What's the equivalent of lacquer for furniture?

[tod]

Hi,

Just wondering, what would be the same as "Lacquer" in Australia?  Is it just simply varnish or something different? Most of the woodworking videos I watch on YouTube are American and a lot of the time they finish their projects with lacquer, which always looks great.  Thanks in advance.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @tod 

I have always considerd Lacquer and Varnish to be the same type of deal. I think they look great until the varnish ages/not cared for. I would much rather to oil the timber instead. That way the aged look builds up and the timber develops a deeper hue. Thats just my preference tho. 

Any time I hear of Varnish/Lacquer use doutside the house I cringe as our sun/weather is intense on it.

Dave

[MitchellMc]

Hi @tod,

The closest equivalent product would be a polyurethane coating like Cabot's Cabothane. I'd suggest using the water-based version to better mimic the clear qualities of laquer; the oil-based version can throw a yellow/golden hue. Lacquer is stronger and better wearing than standard varnishes and shellac. You'll sometimes see the term "varnish" used to describe all clear protective coatings, but it is quite a specific product. Polyurethane is a type of varnish, but it's much harder and more resistant to wear.

Water-based Cabothane is my go-to for coating timber, especially when it's a working surface. It is sensationally easy to clean up brushes and rollers in water and has little to no smell.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[tod]

@MitchellMc @Dave-1  thanks for your replies. I'll check out your suggestions.