The secret to getting an awesome finish with spray lacquer in under 30 minutes | Finishing basics

[@pemtax557]

Hi Steve, I've used Deft products for more years than I like to admit. I'm a retired communications engineer and we were regularly designing and building prototype systems that ended up getting sold by our Marketing Department faster than we could complete the designs. Many a late night was spent finishing the equipment, having to shoot the paint and boxing for shipment by the next morning. Deft was our answer to getting the product dry enough to wrap and pack in record time. And, regardless of the timeframe, it still looked good enough to be proud of. Since retirement, I've continued to use their wonderful products and still swear by them. I felt so validated to see you use it on your projects. I've learned so much by watching your channel and so appreciate your approach to woodworking. Thank you and Cheers ...

[@orangesun3030]

I purchased some spray cans and a sprayer nozzle to attach to the cans, as per your instructions, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! All I could find was some high lustre and I put on 3 coats. I’m very pleased with the results, and I think I have a knack for spraying lacquer.

[@adamcowling]

Used the balled-up paper trick on a couple of table tops. He's not lying about it being like magic. One of the best little tips I've ever picked up.

[@bmelville]

How soon after applying can you use the balled up paper? Wait 24 hours, or?

[@adamcowling]

@@bmelville I usually go with whatever the can of finish says for the time to wait for sanding. As long as the finish isn't tacky at all it should work. I recently did it on polyurethane that had sat in the sun for a couple hours and it was hard enough.

[@davidlynch7853]

I made 12 benches that turned into 6 picnic tables for our wedding and used this technique of the brown bag as the finish surfacing technique and work amazingly and give you all the credit from some of your other videos as to why I used this method.👍

[@foos.998]

Thank you for explaining the difference between poly and lacquer. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone explain it this way about how the different layers bond to each other. Makes so much more sense to me now :)

[@Grutzujin]

How long do you let the final coat dry before you buff with brown paper? 5 minutes, 2 hours, a day or more?

[@chiil034]

I tried it about 90 minutes after and noticed a difference in feel.

[@mikegrier2829]

No sanding between coats and very fast time to re-coat makes me a big fan of lacquer. I’ve tried this technique on two projects this year with results that are above my historical skill level.

[@jamestrowbridge]

I noticed lockdown woodworking is no longer a thing. Sad to see it go. It was nice to keep us company! Thank you!

[@cbbelanger1099]

Steve, I've been using Deft lacquer for a few years, 40+. I've been buying my online and I just got a shipment yesterday from Each Coast Hardware. They had a sale and I got them for $5.87 per can!!!. Shipping was free. I had to order 13 cans to get above their $75 limit but it was worth. Fast shipping. Ordered Sunday. Keep the videos coming. Thx, CB

[@Cardinalfloors]

I do hardwood floors for a living and I want to do more woodworking on the side. Laquer is king for all my projects now, thanks Steve!

[@AhmedSiddiquiEngr]

Oh My God, I had to find this video to comment and let u give my feedback. The paper trick at the end is amazing, I saved a lot of time. Love you man, God bless u!!!

[@georgegri]

Thank you sooooo much for the brown paper tip!!!! that worked like miracle!!! I couldn't believe my eyes!! It's amazing sometimes how the simple things work sooo much better. Thanks again!

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Steve, that elusive time again, in case you did not get the meaning of this, I am referring to a sunny dry day. I live in the UK and the difference between summer and winter is that in the summertime you get rain, if you have snow then it is winter, any time that you get a sunny dry day you can be assured that you are sleeping and having a weird dream or you are outside the UK.

[@MulloyDIY]

All these years I’ve been using polyurethane to finish projects. Now that I’ve seen your videos I tried spray lacquer for the first time. It’s soooooo easy and beautiful!!!! Why didn’t I use it before now??!!

[@Christopher_Wheeler]

This was immensely helpful! Thanks Steve.

[@SusanHCooper]

You are THE BOMB & my latest KZbin hero! I'd just completed stripping & restoring an old desk w gel stain (that's another chapter!Why do these KZbinrs say that stripping paint off furniture & using gel stain is "quick, easy & fun?" Are they on drugs?) I watched dozens of KZbin videos trying to decide best finish to apply to my desk..I got more confused than ever! Then I found Steve!..My HERO! So I decided to follow your lead..With great trepidation I decided to spray w lacquer... OMG!! You changed my life! Sand, spray, wipe w paper & DONE! It really was that easy & the finish is stunning! 🤩😘

[@lonniec2116]

A couple of years ago, my local box store was clearing out their Deft, and I bought 33 cans of satin and gloss for $1 each. Awesome find.

