How to Black Lacquer a Table

Preparation

• 1

  Unscrew the table legs, if they are detachable, and work on each part individually. Bring the table outdoors or into a well-ventilated garage or workshop. Protect your work area with drop cloths.

• 2

  Use the appropriate chemical stripping to remove previous coats of paint or varnish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.

• 3

  Rub away the remaining traces of paint or varnish with a coarse sandpaper or steel wool. Add a tablespoon of mild dish washing detergent to a gallon of warm water and wash the table thoroughly. Allow it to dry fully.

• 4

  Sand the table thoroughly with a fine grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust away with a tack rag, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

• 5

  Fill in wood grain, if necessary, using a grain filler as close to the color of your wood table as possible. Apply the grain filler, following the manufacturer's instructions, and work it into the table thoroughly with a rag. Remove excess paste with a plastic scraper going with the wood grain.

• 6

  Sand the table lightly, going with the grain. Wipe away dust with a tack rag and then clean with a damp cloth. Apply a lacquer base primer with a paint sprayer or brush and let it dry.

Spray Application

• 7

  Mix lacquer with a lacquer thinner according to the manufacturer's recommended amount for spray application.

• 8

  Place lacquer in an airless spray painter. Alternately, purchase black lacquer in spray cans. Shake the can well.

• 9

  Hold the sprayer or can approximately 8 inches away from the surface and spray on a light, even coating. Spray inner corners first, then apply broad spray strokes across flat surfaces. Allow the coat to dry.

Brush Application

• 10

  Mix lacquer with a lacquer thinner according to the manufacturer's recommended amount for brush application.

• 11

  Brush on a thin coat. Apply lacquer going with the grain, using a natural bristle brush. Work fast, as lacquer dries quickly. Avoid leaving brush strokes.

• 12

  Allow the coat to dry thoroughly.

Finishing

• 13

  Sand the surface lightly, with a very fine grain sandpaper. Wipe the surface clean with a tack rag and then with a damp cloth. Allow it to dry.

• 14

  Repeat the process: apply lacquer, dry, sand, wipe and dry. Follow this process to give the table two to four more coats.

• 15

  Apply a small amount of liquid wax and polish the finish well. Then buff with a soft cloth.