Polyurethane vs Lacquer - Which Stain and Finish Do You Need for Your Woodworking Project?

[@cliiff2]

Thank you for speaking in a slow methodical manner which allowed me to absorb the information; and to top it off, your summary at the end was an extra bonus thank you

[@nonameno8065]

He's a great teacher. Best video I've seen on this subject

[@SawsHub]

Wow, thanks!

[@BruceMusicStore]

I agree!

[@gregaszmus3568]

Completely agree, watched several videos on the topic and this was the most straightforward and clear

[@skin0flute]

I am building a bed frame next weekend. Using Varathane Briarsmoke for the stain and trying to determine which would he better for the finish. Polyurethane vs Laquer? I am located in Florida with high heat and high humidity currently 300% 😅 Should I worry about blushing if using Laquer from a rattle can?

[@DEG1985]

This gentleman is one of the best teachers on all of KZbin. He has a deep understanding of many woodworking topics. I congratulate you for such an excellent job in helping new people interested in learning more. Muchas gracias amigo!

[@SawsHub]

Thanks again!

[@Gravy_Master]

Phenomenal presentation. I just went to your main page as I was chanting over and over again, “Please have tons of uploads on woodworking. Please have tons of uploads on woodworking.” Low and behold I stumbled upon a goldmine. I’m subscribing and I want to help make this channel explode!

[@SawsHub]

Thanks so much for your comment! I hope you enjoy all of the woodworking videos! We'll keep producing more :)

[@davidseguin638]

Thank you for this video and knowledge. It was very clear, precise and to the point. I have been debating on what to use and this told me everything I needed to know.

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@achardjc]

I believe HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure, not High Velocity. Thanks for explaining the differences between lacquer and poly. I now know why I had problems with some of my first attempts at using brushing lacquer .

[@SawsHub]

Great point! I probably mis-spoke in the moment, thanks for the catch :)

[@ABB-xp5pd]

Very well explained! Thanks so much

[@j.davidtaylor2565]

Excellent video, some people tried to talk me out of doing lacquer because of the risk for it to ignite, but it sounds like lacquer is what I need for my project

[@sixmilsix]

You are the first I've heard on YT explain that lacquer is its own solvent, each coat dissolves into previous coats. This is also true of lacquer finishes that were applied many years before. If a lacquered finish is not worn to the wood, a thorough cleaning with mineral spirits or a cleaning solvent other than lacquer thinner, followed with fresh coats of lacquer, produces a like new finish unequalled by any other material I have seen in my 60 years.

[@SawsHub]

Great thoughts, thank you for sharing!

[@JonDunnmusician]

Excellent source of information- care to share your thoughts on CV catalyzed varnish- seems to be a finish of choice of one quality company here in our area

[@deflamrek]

I'd like you to know that I mixed this video into an EDM DJ set that I performed last week. This was a hit!

[@johnbarbuto5387]

This is a much more valuable video than the low number of subscribers would indicate. There are lots of important elements considered in this comparison. I want to redo a large table top (for 12 people), and I'm wondering if it is too much for my skill level and garage setup (however, it is an old table and we are not fancy people). This video does help my considerations a lot. Thank you! Now I'm off to your polyurethane v polycrylic video! (Note: HVLP is high volume, low pressure and it is polycrylic versus polyacrylic. Just FYI)

[@snagglepu]

Explains extremely well and covers all the differences. Real like his videos

[@SawsHub]

Thanks!

[@austinfromaustin320]

I appreciate your vernacular and manerisms. Strange compliment, I know, but your presentation elevates the discussion of the chemistry at hand. This is important because lacquer and poly are chemicals that can be dangerous and harmful to human health without the proper precautions.

[@SawsHub]

Thank you, really appreciate the compliment!

[@jacobkocken1921]

Best video I’ve seen on the topic so far, keep the good stuff coming!

[@SawsHub]

Wow, thanks!

[@jeyrome2438]

good info, especially about the self solvent characteristics of lacquer. thanks.

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ump5754]

Very much appreciated. I was looking up differences between finishes. With the "VS" title and white hair, and knew it would be good haha. Liked and subbed!

[@JeffreyCiesla]

Really appreciate the comparison - putting together my first big project and videos like this are very helpful!

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coreysimmons4043]

Forget all that..look how smooth and shiny that table saw top is. You can see his reflection.

[@AlbertoMorales-od1gh]

Very good explanation for a comparison!

[@SawsHub]

Glad you liked it!