[@lexieharvey8186]

I watched this video probably a year ago and came back to watch again from the master (you)! Today i am using your technique on my wood base for my vintage black pipe "edison" desk lamp. After a year of using polycrylic on other projects, i am loving just how fast and clear the lacquer is. I am completing the last coat on my wood base and will buff it just as you have. Thank you for your tips... your experience is helping me to look like a pro!

[@JayWC3333]

Steve, I suggest you use gloss in the bottom two coats of lacquer then semi-gloss on the top coat. It obscures the grain a lot less then 3 coats of semi-gloss.

[@robertoswalt319]

Great point. I wouldn't have thought about that.

[@albertkelly7129]

just use gloss for everything because afterwards you can achieve every type of finish with it

[@JayWC3333]

@@albertkelly7129 You totally can, but this is WWMM. My suggestion was for MM. Yours starts to get more into the process than Steve's channel usually does.

[@albertkelly7129]

@@JayWC3333 not at all, my suggestion is simpler than yours. rather than messing with different types of finish just use full gloss. if you want the simplest finish just leave the full gloss alone and if you want less sheen simply sand away using the grit required to achieve the finish you desire. doesnt get any simpler than that.

[@JayWC3333]

@@albertkelly7129 Okay...so...it's not simpler. If you're doing an exterior flat surface of a project you can do what you're saying and sand to change the sheen. However if you're doing shelving or a box or something with inside corners...it's not simpler. It is a great way to do the finish; so, I'm not knocking that. I'm just saying it's beyond the scope of this channel.

[@xsdev]

You have really outdone yourself with the "extra fancy" piece for this week's demonstration. 😂 In all seriousness, thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

[@nightowl356]

he wanted to call for a special board meeting, but management didn't care about which board he used

[@jimwatchyyc]

Will it be given away as a prize?

[@JustSayN2O]

Such an awesome video! Because of your advice, when I went food shopping yesterday, for the first time in my life I requested "paper" (so I can smooth down my next lacquer project).

[@mcattack2009]

Youve given that craft paper trick in the past and its magic. Love it!

[@GZBulletZA]

My favourite youtube channel for woodworking tips and tricks.

[@puddinggeek4623]

Thanks

[@scottgerstenberg9551]

I love how practical you are in your approach to woodworking. You make it very accessible and inspire confidence in embracing the imperfections.

[@darryl5464]

After seeing you use that spray trigger thingy for a long time now, I finally bought one . How did I go this long without it?

[@drzeus9449]

Spray life-changing isn't it? And I finally managed to get mine off to put on a different can! Always check which way yr nozzle is pointing if you have it on the can when shaking it. First time I used it, it had swivelled round and I sprayed at 90° 😂

[@stephanie09.11]

Ditto.

[@ihd-3603]

@@drzeus9449 90 degrees? Need AC in your shop?

[@drzeus9449]

@@ihd-3603 😂😂😂

[@vokouns]

Quick question from a woodworking novice. If you are building something, let's say a desk, would you put the lacquer on all of the boards before assembly? Or spray on the lacquer finish after it's fully assembled?

[@walther9161]

The best explanation of lacquer I’ve seen so far!! Thanks for posting

[@kevingreen8763]

Thank you for the info...I'm doing a single cedar picket project where I made a vase, rose, and rose stem from a single picket. Now I'm down to applying the spray lacquer. I'm on my 3rd coat and noticed a run on the vase...I'm going to follow your advice to correct the issue and also the paper bag final treatment. Thanks again for the video. 😊

[@Downsouth.backroads]

I just used this method, it turned out GREAT...I was amazed how smooth my headboard project and it is smooth as glass...used a torn up paper grocery bag

[@kristenshoemaker4194]

This video was so helpful. I'm going to try your magic "recycled paper buffer" technique to a wood piece I've just completed with lacquer. Thank you!

[@mattlangfield]

This is great! I've been using spray poly for years and had mixed results...I just switch to spray lacquer, followed all of your instructions (except brand), and had the quickest, easiest, and best results I've ever had. This is fantastic!! Thank you!!

[@MightyGodlikeG]

That is some great and really motivating advice. I built a bas guitar by myself and stained it with a waterbased stain, put some hardoil on it and then had some bleeding of the paint. sanded it all down, restained it and now plan to clearcoat it myself. Gonna try out on a testpiece this week and asap on the final thing. Gonna use all of your tips and it surely will look fine. Thanks Steve!

[@sigogglin]

I just used this on a dice tray and the buffing trick at the end was like magic!

