Polyurethane vs. Lacquer — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 15, 2024
Polyurethane is a durable, water- or oil-based finish for wood surfaces, offering strong protection. Lacquer, on the other hand, is a fast-drying solvent-based finish, providing a glossy, hard finish but less durable than polyurethane.
Difference Between Polyurethane and Lacquer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Polyurethane is known for its durability and protective qualities, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like floors and tabletops. It comes in both water-based and oil-based formulations, each offering different benefits. Lacquer, on the other hand, is prized for its quick-drying properties and high-gloss finish. It is often used in furniture and cabinetry to achieve a smooth, professional look.
Polyurethane is easier to apply with brushes or rollers, and it forms a thick protective layer over time. This makes it a preferred choice for surfaces that endure heavy use. Lacquer, while also available in brush-on varieties, is more commonly applied using a spray gun, which can produce a more even and flawless finish but requires more skill and equipment.
When it comes to maintenance, polyurethane-coated surfaces are generally easier to clean and maintain, as the finish is more resistant to wear and tear. Lacquer finishes, though aesthetically appealing, may need more frequent touch-ups and careful handling to maintain their appearance.
Polyurethane can slightly alter the color of the wood, especially the oil-based variants, which can add a warm, amber hue. Lacquer is less likely to change the wood color, preserving the original appearance while enhancing its natural beauty with a glossy shine.
In terms of application environments, polyurethane is more versatile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects. Lacquer is typically used indoors due to its lower durability against weather elements and UV exposure.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Water-based or oil-based finish
Solvent-based finish
Drying Time
Slower drying, especially oil-based
Quick-drying
Durability
Highly durable, suitable for high-traffic areas
Less durable, susceptible to scratches
Application Method
Brush, roller, or spray
Primarily spray, some brush-on options
Finish Appearance
Can be glossy, semi-gloss, satin, or matte
High-gloss, smooth finish
Compare with Definitions
Polyurethane
A polymer used in various forms for coatings and foams.
Polyurethane foam is commonly used in furniture padding.
Lacquer
A finish providing a hard, glossy surface.
Lacquer gives the wood a polished, high-gloss appearance.
Polyurethane
A type of durable finish used for wood surfaces.
The hardwood floors were sealed with polyurethane for extra protection.
Lacquer
A finish more suited for indoor applications.
The dining table was lacquered for an elegant indoor finish.
Polyurethane
A water- or oil-based coating for durability.
The tabletop was treated with polyurethane to withstand spills.
Lacquer
A finish that dries quickly for rapid application.
Lacquer dries within minutes, making it ideal for quick projects.
Polyurethane
A versatile finish for indoor and outdoor use.
Outdoor furniture was coated with polyurethane to protect against the elements.
Lacquer
The term lacquer is used for a number of hard and potentially shiny finishes applied to materials such as wood or metal. These fall into a number of very different groups.
Polyurethane
A finish providing resistance to wear and chemicals.
Polyurethane coatings are ideal for kitchen countertops.
Lacquer
Any of various clear or colored synthetic coatings made by dissolving nitrocellulose or other cellulose derivatives together with plasticizers and pigments in a mixture of volatile solvents and used to impart a high gloss to surfaces.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane (often abbreviated PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, polyurethane is produced from a wide range of starting materials (monomers) and is therefore a class of polymers, rather than a distinct compound.
Lacquer
A glossy, resinous material, such as the processed sap of the lacquer tree, used as a surface coating.
Polyurethane
A synthetic resin in which the polymer units are linked by urethane groups, used chiefly as constituents of paints, varnishes, adhesives, and foams
Five coats of polyurethane
Polyurethanes serve a variety of uses
Lacquer
A finish that is baked onto the inside of food and beverage cans.
Polyurethane
Coat with polyurethane paint or varnish
The sanded and polyurethaned floorboards
Lacquer
To coat with lacquer.
Polyurethane
Any of various thermoplastic isocyanate polymers, widely varying in flexibility, used in tough chemical-resistant coatings, adhesives, and foams.
Lacquer
To give a sleek, glossy finish to.
Polyurethane
(organic chemistry) Any of various polymeric resins containing urethane links; used in very many industrial and domestic applications.
Lacquer
A glossy, resinous material used as a surface coating; either a natural exudation of certain trees, or a solution of nitrocellulose in alcohol, etc.
Polyurethane
Any polymer containing [-NH.CO.O-] linkages; such polymers are much used as the basis of light but rigid foams for packaging (polyurethane foam) and for hard coatings, as on floors.
Lacquer
A similar finish, baked onto the inside of cans.
Polyurethane
Any of various polymers containing the urethane radical; a wide variety of synthetic forms are made and used as adhesives or plastics or paints or rubber
Lacquer
To apply a lacquer to something or to give something a smooth, glossy finish.
Lacquer
A varnish, consisting of a solution of shellac in alcohol, often colored with gamboge, saffron, or the like; - used for varnishing metals, papier-maché, and wood. The name is also given to varnishes made of other ingredients, esp. the tough, solid varnish of the Japanese, with which ornamental objects are made.
Lacquer
To cover with lacquer.
Lacquer
A black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish
Lacquer
A hard glossy coating
Lacquer
Coat with lacquer;
A lacquered box from China
Lacquer
A fast-drying, solvent-based wood finish.
The cabinet maker used lacquer for a sleek, shiny look.
Lacquer
A coating known for its smooth application and finish.
Spraying lacquer creates an even, flawless surface.
Common Curiosities
Which is more durable, polyurethane or lacquer?
Polyurethane is more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to lacquer.
Can polyurethane be used outdoors?
Yes, polyurethane can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Is lacquer suitable for high-traffic areas?
No, lacquer is less durable and better suited for low-traffic areas.
Which finish dries faster, polyurethane or lacquer?
Lacquer dries much faster than polyurethane.
What is polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a durable finish for wood surfaces, available in water- and oil-based forms.
Can lacquer be used outdoors?
Lacquer is generally not recommended for outdoor use due to lower durability.
Which finish provides a glossier appearance?
Lacquer typically provides a higher gloss compared to polyurethane.
What is lacquer?
Lacquer is a solvent-based finish that dries quickly, providing a high-gloss, hard surface.
How is lacquer typically applied?
Lacquer is most commonly applied using a spray gun for an even finish.
What are the application methods for polyurethane?
Polyurethane can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray.
Is polyurethane easy to maintain?
Yes, polyurethane-coated surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.
Does polyurethane change the color of wood?
Oil-based polyurethane can add a warm amber hue, while water-based is more neutral.
Does lacquer require special application skills?
Yes, applying lacquer often requires more skill and equipment, especially when sprayed.
Can lacquer be brushed on?
Yes, but spray application is more common and effective for lacquer.
What is the main advantage of using lacquer?
Lacquer’s quick drying time and smooth, glossy finish are its main advantages.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
