Look at the clear reflection in this cabinet’s lacquered finish. | source: via PAINTED BY KAYLA PAYNE

Beautiful and bright chest of drawers with a blue high-gloss lacquer finish. | source: via DOMINO

What is the definition of Lacquer?

Have you ever heard someone mention the term “lacquer” or a “lacquered finish” and wondered what on earth it meant? Well, now you have to wonder no longer – we will define lacquer for you! Here is the latest addition to our Decorating Dictionary…

Lacquer: is a clear or coloured hard-wearing furniture coating with an intense high-gloss finish. The word “lacquer” borrows its name from the lac insect whose shellac-rich resinous secretions (think nail polish) were often used as a wood finish in ancient India. Lacquerwork is also synonymous with the ancient East Asians who used the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree to achieve a durable, shiny glaze. Today lac-based finishes are likely to be referred to as shellac, while lacquer is comprised of more synthetic substances.

[Image Sources: Alexandra Ribar, Painted by Kayla, Domino]