[@spagamoto]

Tip I learned from Adam Savage's channel: Use a hairdryer (hot setting) to dry the lacquer in seconds. I use this trick all the time for small pieces. Also works for most solvent-based spray paints.

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

Thanks! What a great tip. 👍🏼

[@BGraves]

Does this cause any freezing of the imperfect surface before lacquer thinner allows it to properly self flatten?

[@spagamoto]

@@BGraves I haven't looked at that! Next time I do some lacquering I'll try.

[@BGraves]

Absolutely do not do this. I tried it on a test piece.

[@spagamoto]

Heh. Works fine for me. Your mileage may vary. What lacquer did you try?

[@anthonys.2365]

That is the first time in years I’ve heard someone refer to the brown paper bag method. Another method that surprised me is old wine bottle corks used in the same fashion.

[@NOMcreative]

Sir, I have been watching your videos for a while now, and they're all good. (I don't do a lot of woodworking so safety tips and how to correctly do a technique is all great. Very beginner.) But the brown paper bag tip in this video changed my life. I just spent a week working on building a new closet with no handles on the drawers (open gap, Ikea style) and the grit was driving me insane, and no amount of more coats or sanding was doing the trick. You are fabulous. Your videos are fabulous. I am now a huge fan.

[@garyhubley]

Hey Steve. Been loving the blog style videos since the lockdown started. I noticed you're laying the board you are finishing right on your workbench. This means you have to walk around your work when you're spraying and then you have to wait until the top is dry before finishing the under side. What about doing a bed of nails on a lazy susan similar to Rob Cosman? Just a thought. Keep up the great content.

[@SteveRamsey]

I have one on my finishing cart.I use it all the time. But sometimes walking is good for the body!

[@Nick_Harkness]

Do you need to use Deft Sanding Sealer before applying the Lacquer Spray?

[@bobjones8864]

Great, clear lesson on spray lacquer, thanks

[@willieklassen3665]

Hey just wanted to comment and say if you use a sanding sealer first and sand it then you should have no rough feeling once you spray the laquaer. It's amazing how smooth of a finish you can get without buffing it out.

[@roy4410]

I have used sanding sealer for over 20 years and works great

[@WarER4X]

Thanks for this video. I've always heard about how user-friendly lacquer is. I just used it for the first time last weekend. It sprayed on easy enough, but there were a few things that didn't match up with what everyone says. First, the can said to let it dry for 2 hrs before recoating. Between this video and others, I've learned that, that isn't really necessary. Second, when I was finished applying my coats, the surface felt very rough, which was very disappointing after working so hard to make everything smooth. I was concerned that something went wrong. The brown paper "buffing" trick fixed all that and the end result is excellent! Thanks!

[@MarkOhanesian]

Does the buffing have to be done right after the lacquer is applied or can it be done later?

[@WarER4X]

@@MarkOhanesian The first time I did it, it was at least a couple days after the finish was applied and it still worked great. It is a mechanical process's, like sanding, but very gentle, so I think it would work anytime.

[@MarkOhanesian]

@@WarER4X i just tried it with the brown paper that comes in Amazon boxes and it worked like magic! I tried it about 12 hours later and again 3 days later

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

Holy crap $14 ? Here in Utah today is almost $6. Just bought it. Crazy!

[@Jaden_Core.]

This video was very timely and helpful for my project. I’ve held back from woodworking because I’m terrible at it, but these videos have given me enough confidence to start venturing out.

[@philwebb8049]

I've been using this technique that you demonstrated in one of your older videos! It really does work great!! Thank you Steve, keep up the great work - I'm loving the new Vlog style daily videos 😉

[@redyeti7371]

About to use this tip in getting my son's birthday present ready. Thanks Steve!!!

[@jayscott306]

Timely! I just ordered 2 cans and a spray adapter. Just need to finish my rotisserie jig to turn my lathe at a slow enough speed. Great lesson. Thanks, Steve.

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

I am using your finishing techniques and it never felt me down!!!

[@RippSlip]

You're the bill nye of wood. Respect✊

[@jw_25]

This made my life so much easier. I’m a total noob and the key tips really made a project a breeze! Thanks so much!

[@ElvenGoddess86]

i just made a nice bench for my plants. I didnt know about the buffing with the paper after. I will have to try this step!

[@jameskass4415]

Really appreciate your videos, Steve. Originally found your channel when looking for tips how to use my new contractor table saw, but this tip with spray lacquer and rubbing the finish with craft paper is something I use all the time and works amazingly well. Often I'll apply some shellac coats first and then finish with a couple passes of spray lac. Would never have figured this out by myself, thanks so much!

