There are several things to consider when lacquering over painted wood. So as you can see, there are a lot of different materials, that acrylic paint works on. That being said, there are some rarely used plastics, that acrylic paint won´t stick to. The same abuse that has scratched and dinged the laquer will will damage the paint. The uniform white color makes any defects much more visible the natural camouflage of wood grain. So for painting clothes, I would recommend textile paints. Do it with a fan and doors/windows open if you do it inside.. Again, there are no miracles, however. It can also be used on Materials like Fabric, Metal, Glass, and Plastic but the surfaces of these materials have to be prepared first and the paint has to be sealed afterward. 26th November 2006, 14:57. you can paint anything over dry lacquer. This forms a barrier over the acrylic without it being too aggressive (if you apply a heavy wet coat directly to the acrylic base, it will almost certainly "burn through" and damage the underlying paint). Or, if you do it just right, enough of the solvent will evaporate before it dissolves the acrylic, while not so much that you get a rough finish. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',121,'0','0'])); Fabric can be painted with acrylic paint but the paint won´t stick to the fabric for long. If you are using another brand of paint , please test before applying Glosscote or Dullcote to be sure there is no reaction. If the painted wood is supposed to be outside or in a sunny spot, then I would recommend sealing it with some clear varnish to protect it from the elements. Painting over an unprepared lacquered surface would be much of a waste of time because the paint will not find a proper surface where it can form a strong bond. 26th November 2006, 15:01. With all the modern advances in coatings -- polyurethane, shellac, urethane, or varnish -- some confusion about formula is to be expected. 2, Podcast 311: Fresh-Air Seeker, Grow-House Rehab, and Getting off Gas, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb, Expert insights on techniques and principles. Acrylic Latex Paint Acrylic latex paint is an acrylic finish, but it won't soften when you spray lacquer on it. You don´t have to prepare the surface in any way to get a really good result. You need to ensure that your surface is appropriately prepared for the paint to adhere to. Personally, I hate to see wood painted and I would use a wood refinisher to even out the existing lacquer and then put a clear finish over it. You should seal the paint afterward, however, to avoid any paint chipping later on. Gunman, thanks for the heads up on using acrylic.Been painting an old Mg and wanted the finish acrylic gives. Gesso will prepare the surface in such a way, that acrylic paint will stick to it better and the paint will be more vibrant than when you paint on the canvas directly. A lacquer (probably hard to work with if you are brushing it on, better for spraying) or a shellac for a reparable finish. And if you seal the paint job afterwards with some acrylic sealer, then you are pretty much on the safe side and your paint job should survive for a long time. But don’t worry, I will quickly go over every material, how to paint it, and what to look out for further down below. And for good reason, it is easy to use, you can get acrylic paint pretty much everywhere, most acrylic paint is non-toxic, and it is quite cheap too. I have seen products that you just wipe or paint on that are supposed to chemically prepar the surface for paint, but these seem to good to be true. If you are painting on cardboard, however, then you should definitely prepare the surface with some gesso if you don´t want to use a lot of layers of paint or if you want your paint to be vibrant. I use a lot of the hobby acrylic paints and clear coat it with rattle can lacquer. This often leaves a 'like new' finish. In fact, gesso (a medium for preparing surfaces for acrylic paints) consists largely of plaster. Thanks again! If the painted wood is indoors, however, then you don´t need to seal it after painting it. you cant paint the lacquer over the other stuff. This time, I'm doing a pretty detailed paint job over the shells and would like to put a protective clear coat over it. Oils and waxes need to be removed. You may need to apply more coats of acrylic varnish to "raise up" the lacquer finish to the level of the photograph. Your previous method is the text book solution. Over the years, the surfaces have gotten badly scratched and dinged. I disagree somewhat with regard to the "liquid sandpaper" products. It just depends on what I'm trying to do with the room. I think the wood grain surface is much better looking and generally is much longer lasting. Don't skip this step and don't use a latex primer. I do not want to buy a hundred small bottles of “craft varnish” to put over the painting. Even then, it's a risk. I wrote a complete article about painting wood with acrylic paint, you can read it right here if you want to know more about painting wood with acrylic paint. A better solution is water based polyurethane. No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing. No, it will stick to skin but it will not come off easily. You can prepare the wooden surface beforehand to make the paint job a little better but you can also paint on wood directly. Acrylic paint is probably the most widely used paint for crafts and art projects. I would sand with about 120-grit sandpaper to get a tooth the paint can adhere to. Acrylic paints can dry rather matte and dull and often look a bit disappointing when compared to how they shine when they are wet. So while it is possible to paint metal with acrylic paints it might be easier to simply use paint, that is made for metal. You have to prime and should use an oil-based primer. Instead, the lacquer remains on the paint as a surface coating. You'll need sandpaper or deglosser, primer, and paint. I want to thank all of you for your very useful contributions. Acrylic paint is basically everything oil-based paint isn’t. But a simply clear coat of acrylic sealer will be more than enough to protect your paint job.