, so ear protection is definitely recommended.

Because it’s a spray station with its own turbine, there’s no need for a separate compressor—saving you money and setup time.

With a 13-foot hose, it provides contractors the power and reach they need to complete projects efficiently without struggling to get close to their work surfaces.

However, we found that the hose for this particular unit can be easy to dislodge from the unit especially since it is only 13 feet long. If you have larger areas to cover, consider buying a longer hose.

This sprayer comes with a 2mm nozzle that covers most paint jobs. We didn’t like that the only spray tip you get out of the box is a 2mm tip. To spray certain finishes, you need to invest into several different tips to maximize the use of this machine.  You’ll need a 1.5mm tip/nozzle at least. When purchasing this unit, also purchase additional tips so your covered for all your projects.

The 1-quart paint cup on the Earlex HV5500 lets you work longer without constant refills, helping you maintain a steady workflow. Both the cup and the gun are Teflon-coated, which makes cleanup fast and hassle-free.

Designed with portability and onboard storage in mind, this unit is easy to carry around your job site or tuck away when not in use.

If you’re fed up with the mess and uneven coverage brushes and rollers often leave behind—especially on decking and other exterior projects—you’ll appreciate the smooth, professional results the Earlex HV5500 Spray Station delivers.

This pro spray gun is able to generate up to 42 CFM thanks to its 650 watt power turbine, giving you consistent coverage on your shutters, trim or similar medium-sized projects.

Fan widths that can be distributed onto a surface by this unit range from just 1 inch to 12 inches, give you the large-scale coverage you need or the detail work you’ve got to have.

Get yourself the specialized Earlex Spray Gun Cleaning Kit to get your unit super clean after use.

It can be used for interiors or exterior needs and can spray thinned latex, lacquers, varnishes, oils, stains, and even sealants if you have the need to do so.  The Earlex HV5500 is a super versatile unit for all your DIY projects.

Best Professional Level Machine

Graco Magnum Pro X19

If you do a lot of painting, then you need a durable and strong sprayer to get you through your workday. This Graco X19 cart sprayer on wheels weighs approximately 42lbs.

Since this unit is on the larger side, it’s important to ensure it fits comfortably in and around the areas you’ll be spraying.

This paint machine from Graco delivers the high quality you expect from the brand. With a powerful 3000 PSI operating pressure, it can handle stains, oils, and most other materials effortlessly. The fully adjustable paint controls let you fine-tune your spray for precision on every project.

Powered by a 0.875 horsepower motor, the variable control lets you adjust motor intensity, so you can customize the power to suit the material and surface you’re working with, giving you excellent control over your finish.

As an added benefit, the manufacturer recommends up to 500 gallons of annual use with this model for best results.

The RAC IV SwitchTip allows you to reverse the tip and unclog it fast and easy.

Magnum Pro X19 Tech Specs

• Gallons per minute .038
• Max Tip Size 0.019
• Engine 0.875 HP
• Stainless steel parts
• Annual Use Recon. 500 Gallons!
• Comes with 50 foot hose
• Can support paint hose up to 150 feet

Included in your purchase are:

• 50 foot hose
• SG3 Gun
• RAC spray guard
• 515 airless spray tip
• Graco pump armor
• Fast Flush adapter
• Guides and Manuals

Graco makes this airless paint sprayer a real workhorse by ensuring that you can use a variety of tip sizes including .009, .011, .013, .015, .017 and .019. 

The Push Primer button only needs a few presses to get the sprayer up and running quickly. True to Graco’s reputation, this model features the ProX Change Pump, allowing for easy replacement of the pump and its components—though with Graco quality, you likely won’t need to swap it out anytime soon.

Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the Fast Flush adapter. Simply connect a hose to a bucket filled with water, soap, or your chosen cleaning solution, and run the sprayer until the fluid runs clear, saving you time and effort.

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Apollo 7700t HVLP

This spray gun is at the top of its class. It offers a 1mm needle and a “B” gold air cap with purchase, plus users receive a carrying case and a spare parts kit for the investment. The trigger is ridiculously smooth, which can lead to less fatigue and overall better paint results.

The weight of the gun is just over 1 pound and it comes ready to use with virtually any pressure pot or cup accessory you may already have.

We love the fan control adjustment and how we are really able to dial in our fan.