[@mendelzwiebel814]

Hey steve, certain home depot locations carry the deft spray cans, i have gotten them at the vacaville home depot a few times & they cost about 6 dollars each, check your local home depot or take the short trip to stock up! good luck!

[@waycewl]

Also available through home depot online for $6 per can.

[@badgerwatkins]

I thought hd stopped carrying deft?

[@Turk380]

@@badgerwatkins nope, available at mine too.. (St. Louis)

[@marchoude3758]

@@badgerwatkins Looking more closely at the online listing you are probably right, there is no option for home delivery, and my local store no longer has it.

[@badgerwatkins]

@@Turk380 Interesting. I'll have to look again. I had to start looking elsewhere after all the SF bay area HDs stopped carrying it a few years ago.

[@pyromen321]

I worked in a wood finishing factory for a few years and have a bit to add. I’m not sure if it’s different for canned spray lacquers, but we found a different process to be most effective for finish longevity. 1. Spray and let it dry. 2. Gently hit it with a scotch brite pad followed by a cotton rag. 3. Spray the final coat a tiny bit thicker. At this point, you don’t need to do any final buffing, assuming you’re spray control was good. For certain applications, we would sand the wood gently with 220 grit sandpaper after the first spray and then go to step 1, but I cannot remember the exact circumstances this came up in. I think when using certain types of stain before the finish, some wood fibers would stick up a bit after the first pass of clear coat, leading to some texturing in the final product. This could have been a result of being in a factory setting and not letting everything dry fully before finishing, but I use this process to this day and think it has the best results at the cost of extra spray and labor.

[@beaverpondlane]

Hey Steve, I'm new around here. I recently finished catching up on all of your lockdown videos and this is the first one I've seen within a day that it's come out. Let me be just one more person to say how much I appreciate and enjoy your videos! I'm just getting into the hobby myself, and you have become my go-to resource for your balanced and very accessible approach. So, when is the next woodworking jam?

[@johnsalgado1909]

That help me alot I been trying to find something to finish my projects but so far no luck I also didn't know the brown bag process ill definitely give it a shot

[@glenbutler9611]

Thank you so much for a straight-to-the point, clear, concise video without piercing music or rambling. Thank you for the show as you go techniques which allow viewers to see exactly what you're explaining👍🏼

[@jamesanthony8438]

_watches the opening_ Well, there went your special effects budget for the year. =)

[@zacharyelliott7161]

Well it's almost the next year anyway. Might as well use it up.

[@drzeus9449]

I was looking elsewhere as it started and thought "Oh rats, stupid yt or Windoze stalled the video"! But no, just one of Steve's crazy intros😂

[@SGLVNV]

@@drzeus9449 .

[@arimadx]

I've heard of people saying they can get away with no sanding. That's never worked for me. I always use a fine grit foam sanding pad between all coats after 2. If I dont then it's always rough from the over spray etc.

[@eswift8318]

I think it depends a little on air temp and drying, but a lot on environment. I can't use indoors because I have two dogs and a cat (plus the fumes). I did a project last spring outdoors on one of the days when you could see the pollen in the air. Had to use the white 3m pad lightly in between. But you don't need to try to get a sheen. Just knock off the little bits. A few light swipes with a pad or fine sandpaper. When you have all your coats, get aggressive with the rumpled paper bag.

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Huh.... Fascinating. I run a cabinet shop and have a lot of experience putting high quality finishes on large amounts of cabinets and furniture .... I have never once tried what you showed here... No sanding between coats, and then buffing with masking paper lol.... Strange concept ... But I have to try it now lol.

[@gazzabel7040]

Excellent utterly superb just what I needed to lacquer my maple snare drum

[@monkeyman8265]

Great video right to the point and great information

[@DCWoodWorking]

This is exactly what I've found that works well for lacquer

[@drewbuatti8124]

Just wondering when is the next shoeshine box update? Have a great day! Great job!

[@martylts]

Steve, your videos just get better and better. This video was so well done, if I didn't know better, I would say you had a crew of 5-8 people helping you. Bravo!

[@andrewbendahan1379]

Good thing I came back to this video again. Just finished a project with spray lacquer and wanted to do more coats - I sprayed way too fast. (Edited): and I didn't lacquer the end grain well and didn't buff.

[@John.117]

He has a lot of those neat tricks. I joined the Weekend Woodworker - and the money I saved... was easily made up by the mistakes I didn't make and the tricks I picked up. I would have paid more in wasted lumber if I hadn't done that.