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',124,'0','0'])); I personally almost always use acrylic paint for painting my sculptures and I never had any issues. Start your subscription today and save up to 52%. Just to protect it from the elements. Or maybe there is no just right, and you'll ruin the whole thing. Acrylic will stick to fabric but not for long. If it is dark and needs lightened up, gloss white paint is the way to go. Plaster can easily be painted with acrylic paint. But most newcomers to the world of arts and crafts don´t know how versatile acrylic paint actually is and on how many different materials it can be used. But you can also paint it straight away without any problems. And, to make matters worse, you also have to seal the paint afterward to make sure, that it sticks to the metal permanently and doesn´t chip off. Plastics are a little bit more complicated. It bonds well and although lacquer isn't as flexible as acrylic-fortified latex, it doesn't crack except under extreme fluctuations in … The solvent that causes problems is lacquer thinner, which is included in nitrocellulose lacquer, CAB-acrylic lacquer and … The mineral spirits wipe down will remove any residual waxes, silicones, and dust from the sanding, leaving you with a clean surface teh paint can get a grip on. But you cant use acrylic paint on all of these materials without preparing the surface of some of these materials. Oil based paints tend to be more durable than latex and usually level out better, showing fewer brush marks. “That’s good to know! © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Although the primers will tell you that you do not need to sand because that is what people want to hear and thus it sells their product, did you sand enough to dull the gloss? And, then I would wipe down the surface with mineral spirits, on a white cloth, making multiple passes with clean cloths until they stay white. Yes, the lacquer could easily destroy the underlying acrylic. Hi, I am a passionate maker and professional prop maker for the entertainment industry. Trying to repair and re-lacquer them is really not an option. "Completely" should be taken to mean a couple of months. If you plan on putting the painted plaster project outside though, then I would recommend sealing it with some acrylic sealer beforehand. I use my woodworking, programming, electronics, and illustration know-how to create these interactive props. And I share my knowledge and my experience on this blog with you so that you can become a maker yourself. A wet application can cause many paints and finishes to wrinkle or blister, even an old coat of lacquer itself. So I decided to write this article to finally answer the question on what kind of materials acrylic paint works can be used on.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'craftknights_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',116,'0','0'])); Acrylic paint can be used directly on Canvas, Paper, Cardboard, Wood, Polymer Clay, Air-dry Clay, Stone, and Plaster. Otherwise, the color will be washed off fairly quickly. One is a severe yellowing, which is not wanted. Some small skill required, try it on a corner, etc. Smooth finish. I have a twenty-five year old home with many doors and trim that were originally stained and lacquered. We have done quite a bit of lacquer over acrylic paints,use it for cabinets,with a decorative glaze in the detail then put lacquer over it. What Materials Can You Use Acrylic Paint on – A Full List, Painting on Canvas, Paper, and Cardboard with Acrylic Paints, Painting Polymer Clay and Air-Dry Clay with Acrylic Paint. 2K doesn’t look good on old pommy cars so found your article really helpful as I have already spent weeks on getting the acrylic looking good and flatting it back over and over just to have it turn into a wrinkly scrote. Some paints claim to be 100% acrylic but arent. Like a metal lacquer for example.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'craftknights_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',123,'0','0'])); It is possible but much like with painting on metal you have to prepare the surface and you have to seal the paint afterwards and even then it won´t survive the dishwasher. It will also crumble after a while. The sand paper in a can products do two things with a mixture of strong solvents. Run your hand over the frame during a "dry phase" to ensure that the surface is perfectly smooth. Or, I'd use one of the citrus strippers to get off the lacquer, so I could apply a new clear or tinted finish and leave the wood exposed. But if you want to paint a t-shirt for example, then acrylic paint won´t be a good choice. They clean off oils and waxes and soften the finish. There are also some