We’ve tried out a lot of spray guns and have never encountered one that is as easy to use or provides consistent results time after time like the Apollo. Works great with turbine systems as long as you buy the compressed air coupler. Be aware that this is a non bleeder type gun and make sure your turbine is designed for it before buying.

Pound for pound, even with a premium price point, this is going to be the best paint sprayer for your money. Users have commented that the gold comes off the cap during the first cleaning so be aware. This shouldn’t be happening with a gun in this price range.

Fuji Semi Pro 2

Instead of giving you a fast ticket to a mess, the Fuji Semi Pro 2 HVLP Spray System gives users a quality painting system that they can use right away thanks to its design.

The included Fuji M-model gun is well-regarded for delivering a smooth, even spray finish. Its ergonomic design helps reduce hand fatigue during extended use, and the package even includes a convenient gun holder for easy storage.

With the FUJI Semi-Pro, you get premium performance that justifies its higher price point. The adjustable fan pattern control offers great versatility, allowing you to handle everything from small detailed work to large surface projects with ease.

The Fuji Semi-Pro 2 is a bit on the noisy side, so if you spray indoors, you should wear hearing protection.  You can paint without stopping to refill your cup because it comes with a 1 quart paint cup.

Your results with the Fuji Semi Pro will be impressively precise. The adjustable spray knob lets you quickly dial in the perfect atomization level, which helps minimize overspray and paint waste.

We also appreciate the generous 25-foot hose that provides plenty of reach for most DIY projects, making it easy to move around your workspace. Plus, the included gun holder and ergonomic carrying handle add to the portability, whether you’re working at home or on a job site.

While siphon feed systems can sometimes introduce air into the spray line—something we usually advise against—this sprayer manages to deliver excellent control and consistent results despite that.

If you need a larger tip, you can grab a 2.0mm Aircap set #6.

There is still a bit of a overspray that occurs while you’re working with this Fuji spray system. Your cleanup is always quick and painless, especially if you’ve taken the time to mask off before getting to work.

Graco X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

The Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer will help you get the job done in even some of the most challenging situations.

The Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer is an excellent choice for light-duty projects, making it ideal for staining decks or fences and even for quickly painting ceilings with less mess than traditional rollers.

One standout feature is its redesigned sprayer base, which provides a stable yet portable working stand—perfect for flexible movement on the job site. Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, this sprayer adapts well to various conditions, including locations without easy access to power.

Instead of relying on a paint cup or dispenser bag, the X5 uses a flexible suction tube that you simply place directly into your paint bucket—up to 5 gallons—so you can get started quickly without constant refills.

With the ability to spray up to 27 gallons per hour, it offers impressive speed for a DIY sprayer. You also maintain full control over paint flow pressure, allowing you to adjust as needed for a smooth, professional finish.

Keep in mind the manufacturer’s recommendation to limit annual use to around 125 gallons, which makes the Magnum X5 better suited for personal DIY projects rather than commercial or industrial workloads.

Here are the highlights of the features, which are included with the Magnum X5:

• A 25 foot DuraFlex airless hose gives you a maximum level of movement while working without disrupting the consistency of your application.  Need more?  Check out this 1/4″ airless hose that’s 50 feet. This sprayer will accommodate a painting hose of up to 75 feet.
• The design of this airless sprayer allows you to pump directly from either 1 gallon or 5 gallon paint containers.
• Automatic priming features allow even first-time paint sprayers to be able to use this equipment with ease straight out of the box.
• It will spray virtually anything you need, with the exception of lacquers or materials that have textures contained within them.

If you have a consistent number of projects that need to be completed, then the Graco Magnum X5 has the power to get the jobs done.

Once your done with your sprayer, use Graco Pump Armor to protect the internal parts and the pump.

Wagner Control Spray Max HVLP

When you have a surface that needs to be painted quickly, you’ll want to turn to a sprayer which is extremely reliable to get the job done. This paint sprayer isn’t going to break your budget.

No matter what type of paint or stain you choose to spray, the Wagner Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer gives you the option to spray a pattern of ½-inch in size to 1 foot in size with the same optimal levels of control.

With this Wagner Spray Gun, thinning latex paint by 10% to 20% usually helps you achieve a smooth, professional finish. However, some latex paints may require thinning up to 40%, so it’s crucial to monitor your spray consistency closely to avoid clogging issues.

Keep in mind that spraying thinner materials tends to produce more overspray, so extra caution is needed, especially when working with stains.

One challenge we noticed with this sprayer is priming. If you don’t take the time to properly prime the equipment before use, your results will suffer noticeably.

