How to Tell If a Finish Is Lacquer or Polyurethane
Identifying the finish on wood floors or furniture is necessary if you plan to strip and refinish the wood surface. Polyurethane is a highly durable finishing material that comes in high-gloss, gloss or matte finishes. Manufacturers make polyurethane from synthetic resins that are resistant to water and most solvents.
Lacquer is a highly flammable finish when wet. It finishes dry due to evaporation of one or more of the chemical components and dries quickly to a hard and durable coating. You can't tell the difference between the two finishes just by looking at them, so you’ll need to perform a test or two to tell the difference.
Things You Will Need
- Coin
- Rag
- Lacquer thinner
- Acetone
- Cotton swab
Tip
If other finishes are a possibility, test for shellac. Dip a rag into denatured alcohol and rub the surface. If the finish comes off, shellac coats the surface. Drip a drop or two of water on the surface; let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If the finish turns white, wax coats the surface. If varnish coats the surface, removal methods are the same as polyurethane removal, which is using a paint and polyurethane remover. Perform the test as close as possible to the projected start date of the refinishing project to avoid exposing wood to water.
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Find a hidden spot on the floor or furniture. On floors, test the area under a piece of furniture or carpet. Test the back of furniture or inside of drawers and doors.
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Rub the edge of a coin back and forth over the hidden area while pressing firmly. If the finish flakes, the coating is varnish, wax or shellac. If the finish is resistant to the coin, the coating is polyurethane or lacquer.
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Dip the corner of a clean, soft rag into lacquer thinner. Rub the hidden area on the floor or furniture. If the surface layer dissolves, the finish is lacquer. If the surface remains unchanged, the finish is polyurethane.
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Place a cotton swab in some acetone as an alternative method and apply it to the finish. If it beads, you likely have polyurethane. If not, wait a few minutes. If it dissolves the finish, you probably have lacquer.
The Drip Cap
- Identifying the finish on wood floors or furniture is necessary if you plan to strip and refinish the wood surface.
- Rub the hidden area on the floor or furniture.
- If the surface remains unchanged, the finish is polyurethane.
- Place a cotton swab in some acetone as an alternative method and apply it to the finish.
- If not, wait a few minutes.
References
- Floors, Stairs & Carpets; Time Life Editors
- Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual; The Family Handyman Editors
- Furniture Repair & Refinishing; Creative Homeowner Editors
- WoodMagazine.com: What Finish Is That Anyway?
- Acme How To: How to Determine Type of Wood Finish
Writer Bio
Sal Marco began writing professionally in 2009. He has written many online home improvement articles based on his more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement and building industries. He has worked as both part of a team and as a site supervisor. Marco has a Bachelor of Science in management science from Kean University.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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