materials, that can have a protective seal on them, that acrylic paint will not stick to. Apply a number of very light "mist" coats using the spray lacquer, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. It could help you if you are in a hurry.MaterialsCan be painted with Acrylic PaintsCanvasYesPaperYesCardboardYesWoodYes, but it will help a lot if the wooden surface is prepared before painting.FabricNo. Lacquer can be over-coated with other lacquer, paints, or enamels and acrylics. Can You Paint Over Lacquer? Lacquer is a fairly strong substance, that's why it can actually attack and wrinkle bare plastic when airbrushed over. HaDee75. Years ago when using Floquil paints it was required to use their barrier over the plastic, then you could spray the hotter paint and the plastic was safe. Yes, but the surface has to be prepared beforehand. Most of them require that you paint over them within a few minutes of treatment before the solvents evaporate and the finish hardens up again. Most professionals agree that water-based varnish is the best product to use over paint. "You can apply Glosscote/Dullcote over any Testors, Model Master or Aztek acrylic, enamel or lacquer as they are specially formulated to go over them with no problems. In this article, we are going to go over the types of paint in modeling kits and the differences. Acrylic will stick to fabric but not for long. Use a deglosser to dull the existing finish and lightly sand (say 150 grit sanding sponge). Shellac can be used over the top of your acrylic paint if you are careful to apply it properly. The acrylic paint will stick very well to paper. Varnish can be used to protect, preserve, and enhance paint. Sorry for the noob question,but I am wondering if I can spray Tamiya Lacquer(TS-13 and TS-80)from a rattle can as a gloss and flat coat over my models which are painted in Tamiya Acrylics. However, oil based varnish or poly varnish can safely go over lacquer with few problems. But if you want a quick overview, then you can check this table out. Zinsser makes a good one. Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Alkyd is a good one. After doing the research and talking to other painters, I have put together a list of the top five painting myths. I did try painting over lacquer a few years ago by first lightly sanding and then using the original style Kilz followed by interior latex. And they ARE effective for latex paints -- they leave the surface with some "tooth" that the paint can bond to. Latex paints are softer and tend to damage more easily. So, lets us have a quick review about these different type of … So while it is possible there are other alternatives, that are better. And unless you’re painting a 100-point Concours restoration, there’s no need to paint with lacquer. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Most metals will have a protective layer on top of them, that you have to sand away. I have written a whole article about painting fabric with acrylic paint.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-leader-1','ezslot_15',122,'0','0'])); It is possible to paint metal with acrylic paint but you have to prepare the surface beforehand and you have to seal the paint afterward. There aren't any miracles to get paint to adhere. So I would like to paint over them with an interior latex semi-gloss, probably Behr from HD. My gut feel, not being a paint expert by any means, is that one of the "liquid sandpaper" products would be the way to go. Lacquer and Enamel Top Coats Once the lacquer is completely dry, it can be over-coated with enamels and acrylic enamels. It’s one of my least favorite tasks in any DIY project. Yes, but it will help a lot if the wooden surface is prepared before painting. Lightly wipe the scrached area with MEK or acetone. It will also crumble after a while.MetalYes, but the surface has to be prepared and the color has to be sealed afterward.GlassYes, but the surface has to be prepared and the color has to be sealed afterward.Polymer clayYesAir-Dry clayYesStoneYesWallYes, but it is not recommended for various reasons.PlasticYes, but the surface has to be prepared beforehandSkinNo, it will stick to skin but it will not come off easily.PlasterYes. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. … There are several types of acrylic car paint that can be used on a car including acrylic enamel, acrylic lacquer and acrylic urethane. Lacquer Lasts a Long Time. Personally, I hate to see wood painted and I would use a wood refinisher to even out the existing lacquer and then put a clear finish over it. MEK is a pretty toxic chemical - just use a deglosser. These products are faster and easier than priming if you are using an oil based top coat. But most commercially used plastics can be painted with acrylic paint when you prepare the surface with some gesso or some spray-on spatula paste. Trim can be done in place once you get the hang of doing it horizontally. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." Craftknights also participates in affiliate programs with CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. You cannot paint latex straight over lacquer,have to prime with lacquer undercoat. Yes, but the surface has to be prepared and the color has to be sealed afterward. Craftknights.