This sprayer isn’t suited for larger or demanding jobs — painting a bedroom wall or outdoor projects like fences or home exteriors isn’t really feasible. It’s better reserved for smaller, more controlled projects where precision is key rather than volume.

Ingersoll Rand 270G

This HVLP gravity feed sprayer from Ingersoll Rand is awesome with lacquer, stains and other thinner fine finish materials.   

We don’t recommend spraying anything thicker with this gun, even thinned latex.  The tip is just too small for spraying heavier materials.   You’re going to end up with a nasty mess if you try, Spraying thicker materials requires so much thinning that the paint loses its structure and your results will suck.

The 33 ounce cup is big enough to get your jobs done without having to stop and constantly refill. The Fluid adjustment knob will adjust the amount of paint going to the tip, instead of buying multiple gun nozzles/tips. 

The Spray pattern adjustment allows you to choose multiple patterns for more precision in your results.   Weighs in at 2.7 lbs, this unit minimizes wrist fatigue, making this a great gun for novices. 

Purchase an air regulator to ensure consistent professional results.   Comes with a 1.5mm nozzle and requires 8 CFMs to get going.   

We recommend starting off with 20 PSI to get the spray really started.  This will stop any sputtering and spitting.  Then dial it back and maintain at 10 PSI for optimal sprayer performance. 

Most Affordable Lacquer Sprayer

Ingersoll Rand 210G

With a non-drip cup and a suspension hook, the basics are covered with this lacquer spray gun the Ingersoll Rand 210G. Users also receive filtered spray and pattern adjustments that are easy to access with a side dial on the left.

An air adjustment valve is easy to access on the rear of this lacquer spray gun as well.

This type of pneumatic sprayer makes painting with thicker paint mediums like latex problematic as you can’t thin the paint thin enough and maintain the structure of the paint. This unit was made from spraying thinner materials like lacquers and for doing finer detailed work.

It can spray paint for you fairly well, but we found more success in using stains and other finishes like varnish with the Ingersoll.

It requires a high CFM at 10.5 at 50 PSI and the cup size is just 20 ounces; so keep this in mind before making a final decision.

Can Lacquer be Sprayed?

Yes!  Lacquer can be fed through the majority of spray guns that are available on the market today.

With that being said, not every type of lacquer sprayer will give you the type of finish that you’re going to want to see when it comes to lacquer.

How to Find the Best Lacquer Sprayer: Different Types of Lacquer Spray Guns

We’ve narrowed down the number of lacquer spray gun types to 5 when it comes the best sprayers for lacquer.

• AAA guns. Known as air assisted airless sprayers, this is a good option for large application needs. You have more consistency through less work per piece, which increases your overall productivity.

• Pressured guns. This is your traditional application method. Different forms of pressure allow for consistent lacquer application. These are also the best option for those users who like to experiment with different materials and finishes.

• Gravity feed guns. These guns have a smaller reserve than the others, but also tend to be easier to clean. They are also much easier to use if you’re not used to using spray guns already. This is often the best DIY option.

• Suction feed guns. Although not usually recommended for lacquer, they can still be used by those who have perfected their spraying techniques over time.

• HVLP guns. These are also a good choice for the DIY specialist when it comes to lacquer. When spraying lacquer with HVLP, one must just be careful about the setup of the spray gun itself to make sure it can apply the lacquer as desired in a consistent manner. 

Recommended Lacquer Sprayer: Best Type of Sprayer for Lacquer

If you’re new to spraying lacquer, the best lacquer sprayer to start with is a gravity-feed HVLP lacquer spray gun.

HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) systems are ideal for beginners because they’re easier to control, generate minimal overspray, and are relatively simple to clean.

When working with lacquer, precision and a smooth finish matter — and that’s exactly what an HVLP sprayer delivers.

Unlike airless paint sprayers, which are designed for speed and large coverage, HVLP sprayers apply lacquer at lower pressure, resulting in a smoother, more consistent finish with fewer flaws.

That makes them perfect for fine finishes, detailed furniture, woodworking, and craft lacquer applications, where even coverage and finish quality are critical.

Another excellent choice for beginners working on small or intricate jobs is an LVLP (Low Volume, Low Pressure) lacquer sprayer. These models are budget-friendly and easier to use than larger systems, making them great for touch-ups or smaller-scale furniture restoration.