[@pkk6428]

On my wood projects lately I have used Rustoleum clear finish and it comes out very nice.

[@leopardcubpupkryky6940]

What are the extra steps for buffing the gloss laquer? I wanted a very glossy surface because I am finishing drums.

[@Damon_Barber]

Thanks for the in-depth look at how you lacquer! I’ve been thinking of using this on a project soon and this video is perfect!

[@Konzertheld]

I had forgotten about the intro and it hit me. :D Also, I love the balled-up paper technique. Never seen that but know a lot of people who bought all kinds of more or less expensive polishing cloths.

[@David.M.]

Thanks Steve, just ordered a can.

[@JohnMcMahan5]

You are the Bill Nye of woodworking!

[@toysoldier46552]

I use 1200 grit sandpaper for the final coat, I mean, it was given to me years ago and if you have it use it lol.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic tips, Steve! Thanks a lot! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@KirstenLynch319]

I love this and will be giving it a try today!

[@spencervam6563]

best intro on all of youtube

[@brucemezei1129]

When finished, do you need to clean the nozzle by holding can upside down and pressing the plunger cap until there is just air????

[@fredparsons5134]

Next Level Carpentry on YT says spray the can up side down to clean and then store the can upside down and it will keep for years . That was a new one to me.

[@randyrice7214]

How can you apply lacquer to stained wood? Is there a difference? Do you need a specific type of stain? Thanks in advance! This channel is always my go-to for tips and tricks

[@OtherBrotherDaryl]

Steve "Lacquered" Ramsey

[@eddonnelly3498]

hello steve wow, so very helpful. does this product come in a matte finish? or something less shiny than satin

[@skidwel]

Yup, the brown paper bag paper really works to smooth out the finish!!!

[@datrandomdugggy5537]

when do you do the buffing? when the coat has fully dried or only dried to the touch

[@Bertopolis]

I feel like I'm watching Bill Nye the Wood Working Guy. Love the videos Steve, keep em coming

[@davidwalls7966]

Exactly what I needed, when I needed it! Thanks Steve!

[@joepearson9704]

Thanks Steve. Been having trouble with lacquer lately. Definitely was not doing the last step. Practice that this weekend. Getting ready to start your Weekend Woodworker program as well.

[@projectwood7221]

I have not used lacquer in years...used love the smell

[@1031Investing]

Another great video Steve! Folks, he has lots of great vids. Can't wait until the next one. Thanks Steve and keep them coming!

[@SYBEX21]

Love the videos, I am thankful you still making them.

[@JohnMark61355]

Thanks for the video. I have a lot of fine grit sandpaper that I use for resin. About what grit equivalent is the brown paper?

[@JohnMark61355]

Can anybody answer this? Thanks.

[@Sagefieldstudio]

@@JohnMark61355I’ve heard it’s about 1400-1600 grit

[@JohnMark61355]

Thank you.

[@Nebx1989]

Any idea if this would be OK to apply in the winter in a garage that's around 45F?

[@nishantgeorge]

Steve, thank you for all the content you put out there. Is lacquer finish considered durable for furniture that would get subjected to rough use, say a dining table?

[@timm3792]

Yes but not as durable as Polyethylene.

[@florwuo]

Great video!! Thank you!!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Cygnusvailand]

I picked up the "premium" trigger for lacquer cans (the $7 vs the $5). I tried it with two different cans and both of them immediately fell out every time I pulled the trigger. Didn't look like it was a one-off defect either and was actually due in part to how it was designed to be able to fit various can sizes. Squeezing the trigger would apply pressure towards the expansion gap in the plastic collar. Sometimes more expensive is not always better. Just a heads up for anyone out there looking to get a trigger for rattle cans.

[@perfectpixel9544]

Would you still do this buffing process if applying lacquer over paint on a picture frame?

[@papajass7240]

Good lesson dude🙌🏾

[@mariomanzini-n9f]

I find that as I'm spraying the areas not directly under the nozzle area are drying quickly to a light colored haze. Even with several overlapping passes it doesn't appear even. I'm spraying indoors. Will subsequent coats blend in with the hazy area creating a clearer shiny surface?

[@mrmetinoregon]

I'm working on finishing up a coffee table and I've applied 2 coats of spray water based polyurethane. After seeing this (and the finish I have so far) I think I'd like to switch to to using lacquer instead. Can I apply the lacquer over top of the poly or do I need to sand it off first?

[@susanweidman3525]

Can you use this product on an acryllic painting on canvas? Thanks.

[@valerienicole03]

Hi! I am using this spray over a white painted table… should I still use the brown paper or should I find a white paper substitute?