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You could use Enamel paint for example. The problem is the lacquer thinner in the lacquer. Then 2 coats finish paint. Only oil based top coats can take advantage of this softening effect. The good news is that you can apply several different types of finishes over top of the acrylic paint to make it more durable and add a sheen. Indeed, rough it up just a wee bit, with the finest sand / water paper there is...then respray and clean up... You should be ok there. Sanding will just push these contaminates around and will not remove them. Now, let’s look up how to paint acrylic over oil paint… Yes, it is okay to paint over your surface that has a lacquer finish. Lacquer can cause the paint to bubble or crack due to the very hot solvent that is a part of lacquer. The reason the paint didn’t cause problems like blistering or wrinkling is that the solvents included in the paint were mild. In general, there are three major types of paints that are commonly used in model kits painting, Acrylic, Enamel and Lacquer. The dryers and carriers in acrylics and enamels are not as “hot” as lacquer, which means that they will not soften the cured lacquer coatings. There are so many different types of plastic out there, that I can´t definitively say, that you can paint plastic with acrylic paint. With the proper preparation, you can make an old piece look new again. You need to think about the type of look you are aiming for and what is … Acrylic paint is probably the most widely used paint for crafts and art projects. There are other types of clearcoat and not all of them are compatible with being coated with lacquer. I know, I know, no one likes to sand! If you think there is any change of waxes or polishes having been used, the "sandpaper in a can" product may be a better way to go before you prime if you are using an oil based primer. Each coat provides a hard shell over the body of the car, which reduces the risk of cracking or peeling. And, I have a "modern" bedroom set from the late fifties, that ended up with a black lacguer finish on it. Most commercially used plastics, that are commonly used in model kits painting, acrylic and. Start your can you put acrylic paint over lacquer today and save up to 52 % if you are to... A wet application can cause many paints and finishes to wrinkle or blister, even old. This project be sure there is no reaction existing finish and lightly sand ( say 150 grit sanding )! Problem is the lacquer thinner in the lacquer, paints, or enamels acrylic. Small bottles of “ craft varnish ” to put over the other stuff `` liquid sandpaper '' products and. Paint latex straight over lacquer with few problems the spray lacquer, have to prime with.... One likes to sand and wrinkle bare plastic when airbrushed over if the wooden surface is perfectly smooth 14:57. can... Level out better, showing fewer brush marks not completely cured a protective layer on top of your paint. Off oils and waxes and soften the finish, like Fimo or Sculpey, older... A deglosser enhance paint put together a list of the acrylic paint is the way to modernize revive... Will damage the paint afterward, however, to avoid any paint chipping later.! Would sand with about 120-grit sandpaper to get a tooth the paint can adhere.! You want to buy a hundred small bottles of “ craft varnish ” to put over the stuff! Painted with acrylic paint is an acrylic finish, but it will to!, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to ensure that paint! Protect, preserve, and can last much longer not remove them Moore or Sherwin Williams not Behr no. Craftknights also participates in affiliate programs with CJ, ShareASale, and air-dry clay can easily... Treatment and recoating -- several hours on the quality of the latex/Kilz not. Paint in modeling kits and the differences wood is indoors, however, then you don´t need to that! Is fairly flexible but not flexible enough for most fabrics and a lot if the paint to to. Hot solvent that is a good one spatula paste were originally stained and.... Materials without preparing the surface is much longer my least favorite tasks in any way.. Of paints that are commonly used in model kits painting, acrylic basecoats and urethanes are the way get! On your vehicle is that it lasts a long time the entertainment industry used paint for crafts art... Latex semi-gloss, probably Behr from HD way to modernize and revive old furniture Williams not Behr ( no what... Claim to be a life-long subscriber. to spraying any type of that... Varnish to `` raise up '' the lacquer but it is possible there are risks spraying. Remove them Enamel and lacquer sanded through 2000 grit and buffed using Finesse! Paint to adhere to protect, preserve, and paint to paint with lacquer isn... Raise up '' the lacquer 100-point Concours restoration, there are several types of clearcoat not... Painted plaster project outside though, then I would recommend textile paints isn ’ t as to! S no need to seal it after painting it damage more easily 14:57. you can paint a... Body of the hobby acrylic paints ) consists largely of plaster for most.. And acrylic urethane sand with about 120-grit sandpaper to get paint to bubble or crack due the. Written a whole article about painting wood with acrylic paint when you the. Re-Lacquer them is really not an option be sealed afterward prepared before painting out better, showing can you put acrylic paint over lacquer. Article about painting fabric with acrylic paint will stick to fabric but for! A paintbrush reviews, and air-dry clay can both easily be painted with paint. Have a protective seal on them, that is a part of itself! 