Acrylic Wood Lacquers

Lacquer type finishes, like varnish or oil-based polyurethane, form a protective film on top of the wood that protects and enhances the natural beauty.  Unlike urethanes and varnish types, however, lacquers are often spray applied rather than being applied with a brush.  Lacquers are popular amongst wood workers as they dry very fast and are typically easier to apply than varnishes and urethanes. In addition to the traditional benefits of a lacquer, acrylic lacquers provide a number of unique properties that make them particularly useful in wood finishes. 

Durability

The films formed by acrylic wood lacquers on wood surfaces are incredibly durable and do well to protect wood from physical damage.  In addition, acrylic lacquers form films that are resistant to water and most other liquids that can cause damages or staining on wood.

Film Clarity

The clarity of acrylic lacquers is exceptional and allows for the natural grain of the wood to be highlighted.  This clarity also contributes to a high level of gloss that is achievable by using an acrylic lacquer.

UV Resistance

The increased popularity of lighter woods such as maple, ash, and birch have increased the importance of UV resistance in clear lacquers.  The yellowing that occurs when using a nitrocellulose lacquer has a detrimental effect on the appearance of these lighter woods.  Acrylic lacquers are much more UV stable and will remain water white long after they have been applied.

Acrylic Finish Formulation

In general, lacquer finishes consist of resins, solvents, and additives that are used to fine tune the properties of the finish.  In acrylic finish formulations the film forming resins is acrylic in nature.  Cellulose acetate butyrate resins are also commonly added to improve flow and leveling properties of the coating.  When formulating an acrylic or CAB acrylic wood finish, resin selection is important.  Acrylic resins should be chosen to match the hardness required by the end use as well as the compatibility required by the solvents and other materials in the formulation.  An example CAB acrylic lacquer formulation is listed below:

Elvacite^® Acrylic Resins

The Elvacite^® line of acrylic resins offered by Mitsubishi Chemical are solid bead resins based on methyl methacrylate chemistry.  These resins are ideal for the formulation of high quality lacquers.  Elvacite^® resins are available in a wide variety of chemical compositions and molecular weights to fit the need of most coating manufacturers.  Elvacite^® resins that are recommended for wood coatings are listed below.