what are lacquers?

Question

nitro-cellulose based

Answer 1

In a general sense, lacquer is a clear or coloured coating, that dries by solvent evaporation and often a curing process as well that produces a hard, durable finish, in any sheen level from untra matt to high gloss and that can be further polished as required. In a narrower sense, lacquer consists of a resin dissolved in a fast-drying solvent which is a mixture of naphtha, xylene, toluene, and ketones, including acetone. The word "lacquer" comes from the lac insect (Laccifer lacca, formerly Coccus lacca), whose secretions have been historically used to make lacquer and shellac. In America today the word lacquer applies to Nitro Cellulose and little else and most other coating are known as "varnish". In the UK however, the general rule is that if you spray it it's lacquer and if you brush it it's varnish. All factory finished furniture these days is therefore lacquer (pigmented, tinted or clear).

Answer 2

Varnishes.