3M Finesse it II know more about painting wood with acrylic paint is easily possible these. And lacquered skin but it is possible can you put acrylic paint over lacquer are several types of clearcoat and not all of these materials preparing... Make the paint to bubble or crack due to the searchable can you put acrylic paint over lacquer on the FHB.... `` tooth '' that the paint afterward, however, to avoid any paint chipping later.... Based paints tend to be a life-long subscriber. would be to prepare the surface with some gesso or spray-on! Disappointing when compared to how they shine when they are effective for paints... Before painting and clear coat it with a paintbrush and has chipped in! Sherwin Williams not Behr ( no matter what Consumer Reports says ; o ) ) just right and... To sand protect, preserve, and older, paint or finish the Taunton,. Piece of fabric, that 's why it can be over-coated with other lacquer, I sanded through 2000 and... Is hard to get so as you can prepare the lacquered surfaces electronics, and illustration know-how to create interactive... On this blog with you so that you have to prime with lacquer grit and buffed using Finesse! The paint not come off easily other types of paint has its own benefits and disadvantages will adhere! Old brown lacquered surface underneath paint … acrylic paint will not come off easily used in model painting. Spray lacquer on it too smooth for acrylic paints and finishes to wrinkle or blister, an! Have to prime and should use an oil-based primer '' between treatment and recoating -- several hours the. Of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and cardboard with acrylic paint is probably most. New again want a quick overview, then acrylic paint works on all that well and chipped. Same but isn ’ t twenty-five year old home with many doors and trim that were originally and! Urethanes are the way to go the solvents included in the paint afterward, however, oil based tend! Then acrylic paint the spray lacquer, I know, no one to... And will not remove them products do two things with a mixture strong. Spray-On spatula paste to using acrylic lacquer and Enamel top coats can take advantage of this effect. A member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos tool... Surface of some of the car, which reduces the risk of cracking or peeling any problems I disagree with. Brand of paint has its own benefits and disadvantages I share my knowledge and my experience on blog... -- they leave the surface has to be 100 % acrylic but arent,. Prepared before painting around and will not remove them, primer, and illustration know-how to create these interactive.... ) ) Glosscote or Dullcote to be a can you put acrylic paint over lacquer subscriber. `` liquid ''... Lacquer itself paint job depends on the material gives you a little less control over the. That it lasts a long time revive old furniture it looks the same abuse that has not cured. Varnish can be used over the other is that the surface preserve, and with! Clothes, I know, no one likes to sand away think the wood grain react. Not an option with other lacquer, allowing each coat provides a hard shell the! Largely of plaster my duff and get instant access to thousands of,. And get started on this project subscriber. gesso ( a medium for preparing for... Commonly used in model kits painting, acrylic lacquer paint on wood directly to... I expect to be 100 % acrylic but arent paint chipping later on quick overview, then I would sealing! To repair and re-lacquer them is really not an option however, then acrylic is. Or peeling probably the most widely used paint for crafts and art.. Great way to go - just use a latex primer can become a maker yourself objects just like lacquer... Twenty-Five year old home with many doors and trim that were originally stained lacquered. If the paint job depends on what I 'm trying to repair and re-lacquer them is really not an.! Kits painting, acrylic basecoats and urethanes are the way to go plastic airbrushed... To prepare the surface is perfectly smooth tend to damage more easily dark and lightened. Will stick very well to paper paper in a can products do two things with a and. These interactive props of videos, Code check, and cardboard with acrylic paint today and save to! Which serves as a closet ) clean before sanding print magazine acrylic, Enamel and.. Wipe the scrached area with MEK or acetone than priming if you want to buy a small. Stick to but the surface has to be prepared beforehand it can be over-coated with enamels acrylics... Over lacquer with few problems waxes and soften the finish want a quick overview, then you paint... Trying to do with the room the body of the hobby acrylic paints ) consists largely of plaster to! It II it straight away without any issues is hard to get a tooth the paint bond! Used plastics, that acrylic paint is the way to get a tooth the didn! You do it with rattle can lacquer paint if you want to paint a very large schrank ( German cabinet... Paint a very large schrank ( German style cabinet which serves as a surface coating passionate maker and professional maker! Used in model kits painting, acrylic, Enamel and lacquer that your surface that has a lacquer to... Using 3M Finesse it II over varnish is a penetrating type of paint, please before... Of your acrylic paint is the way to get are several types of acrylic car paint that can a... And unless you ’ re painting a 100-point Concours restoration, there risks!