[@mrchrisknight315]

Can you spray lacquer on top of oil based polyurathane? I have a live edge slab that was a bit warped and over winter I did about 15 coats by brush to have a even surface. Today I sprayed on a coat with a fuji semi pro 2. All I have at the moment is 1.3 mm needle and tip. I'll be purchasing a 1.8mm now that I know I like the set up. I am out of verathane polyurethane top coat finisher so was thinking about laquor since it's cheaper. I have a bit of a orange peal finish since I think the 2 turbine set up wasn't enough to properly atomize the Poly, or I should have gone a bit heavier? I'm also considering wet sanding with 3000 grit. And then using a rag soaked with 50/50 Poly/lacquer thinner mixture to get the smooth finish I'm after?

[@theHAL9000]

Terrific overview of the subject.

[@SawsHub]

Thanks!

[@mollyroyle8761]

I’ve learned so much from you today! Thank you….❤

[@rrrrkoop2776]

love the Marantz stereo, same one i grew up with.

[@SawsHub]

Do you know how to fix it?? 😀

[@TR3A]

Usually the capacitors need replacing. Since vintage Marantz receivers are valuable, it may be worth taking it to a technician.

[@RodneyKoop]

@@SawsHub lol, no I don't .sorry

[@expansivegymnast1020]

Perfect for complete newbies like me

[@manvirsb86]

Great explanation and in depth knowledge. Thanks for the sharing and hope you will keep on sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@SawsHub]

Thanks, will do!

[@ube2slow]

By far the most informative video I've seen covering this topic. Great info!

[@geoffmcmahon3288]

Very helpful video....I shall use polyurethane oil based high gloss

[@SawsHub]

Great!

[@RovexHD]

For a humidor which would you go for ?

[@Sidicas]

1:15 whatever that is in the top left corner almost gave me a heart attack. I thought I cracked my new laptop screen.

[@SawsHub]

Haha, sorry about that! Just a rogue power cord :)

[@fr9456]

Great video but there are some few bits of info missing. -they should never be mixed together if re-coating. Will be a disaster. Unless using shellac but I don’t recommend it. -lacquer it’s perfect for sanding a mirror finish, but scratches easily and hot items (coffee mug) will leave white marks. -Poly it’s more resistant to scratching, takes longer to cure and harder to sand. I know because I messed up my wife’s table.

[@MeowfaceMusic]

I’m making big bass marimba bars (percussion instrument that will be struck thousands of times with a medium hard mallet and will vibrate like crazy over and over and over). Traditionally they finished with oils and waxs, though I want to experiment with other stuff. For my experiment phase-in order of best to worst-can you please suggest/brainstorm what you think might work out for coating/sealing wooden bars that will be taking a lot of inherent abuse? With all the beating and vibrating, for instance, might shellac or lacquer or polyurethane or wood hardener or an acrylic poor be too brittle, resulting in getting rattled and crushed to death and breaking apart microscopically over time? Also consider which finish would be the most scratch resistant. (Bars will be stored in stacks and slid against each other with the potential of dirt and sand bits in between. Thanks for brainstorming with me 👍🏻 Sam

[@SawsHub]

Spar varnish is the toughest finish out there!

[@yusuihang]

Is there any way to tell, or test, whether a finish is lacquer, polyurethane,, shellac, or oil? Is it OK to apply lacquer over polyurethane, shellac, or oil?

[@jamesrussell9434]

I’m building a gaming desk and have a plywood dark oak stained piece, what would you recommend to finish it with, Also great vid and good explaining

[@SawsHub]

Either would work, depends on your skill sets. Here are a few articles to help you consider: sawshub.com/polyurethane-vs-lacquer/ sawshub.com/polycrylic-vs-polyurethane/ sawshub.com/how-to-spray-polyurethane/

[@jatwangismyname900]

Very good presentation sir

[@SawsHub]

Thanks and welcome

[@mariojhorge23]

Very very good explanation. Well done.

[@SawsHub]

Glad you liked it!

[@mariojhorge23]

@@SawsHub very much

[@anthonyrivera7815]

Excellent explanation of the two products. Thanks!

[@ColonelBanana]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@virginias5952]

Hi! Great video!! I used aerosol spray paint on bathroom cabinets and now I need to protect them . What do you recommend for shine and protection?

[@SawsHub]

Oil based on water based paint? That could be important. In general, lacquer will give you the shine but less protection. Perhaps do a lot of coats of lacquer.

[@Guillo78]

Nice thanks I was wondering what was lacquer because 16 century samurai armor

[@SawsHub]

No problem 👍

[@Thecurve_queen]

Hi I have a question I just recently bought 4 cans of lacquer/brushing for the walls in my living room .I wanted to know if I can use a sprayer instead of a brush because of the large area ?thanks

[@bobbyward360]

That was very helpful! Thank you!

