What is the difference between laqour and polyeretane?

Question

We are going to be staining cupboards in our kitchen. Which is better? What is the difference?

Answer 1

They are different chemically, in that lacquer uses a stronger chemical to produce. as far as application, polyurethane is easier to apply. you can brush it or even in some cases roll it on. most lacquers need to be applied by some type of sprayer. they do not level out as well as poly, so you can't brush them on. as far as kitchen cabinets, use a poly. it will be much easier to work with. In fact, I would recommend a water-based poly. it dries much faster, and has almost no odor, so it won't stink up the house like an oil-based polyurethane.
try minwax polycrylic or my favorite
benjamin moore stays clear.

http://www.benjaminmoore.com

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacquer

With all due respect I can't see in your Q HOW DO I?

The link gives you the chemical base of lacquer.

Poly "eurethane" is a different chemical substance; as one answer poits out. It's base is PLASTIC/Polymers.

BETTER is relative. If a penetrating stain in a general sense; allowed to dry; you can clear coat it with anything. If the lable states specifics; just follow the instructions; and use what's appropriate. many stains already have sheen/coating/sealing agents in the mix.

The simple answer with what to use; is ANYTHING you want.

Both coatings will have odor. Lacquer might be slightly more toxic. Lacquer is usually faster drying. Both are subject to bubbles and flaws; often caused by agitation; and should probably be buffed after with a fine steel wool. Both offer durability; and a high level of sheen. Neither is specifically easy; or neat; or better/worse; than the other. Certainly there are others; such as Varnish or Shellac; Epoxy; etc.

CLEAR when set is the keyword you likely wnat in what you want to achieve.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

If you are going to stain the cupboards then you will need something that is compatible with whatever stain you use. Look on the can of stain and it should tell you what type of finish to put over it. If not, then ask at the hardware store that you buy your stain at. Usually lacquer will work over both water based stain and oil based stain. Polyurethane will work over oil based stain, I don't know about water based stain.

Answer 4

clean off all the sand paper and steel wool dust very thoroughly. Apply three more coats and set aside for two (2) days to cure for lacquer, or five (5) days if you are using polyurethane.
If you are using Lacquer, you may apply three thin coats, one right after the other about 15 minutes apart before setting the piece aside to dry.
If you are using Polyurethane, DO NOT sand this first coat. Let it dry about two hours and apply a second coat. Then let it dry two more hours and apply another coat, then set it aside to dry for 24 hours.

I like Polyurethane

Answer 5

Forjj is right about poly having a more forgiving finish by leveling out better. I would also suggest poly as I believe it has more water-repelling features than laquer.
Just a rule of thumb - if you're spraying, use laquer. If you're applying by hand - go polyurethane.

Answer 6

Someone dont know thier rules here lol...DFirst of all LACUQER IS NOT BRUSHABLE..you have to spray it..and it dries within 10 minutes...it dries so fast that if you try to brush it..by the time you brush one way..then back the other it will already be tacked..and glob up like a mass of glue..polyurethane you can brush and roll...