Gravity Feed versus Suction/Siphon Feed: Choose Gravity Feed

When selecting the best paint sprayer for lacquer, one of the most important features to consider is how the paint is delivered into the gun: gravity feed vs. suction (or siphon) feed.

Siphon feed sprayers pull lacquer up from a cup or can using suction before atomizing it through the nozzle. While this can work for some paints, it’s not ideal for lacquer.

This feed style is prone to pulling in air bubbles, which can lead to splattering and uneven coverage, especially with thinner finishes like lacquer.

By contrast, a gravity-feed paint sprayer relies on gravity to move lacquer directly into the nozzle, minimizing air pockets and promoting a much more consistent spray pattern.

When paired with an HVLP spray system, a gravity-feed sprayer offers superior control, less waste, and a cleaner, smoother lacquer finish — ideal for anyone working on cabinets, trim, wood furniture, or other lacquer-sensitive projects.

Pro Tip: When shopping for the best sprayer for lacquer, look for an HVLP gravity feed spray gun that’s designed for fine finish materials. Many models come with interchangeable tips to accommodate various lacquer viscosities and spray patterns, giving you the versatility to tackle everything from detailed woodworking to full-scale furniture refinishing.

What to Look for in a Lacquer Sprayer

If you’re looking for a spray system check out the Fuji Semi Pro 2.  This spray systems has a powerful 2 stage turbine that pushes out 1400 watts.  You can lay down thicker coats of lacquer instead of thin coats and get your job done faster. 

Are you spraying large or small projects?  For small projects, we recommend either a gravity fed HVLP or an LVLP.

You’ll want to make sure that the location of the controls is within reach so you can adjust pressure and fan patterns on the fly.  

Can you spray at weird angles with the spray gun?  How about upside down?  Make sure the lacquer sprayer you are looking at comes with the right tip to spray lacquer.  This can range anywhere from 1.5mm for thinner lacquer to 1.8mm for wood lacquers.

Make sure that the lacquer sprayer has enough pressure to deliver a finish with such a thin material. Having knobs to adjust pressure, fan width etc. are ideal to customize your spray to each project and paint medium you are using.

Make sure that the lacquer sprayer you chose had the capacity to meet your needs. If you are applying lacquer to larger projects, you will need a sprayer than can spray lacquer at a faster rate and cover more area. Small jobs with more detail like furniture, require a smaller sprayer that is portable and easy to use at multiple angles, especially upside down. This will help you achieve a smooth consistent professional finish.

How Lacquer Spray Guns Work

Lacquer sprayers work the same as a regular paint sprayer. They use either a hose or a cup to put lacquer into the spray gun and then the lacquer is atomized or mixed thoroughly with air to allow it to be sprayed with air pressure from the sprayer onto your surface.

Best Sprayer for Lacquer Features 

Overspray

Lacquer is a thin material. Too much spray pressure, or a gun that you can dial down the pressure enough, will result in a ton of overspray and wasted lacquer. Check the specs and make sure the overspray level is low for the gun you buy.

Don’t forget to cover the area that you want to protect from paint with a drop cloth to keep it from getting any overspray from your paint sprayer.

Easy to Adjust Fan Controls

The best lacquer sprayers come with on-the-gun controls that let you adjust the fan size, pressure, and spray pattern while you work. This allows you to respond to different angles or surfaces without stopping to tinker with the settings, which makes a huge difference in both the finish quality and your workflow.

Steel Parts

When it comes to longevity, steel parts are a must. Lacquer is a solvent-based finish that can wear down low-quality materials. A spray gun made with stainless steel fluid passages will last longer, resist rust, and stand up to frequent cleaning better than one with plastic components.

Comes with Tips that spray thin material

Not all paint tips are created equal. Lacquer-specific tips are designed to handle thin materials and reduce the risk of runs, streaks, or blowback.

Make sure your lacquer sprayer either comes with a compatible tip size (often .009–.013 inches for lacquer) or that brand-name tips are available for the model you’re buying. Quality tips result in less overspray and a more professional-looking finish.

Easy to Clean

Lacquer hardens quickly, so ease of cleaning is critical. A good lacquer spray gun will have minimal internal parts, easy-access nozzles, and smooth surfaces that allow for fast cleaning between coats or color changes.

Before purchasing, check user reviews and manufacturer manuals to verify how long it typically takes to clean the sprayer.