[@eddieadams4770]

Great explanation. Told me everything I wanted to know. thanks.

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leniyemsvictorero2360]

I appreciate your explanation

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@odunayoowoyemi]

Hello please what can I use to remove lacquer spray stain on my wheels

[@jeanmarionnegarcia5342]

Wow 1 year ago? Im still impressive amazing video, keep doing😉

[@SawsHub]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jonathanpotvin8904]

Really awesome to have shared all this knowledge. Thank you,

[@bernarddouthit4647]

This is a very helpful video. I am a newbie woodworker and am making at least 5 sets of coasters. I coated my first set with water-based polyurethane out of a spray can and was disappointed with the results. After a tremendous amount of sanding I was able to get them smooth, but as you say in your video - this is a very labor-intensive process. Since lacquer is cheaper and dries much more quickly, why does polyurethane seem to be so popular? Do you have any advice for applying polyurethane to small work pieces like coasters or trivets?

[@wilrockq1065]

Great information. I have a paint chip on a guitar I’d like to fix. The guitar was painted with blue and the finish is polyurethane. The chip is down to the wood and has depth - maybe 1/16. Would you suggest first dropping the poly in there to build up the space and then add the color ?

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

Dropped a like! Great video; great information

[@SawsHub]

Much appreciated!

[@Cindy24412]

which one won't yellow the stain color?

[@johnhubble5373]

Spent long time trying to find out what clear was on my cheap desk. This explained it. It was probably a Laquere finish. Now, Going to sand the Poly off (as the Iol Based Poly did not adhere. chips and has a horrible adhesion issue) reapint with brushable Laquere 50/50 mixture

[@jec_ecart]

Well explained sir.

[@Geeberz1]

Thank you for the video! Very helpful

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markolsen7438]

I just built new cabinet doors, do I need to be worried about brush on lacquer dissolving the stain I plan on covering?

[@freedomfitcoaching6006]

Had to comment…excellent comparison sir!

[@SawsHub]

Thank you kindly!

[@genomitchalinni8106]

Which will accidentally life the paint that you are trying to protect?

[@ABB-xp5pd]

Very well explained! Just one question, can i apply polyurethane over a laquer finish ?

[@priegeljr]

BTW, thanks very much for posting the video. Very helpful!

[@SawsHub]

Glad it was helpful Rob!

[@Indydi]

Great help!

[@SawsHub]

Thanks!

[@ch0c0la8boy]

very informative thanks

[@camilocienfuegos9233]

Which method would be best for dining chairs? I would really like a glass smooth shinny surface - would i get this from a can of lacquer? I have in the past painted furniture and I would prefer to paint using paint brush but spraying might be best for the chairs. Thanks for all the great videos

[@guillaumed4145]

Great video thank you Sir 👍

[@SawsHub]

You are very welcome

[@cameron123dawson]

I built a wooden outdoor bar, which i am going to paint an have some designs on it. I am looking for a top coat which can hold the integrity of the paint with a clear coat, and also be durable enough to protect against water marks from cold drinks and possible spills. i live in san diego, and this bar is subject to sunlight most of the day, which is my biggest concern. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@SawsHub]

Spar varnish. Even that won't withstand all-day sunshine for many years. I would suggest re-coating every year (maybe even more often).

[@conradorodriguez9498]

perfect explanation!

[@kennywoods7232]

While most of this video is highly informative, HVLP stands for High VOLUME Low Pressure, not High Velocity. With that said I will say that I learned about lacquer's method of bonding despite having sprayed it on the job for a number of years. Thank you

[@joyfour4995]

Can you get a satin finish with a lacquer product?

[@joshschlim7692]

Great video thank you

[@SawsHub]

Very welcome

[@productionapostle1298]

so you never heard of oil modified poly or the new oil poly 2 hour dry and no sanding? still thanks

[@JMAJOR-ki7ur]

Thanks for the video . Liked and subbed

[@gameboy398]

thanks

[@SawsHub]

Welcome

[@antb3334]

Best thing for dining table?

[@YOISLANDYIZQUIERDO]

Wow! Big thank you!!!

[@BeammeupSpotty]

thanks!!! very helpful!!

[@honkymonkey9568]

What do you mean by a "wet edge"?

[@wbmaxon]

Thank you for sharing. Subscribed

[@rydaug79]

Any chance you want to sell that Marantz?

[@markweston3345]

Thanks! Do you think its OK to use spray can lacquer to finish a dining room table or is that too big and I should use brush on poly?

