Polyurethane vs. Lacquer — What's the Difference?

Polyurethane (often abbreviated PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, polyurethane is produced from a wide range of starting materials (monomers) and is therefore a class of polymers, rather than a distinct compound.

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.

A synthetic resin in which the polymer units are linked by urethane groups, used chiefly as constituents of paints, varnishes, adhesives, and foams

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.

Coat with polyurethane paint or varnish

A glossy, resinous material, such as the processed sap of the lacquer tree, used as a surface coating.

Any of various thermoplastic isocyanate polymers, widely varying in flexibility, used in tough chemical-resistant coatings, adhesives, and foams.

A finish that is baked onto the inside of food and beverage cans.

(organic chemistry) Any of various polymeric resins containing urethane links; used in very many industrial and domestic applications.

To coat with lacquer.

Any polymer containing [-NH.CO.O-] linkages; such polymers are much used as the basis of light but rigid foams for packaging (polyurethane foam) and for hard coatings, as on floors.

To give a sleek, glossy finish to.

Any of various polymers containing the urethane radical; a wide variety of synthetic forms are made and used as adhesives or plastics or paints or rubber

A glossy, resinous material used as a surface coating; either a natural exudation of certain trees, or a solution of nitrocellulose in alcohol, etc.

A similar finish, baked onto the inside of cans.

To apply a lacquer to something or to give something a smooth, glossy finish.

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.

To cover with lacquer.

A black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish

A hard glossy coating

Coat with lacquer;