Welcome to our guide on spray lacquer and latex paint. Discover if it’s possible to apply lacquer over latex paint and get expert tips for a successful finish. Let’s dive in!
Can You Spray Lacquer Over Latex Paint?
Indeed, lacquer can be used over latex paint, provided that the latex paint has a flat, non-glossy finish. The chemicals that give sheen to latex paints can interact with lacquer, causing the paint to “wrinkle” upon application. As flat latex paints lack these chemicals, they are safe for lacquer application. For optimal results, I would suggest spraying both the diluted flat latex (reduced by 10% with water) and the lacquer to achieve the best finish.
Can I spray lacquer over water based paint?
It’s crucial to allow your water-based acrylics to fully cure before proceeding. This isn’t merely about being touch dry, which can happen within minutes or a few hours, but about giving them at least 24 hours, or preferably overnight, to cure.
Water-based acrylics undergo a chemical transformation during curing, achieving their full strength, hardness, and adhesion. This process is essential before they can withstand application of stronger solvents. Failure to allow the acrylics to cure can lead to issues such as crazing, wrinkling, and damaging the paintwork – a frustration I’ve experienced myself.
While I encourage caution and suggest conducting a test on a less visible area first, you can see that I’ve applied a rather heavy and wet coat here. I achieved this with just one coat because I prefer efficiency!
One of my go-to spray clears is the Mr Superclear series from Mr Hobby.
I hope you find this information helpful. Happy modelling, everyone! – Linc
Can I put a clear coat over latex paint?
Latex and acrylic paints are highly compatible, so much so that you can even find acrylic-latex blends in paint stores. Applying an acrylic gloss over a latex-painted wall generally doesn’t present any compatibility issues, particularly if the latex finish is flat or eggshell.
However, the glossier the latex finish, the slicker the surface becomes. High gloss surfaces may not adhere well to each other due to their slick nature.
To overcome this challenge, it’s advisable to prepare the wall first. Clean the satin, semi-gloss, or glossy latex paint finish with a rag and a degreaser spray. Then, lightly sand the finish with super-fine grit sandpaper. This process creates a “tooth” on the surface, improving the adhesion of the clear gloss.
Can you spray lacquer over paint?
Utilizing Chalk Paint® Lacquer in a spray form is an excellent method to obtain a uniform coating for kitchen cabinets, doors, or any other painted surface that requires an added layer of robust protection.
If you fancy a glossy finish, opt for our Gloss variant; if not, choose Matt. Both options are water-based, and the key to success with a spray gun lies in diluting the varnish just enough to achieve the smoothest and silkiest finish. For more tips and ideas about working with Chalk Paint® Lacquer, do check out our Lacquer Fact Sheet.
Yes, it’s possible to apply lacquer over latex paint. But remember, thorough surface preparation is vital for ensuring good adhesion. Sanding the latex paint and applying a primer will help you achieve a durable and smooth finish.
