Lacquer vs. Varnish — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Lacquer is a fast-drying coating material usually made from acrylic or cellulose that provides a glossy finish. Varnish is a durable transparent finish made from resins, oils, and solvents that can be glossy, semi-glossy, or matte.
Difference Between Lacquer and Varnish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lacquer and varnish are both finishes used to protect and enhance wood and other materials, but they differ in composition, drying times, and final appearance. Lacquer is generally acrylic- or cellulose-based and dries rapidly by the evaporation of its solvent. Varnish, on the other hand, is typically a combination of resins, oils, and solvents, and it dries through a chemical curing process, which usually takes longer.
Another key difference between lacquer and varnish is their respective durability. Varnish is generally considered to be more durable and better suited for outdoor applications, as it tends to be more resistant to UV light, moisture, and temperature changes. Lacquer is often chosen for indoor furniture and musical instruments due to its fast drying time and high-gloss finish.
Both lacquer and varnish come in various forms that can be applied by brushing, spraying, or wiping. However, lacquer usually requires a sprayer for application, whereas varnish can be easily applied with a brush. In terms of appearance, lacquer provides a high-gloss finish that enhances the natural color of the wood, whereas varnish can be tailored to produce a range of finishes from matte to high gloss.
Comparison Chart
Base Material
Acrylic or Cellulose
Resins, Oils, Solvents
Drying Mechanism
Evaporation
Chemical Curing
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Durability
Less Durable
More Durable
Application Method
Usually Requires Sprayer
Can Be Brushed On
Finish Type
Typically High Gloss
Range from Matte to High Gloss
Compare with Definitions
Lacquer
Provides a high-gloss finish.
The dining table sparkled after two coats of lacquer.
Varnish
Suitable for outdoor use.
Varnish is often used for exterior doors and fences.
Lacquer
Less resistant to environmental conditions.
Lacquer isn't ideal for outdoor furniture.
Varnish
A durable, transparent wood finish.
The deck was protected with a coat of varnish.
Lacquer
Usually applied with a sprayer.
He used a spray gun to apply the lacquer.
Varnish
Made from resins, oils, and solvents.
This varnish contains natural resins and oils.
Lacquer
The term lacquer is used for a number of hard and potentially shiny finishes applied to materials such as wood or metal. These fall into a number of very different groups.
Varnish
Can be brushed on.
She applied the varnish with a natural bristle brush.
Lacquer
Any of various clear or colored synthetic coatings made by dissolving nitrocellulose or other cellulose derivatives together with plasticizers and pigments in a mixture of volatile solvents and used to impart a high gloss to surfaces.
Varnish
Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not a stain.
Lacquer
A glossy, resinous material, such as the processed sap of the lacquer tree, used as a surface coating.
Varnish
Resin dissolved in a liquid for applying on wood, metal, or other materials to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry
The wood was stained with a dark varnish
Several coats of varnish
Lacquer
A finish that is baked onto the inside of food and beverage cans.
Varnish
Apply varnish to
We stripped the floor and varnished it
Her toenails were varnished red
Lacquer
To coat with lacquer.
Varnish
A liquid that contains a solvent and an oxidizing or evaporating binder and is applied to a surface to produce a hard, transparent finish after evaporation and curing.
Lacquer
To give a sleek, glossy finish to.
Varnish
The smooth coating or gloss resulting from the application of this liquid
Wear dulled the floor's varnish.
Lacquer
A glossy, resinous material used as a surface coating; either a natural exudation of certain trees, or a solution of nitrocellulose in alcohol, etc.
Varnish
Something suggestive of or resembling varnish.
Lacquer
A similar finish, baked onto the inside of cans.
Varnish
An often deceptive external appearance or outward show
"people through whom a native stupidity shines forth past any varnish of education or acculturation" (Ira Sher).
Lacquer
To apply a lacquer to something or to give something a smooth, glossy finish.
Varnish
To cover with varnish.
Lacquer
A varnish, consisting of a solution of shellac in alcohol, often colored with gamboge, saffron, or the like; - used for varnishing metals, papier-maché, and wood. The name is also given to varnishes made of other ingredients, esp. the tough, solid varnish of the Japanese, with which ornamental objects are made.
Varnish
To give a smooth and glossy finish to.
Lacquer
To cover with lacquer.
Varnish
To give a superficial or deceptive appearance to
Varnish the truth.
Lacquer
A black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish
Varnish
A type of paint with a solvent that evaporates to leave a hard, transparent, glossy film.
Lacquer
A hard glossy coating
Varnish
Anything resembling such a paint; glossy appearance.
Lacquer
Coat with lacquer;
A lacquered box from China
Varnish
(by extension) A deceptively showy appearance.
Lacquer
A fast-drying wood finish.
He applied lacquer to give the guitar a glossy finish.
Varnish
A passenger train, probably derived from the varnished passenger cars used at one time.
Lacquer
Typically acrylic- or cellulose-based.
This lacquer is acrylic-based and dries quickly.
Varnish
(intransitive) To apply varnish.
Varnish
(transitive) To cover up with varnish.
Varnish
(transitive) To make something superficially or deceptively attractive
Varnish the report
Varnish
(transitive) To gloss over a defect.
Varnish
A viscid liquid, consisting of a solution of resinous matter in an oil or a volatile liquid, laid on work with a brush, or otherwise. When applied the varnish soon dries, either by evaporation or chemical action, and the resinous part forms thus a smooth, hard surface, with a beautiful gloss, capable of resisting, to a greater or less degree, the influences of air and moisture.
Varnish
That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance.
The varnish of the holly and ivy.
Varnish
An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss.
And set a double varnish on the fameThe Frenchman gave you.
Varnish
To lay varnish on; to cover with a liquid which produces, when dry, a hard, glossy surface; as, to varnish a table; to varnish a painting.
Varnish
To cover or conceal with something that gives a fair appearance; to give a fair coloring to by words; to gloss over; to palliate; as, to varnish guilt.
Close ambition, varnished o'er with zeal.
Cato's voice was ne'er employedTo clear the guilty and to varnish crimes.
Varnish
Paint that provides a hard glossy transparent coating
Varnish
Cover with varnish
Varnish
Dries through chemical curing.
The varnish took several hours to fully cure.
Common Curiosities
Which is more durable, lacquer or varnish?
Varnish is generally more durable than lacquer.
How does lacquer dry?
Lacquer dries through the evaporation of its solvent.
What is varnish?
Varnish is a durable, transparent finish made from resins, oils, and solvents.
How does varnish dry?
Varnish dries through a chemical curing process.
What kind of finish does lacquer provide?
Lacquer typically provides a high-gloss finish.
Can varnish have a matte finish?
Yes, varnish comes in various finishes including matte.
Is varnish resistant to UV light?
Many types of varnish are formulated to be UV-resistant.
What is lacquer?
Lacquer is a fast-drying, often high-gloss finish, typically made from acrylic or cellulose.
Can you apply varnish with a brush?
Yes, varnish can be applied with a brush.
Can lacquer be applied over varnish?
It's generally not recommended to apply lacquer over varnish without proper preparation.
Is lacquer good for outdoor furniture?
Lacquer is less suitable for outdoor use compared to varnish.
How long does varnish take to dry?
The drying time for varnish can vary but usually takes longer than lacquer.
Can lacquer be used on metal?
Yes, some types of lacquer are designed for use on metal.
What tools do I need to apply lacquer?
Lacquer is usually applied using a sprayer.
Can you mix colors into lacquer?
Yes, tints can be added to lacquer to achieve various colors.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