[@patkurzydlo3579]

I make coasters out of resin, finding its not very durable. Could you please tell me what is best to coat them with, lacquer, polyurethane, shellac, or varathain?

[@annamarie6228]

Great video! Very informative. Thinking about toning, glazing and using a lacquer top coat, on my maple kitchen cabinets. Does that sound like the right process? How many coats of lacquer should I use? TIA. ☺️

[@SawsHub]

Yep, sounds the like the right process. Put as many coats as you can stand doing!

[@annamarie6228]

SawsHub DIY Woodworking Tips thank you!

[@geldtas216]

Great info thanks bro

[@j_j_h221]

great info thanks!

[@mikefinley4367]

Great info, thanks for sharing / posting. Any insight to the bright finish of maple banjo necks? I like the contrast of the brightness in contrast to a ebony fretboard and headstock cover. Thinking maybe it's just clear lacquer over wood? Any reply appreciated.

[@altimodz]

Great video! Super clear explanation. Tnx!

[@ThaGreatestAlexander]

you mention not wanting to use lacquer with exposure to sun, does that include in a kitchen with big windows etc where sun will hit it? does it change color?

[@SawsHub]

With lacquer, it isn't about change in color as much as it is about deterioration of the finish. And, with your situation, the sun will break it down, unfortunately.

[@francis5944]

Can i apply clear Lacquer over Oil base paint?

[@SawsHub]

Yes

[@francis5944]

Thank you, i did it already. After i applied it, i learned that you have to wait 3 days for oil paint to dry or else paint will bubble up and wrinkle.

[@manbuino2369]

Which one would you sugest for a beech wood tabletop ?

[@SawsHub]

With beech wood, I would opt for polyurethane

[@manbuino2369]

@@SawsHub Thank you i will go with polyurethane then :)

[@InkTONKSicated]

I've painted a surface with matt black paint. What would be best to coat it with to protect it. Thanks.

[@SawsHub]

Polyurethane, use oil or water based depending on what type of paint you're covering. Check out our video on polycrylic vs polyurethane if you're concerned about any color shift

[@tanzidashahnajmukti6437]

What should I use on my concrete pots, i want a clear coat varnish, can I use polyurethane in it?

[@SawsHub]

Sorry, I don't know much about refinishing concrete, just wood. But, take an old pot and give it a try!

[@saadzeb8055]

Thank u uncle for information.. Plz tell me which is more suitable for wood finish in term of water proofing and scratch resiatant ?

[@saadzeb8055]

Also tell me which is best for uv rays protection

[@margauxborgonos4552]

This is gold

[@OmiSido]

Thanks brother 👍

[@neonvoid]

great video

[@luvbigiron]

Great video. I was wondering about the difference between poly and lacquer.

[@SawsHub]

Thanks for watching!

[@21gonza21]

Why do they del Polly on a spray can?

[@ubonrat8653]

Thank you very helpful

[@SawsHub]

Glad it helped

[@hobbyglen7936]

This may be a crazy-sounding questions, but... I used a black spray lacquer on a table. I want to put a clear coat on top of that. What would work best, clear polyurethane or clear lacquer? And same brand or can I change up top coat?

[@SawsHub]

As a general rule of thumb, you never want to put polyurethane over top of lacquer.

[@lvillefamilyl251]

@@SawsHub can you put lacquer over poly?

[@taracall]

So do the finishes look the same? I’m looking for a high gloss finish after staining my coffee table

[@SawsHub]

Poly will have a slight yellowing

[@marcusvinicius-yo4ii]

I used the Yakisugi (charring) method on red oak and used Danish oil over, I wanted to use either polyurethane or lacquer to seal it. I'm inexperienced in staining and finish. I already have gallon of brushing lacquer, but never used a brush, and wanted to wipe on. I noticed briefly on your video you said it's possible to wipe on lacquer, I haven't found much more info on that. would you suggest me to try use lacquer or buy polyurethane and mix with mineral spirits? thanks

[@SawsHub]

I would not advise lacquer but perhaps an oil based polyurethane. Some would say you can apply the lacquer over it but I don't recommend it

[@joshuabourdrez2543]

I need to build up a finish to about a half inch on a table top that is 13 by 18 in. The perimeter of the table has a raised border and I envision the finish hemmed in the middle of the border and making a thick clear coat that will cover the decorations on the table top. From your video it sounds like brush lacquer is best. What do you say? thanks for your video.

[@SawsHub]

What you describe is a resin type finish like you would put on a surfboard. You can never reach a half inch depth with any of the finishes we discussed in the video, including lacquer.

[@ireneflores179]

Thank you