How to Care for Catalyzed Lacquer Finish

Dusting and Polishing

Use a polishing/cleaning agent to clean your wood's catalyzed lacquer finish.

1. Remove any objects from the wood item containing a catalyzed lacquer finish and place them to the side or on another surface.

2. Wipe the piece of wood with a soft cloth or rag to remove any loose dust and dirt. Wiping the surface first also keeps any loose debris from grinding into the wood during the next step. Fold the cloth or rag in half after wiping down the surface.

3. Spray a layer of furniture polish onto the wood surface or apply 2 to 3 tbsp. of a liquid polish to the soft cloth or rag. Wipe the wood in the direction of its grain with the soft cloth or rag.

4. Use a clean, soft cloth or rag to wipe off any excess polish. Again, wipe in the direction of the wood's grain.

Removing Dirt and Scratches

1. Apply 2 to 3 tbsp. of a wood cleaner containing a polishing agent to a soft cloth or rag. If the wood surface is extremely soiled or scratched, apply the cleaner to a piece of super-fine grade #0000 steel wool.

2. Wipe the wood in the direction of its grain with the cleaner-soaked soft cloth, rag or piece of steel wool. Let the cleaner soak into the wood for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Use a clean, soft cloth or rag to wipe off the dirt and any excess cleaner. Again, wipe in the direction of the wood's grain. If you left the cleaner on too long or the wood cleaner becomes tacky, apply an additional tablespoon of the cleaner to the wood surface and let it soak into the wood for 4 to 5 minutes, then wipe the cleaner from the wood.

4. Let the cloths or rags dry completely before washing or discarding of them in your home's trash. Failure to let the cloths/rags dry can lead to a risk of spontaneous combustion.