Replies

1. 
   RickL | Feb 21, 2006 11:20pm | #1

   Google has spoken...

   NO, you cannot put poly over lacquer!

   Lacquer can be applied over raw wood, shellac, or a sealer made specifically as an undercoat for lacquer. Lacquer will not adhere to any polyurethane or varnish. It will adhere to some paints, but the determining factors are endless...you’ll have to tackle that one by trial and error. Read the label on the product you’re considering to find out whether you need a separate sealer.

    

   http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/George/FTT_1098.htm

   Scroll down to the bottm on this one!

   http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/lacquer-faq.cfm

   Pre-catalyzed may be something different. I would contact the manufacturer and see what they recommend. Standard practice is to stick with one manufacturer so to minimize compatability issues. Soon as you mix brands and call with a question they will say it must be the other companys stuff that is the problem. All good companies have tech supports so they are the ones you should be contacting.

   
   

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   Edited 2/21/2006 3:27 pm ET by RickL

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Feb 22, 2006 02:03am | #2

   I will take issue with Rick's info.  Poly varnish will adhere just fine to fully dry lacquer or pre-cat lacquer.  All you need to do is to scuff sand the lacquer with 320 paper.  There is no inherent reason for poly varnish not to adhere to lacquer finishes.

   That said, lacquer is a harder finish than poly varnish.  Poly varnish gets some of its "toughness" from being somewhat softer than other finishes.  It's the softness that contributes to its scratch resistance.  So, it depends what you want to accomplish.

   Howie.........