A sprayer that’s tough to clean often ends up clogged or poorly maintained—affecting performance and lifespan.

Can You Spray Lacquer with an Airless Sprayer?

Spraying lacquer with an airless sprayer is not recommended. While airless paint sprayers are powerful and great for covering large surfaces quickly, they also produce high levels of overspray—which makes them a poor match for thin materials like lacquer.

Lacquer is a fast-drying, low-viscosity finish that requires precision and control. Airless sprayers typically operate at much higher pressure than necessary, which can result in:

• Excessive lacquer waste
• Paint mist that settles everywhere
• An uneven or textured finish

If your primary goal is to spray lacquer, choose an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray gun instead. HVLP systems deliver better control, minimal overspray, and a much smoother finish—ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and trim work.

Bottom line: Skip the airless sprayer for lacquer projects. It’s messy, wasteful, and inefficient for fine finishing.

Best Spray Tip Size for Lacquer

Once you’ve selected the right lacquer spray gun, your next step is choosing the correct spray tip size. Tip size directly affects the atomization, spray pattern, and quality of your finish. Using the wrong size can result in orange peel texture, runs, or clogging.

Here’s what you need to know:

HVLP Gravity Feed Sprayers

• Recommended tip size for lacquer: 1.6mm to 2.0mm
• Best for fine finishes on furniture, cabinets, and woodwork
• Offers lower pressure and better material control

Pressure Feed Spray Guns

• Recommended tip size for lacquer: 1.2mm to 1.4mm
• Allows for a more continuous material flow
• Great for larger or production-style jobs that still require finesse

Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for both the spray gun and the lacquer product you’re using. Matching tip size to material viscosity is key to a clean, professional result.

What is the Best Spray Gun for Lacquer?

We recommend the Earlex HV5500 as the best lacquer sprayer.  Why?  Well, it’s a turbine system so no air compressor needed.  

Come with a long 13 ft hose to maneuver around your work space, the gun and hose store right on the machine, minimal overspray, and it can spray stains and some paints too.

What is Lacquer?

So exactly what is Lacquer Paint?  According to DIY Network, lacquer paint is a protective coating.  It provides a very intense gloss finish.  It is durable and resistant to damage, including water damage.  

You can purchased clear or tinted lacquers.  Use lacquer spray if you want an ultra modern shiny look or if your furniture is used frequently.

Lacquer spray paint is thinner than other finishes, and is best applied with a lacquer sprayer.  You will have to spray multiple coats, allowing at least 24 hours between each one.

How to Avoid Common Problems with Spray Lacquer 

If you’re using the best lacquer sprayer, then it is important to make sure any stains you’ve applied have completely dried before applying the sealant.

Remember that 3 or 4 light coats of lacquer tend to work better than one very thick coat. A 320 fine grit sandpaper in-between the second and third coat will help the upper coats adhere better for a better overall finish.

If a run should occur, shave it down with a razor blade after drying and then re-spray to fix. Make sure to use a completely horizontal movement when spraying lacquer.

An arcing motion is a common beginner’s error and will result in a surface that is not uniform.  Always keep your spray gun 8-14 inches away from the surface based on your manufacturer’s instructions.

Humidity and Your Lacquer Sprayer

It is best to apply lacquer in an environment that has relatively low humidity. Anything above 65% humidity can result in blushing, which makes the lacquer look hazy once it dries.

Early morning spraying tends to provide the best results when you live in a high humidity environment.

Tips for Spray Painting Lacquer: Best Lacquer Sprayer

It is also important to keep the spray gun moving at all times. A constant flow of lacquer is critical to an even finish. Having some lacquer overlap on the finished surface is expected. It takes a little practice to move at a pace that is steady, but still quick.  Here is a great video with tons of tips.

How to Clean Up After Applying Lacquer 

You have two lacquer options: nitrocellulose or water-base.

With nitrocellulose lacquer spray, you can spray throughout the day, taking breaks in-between each application, and only clean your spray gun when finished.

Detach the gun from the air hose, pull the trigger so the lacquer in the gun drips back into your cup, and then follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions.

For water-base lacquers, you’ll need to completely flush your lacquer spray gun with water. Any leftover lacquer should be returned to the can.

Make sure to wipe off the parts to prevent lacquer buildup within the gun that could affect future results.

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Lacquer Thinner vs Paint Thinner

Lacquer thinner is a very strong solvent that has advantages and disadvantages over paint thinner.  It is stronger than most solvents and can ruin oil paints, surface and fabrics.

While paint thinner is milder and safer to use, it is advised to use on wood, metal and concrete.  Get all the details in our latest post on how to use paint thinner before you start your next DIY painting project.

Be sure to test a hidden area before using lacquer thinner.  It is also more flammable than paint thinner.  Each brand of lacquer thinner is made of different ratios of solvents: what might work for one project, may wreck another.

Read and follow the directions to the letter for best results.

What is Polyurethane? What is the Difference between Lacquer and Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is not the same as lacquer.  According to DIY Network, it is a plastic in the form of a liquid  until it dries.  Lacquer is a coating that provides a glass like finish versus polyurethane which is a plastic type coating.

When painting kitchen cabinets, I used polyurethane to provide a clear, solid plastic type seal and protective coating. It dried shiny and was perfect to brighten up a white kitchen even more.

Tip: use a natural bristle brush to apply poly.  This avoid bubbles in the coating.

NEVER shake the can.  This introduces bubbles into the poly.  Always stir the product thoroughly with a paint stick.  If any imperfection appear in your coating, you can remove it with mineral spirits for about 20-30 minutes after application.

Always apply in a well ventilated area, and expect a waiting time of a day or two or more for it to cure/set.  Careful, if you use oil based products, as they can leave a yellow color behind as they age, especially on lighter paints.  You can buy water based OR oil based poly, and for painting light colored surfaces, grab water based polyurethane.

Is Lacquer the Same as Clear Coat?

Yes and no. While both lacquer and clear coat serve as protective top layers, they aren’t always the same.

A clear coat is a transparent finish applied over paint or wood to shield the surface from moisture, UV rays, and wear. Clear lacquer falls into this category—so if you’re using clear lacquer, then yes, it acts as a clear coat.

However, lacquer also comes in tinted versions, which are not considered true clear coats. Tinted lacquer will change the appearance or color of the surface beneath it, which clear coats are specifically designed not to do.

Bottom line: Clear lacquer is a type of clear coat. Tinted lacquer is not.

Is Lacquer Water-Resistant?

Yes, lacquer is water-resistant—and it has been used for centuries to protect surfaces from moisture, wear, and the elements.

Lacquer’s water resistance comes from its thin, penetrating formula, which allows it to soak deeper into wood and other porous surfaces. Once cured, it forms a durable, sealed finish that protects against:

• Water and humidity
• Scratches and abrasions
• UV damage (in some formulations)

This makes it ideal for:

• Dining tables and coffee tables
• Nightstands and high-use furniture
• Outdoor furniture and decorative pieces exposed to weather

Pro tip: For exterior use, choose a lacquer specifically labeled for outdoor protection.

How Long Does Lacquer Last?

Lacquer finishes can last for years, depending on the surface, environment, and how well it’s maintained. Here’s a breakdown:

Indoor Surfaces

Lacquer applied to indoor furniture or cabinetry can last many years, often without needing much touch-up.

Outdoor Surfaces

When applied to items exposed to the elements, lacquer’s lifespan is reduced—but you can still expect a few solid years of protection before recoating is necessary.

Shelf Life in the Can

The longevity of unused lacquer also depends on storage conditions and formulation:

• Water-based lacquer: Shorter shelf life
• Oil-based or nitrocellulose lacquer: Longer shelf life if sealed and stored properly

Check the manufacturer’s label for shelf life guidance and proper storage recommendations.

How Do You Protect a Lacquer Finish?

Here are a few tips to keep that lacquer looking lovely throughout the years:

1. Don’t leave heavy items or items that can scratch the surface
2. Wipe up spills right away
3. Dust it regularly

Best Lacquer Brands: Pro Results Fast

There are different lacquer brands available on the market today, so which is reliable?

Deft 

Rust-Oleum 

What Are the Prices for the Best Lacquer Sprayer? 

The price that you’ll pay for a lacquer spray gun that works well depends on the type and features that you’ll need for your next project.

Some basic entry-level models retail for between $25-$50. The average user can find a great spray gun for around $100 and often a bit less.

Premium products for high capacity use can run as high as $300 for a professional grade tool with stainless steel and brass parts.

Conclusion

The best spray gun for lacquer is going to give your project the perfect finish.

If you want amazing results that can be achieved quickly and easily, then the professional looks that these sprayers can provide are going to impress you.

Find yours today and let your creativity start to flow.

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