What is Catalyzed Lacquer? Your Furniture Finishing Guide
Written by: Casey Grace
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Time to read 4 min
If you've ever wondered why some furniture finishes last decades while others chip after a few years, the answer often comes down to one word: catalyst.
When shopping for high-end furniture or considering professional refinishing services, you'll likely encounter the term "catalyzed lacquer." But what exactly is it, and why do professional furniture finishers swear by it? Well, let’s get into it….
What is Catalyzed Lacquer?
Catalyzed lacquer is a two-part (2K) finishing system that combines a lacquer base with a chemical hardener, called a catalyst. When these components are mixed in precise ratios, they create a chemical reaction, called cross-linking. It produces an exceptionally hard, durable finish that far exceeds traditional paint or single-component wood coatings.
The "2K" designation refers to the two components:
Component 1: The lacquer base (containing resins, solvents, and pigments)
Component 2: The catalyst (chemical hardener)
In a 2 component system, the primer, color coats and top coats, can all be catalyzed. The more layers of catalyzed finished, the better. At CGS, we catalyze at all layers.
How Does the Catalyst Work?
The catalyst contains specific hardening agents that cross-link with the resin molecules in the lacquer base. This cross-linking process, called polymerization, creates long molecular chains that form an incredibly strong, chemical-resistant surface.
What you end up with is one coat that has chemically melted together. This is incredibly durable, but requires very good surface prep for adhesion.
Courtesy of Pexels
Key characteristics of the catalyzing process:
Ratios: Each lacquer manufacturer has a very specific hardener ratio to paint base.
Mixing: Adding the hardener is tricky. You need to be efficient, avoid bubbles and ensure it’s thoroughly mixed.
Pot life: Once mixed, you typically have 1-2 hours before the mixture becomes rock hard. That means you have to mix, spray and clean all your equipment before that time is up.
Cure time: Initial dry in 7-15 minutes, full cure in 24-48 hours depending upon humidity and temperature.
Irreversible: Once catalyzed and cured, the finish cannot be re-dissolved.
Tessa by Casey Grace Studios.
Why Choose Catalyzed Lacquer?
Durability Benefits
Scratch resistance: Up to 10x more resistant to surface damage than standard paints.
Chemical resistance: Withstands household cleaners, alcohol, and water damage.
Flexibility: Moves with wood expansion/contraction without cracking, which is especially helpful with furniture.
Longevity: Can last 15-20 years with proper application and care.
Performance Advantages
Fast application: Multiple coats can be applied in a single day if the conditions are right.
Smooth finish: Professional spray application can create a glass-like surface if the prep is perfect.
Repairability: After years of use, scratches can often be professionally buffed out rather than requiring full refinishing.
Types of Catalyzed Lacquer Systems
Pre-Catalyzed (Pre-Cat) Lacquer
Pre-Cat is already pre-mixed into the can by the manufacturer. It can have a longer shelf-life than 1k, but is slightly less durable than 2k which is mixed at the time of application. Pre-Cat is often chosen in high-production facilities.
Fresh-Mixed 2K Lacquer
A 2k lacquer finish means the catalyst is mixed directly before the spray application. This practice results in maximum durability and chemical resistance. It is the preferred finish for high–end furniture and cabinetry.
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The Professional Application Process
Catalyzed lacquer isn't a DIY-friendly product. There are a lot of stages and requirements to achieve a beautiful lacquer finish.
Surface preparation: Extensive cleaning and sanding to get a dead flat surface. If you are trying to achieve a high gloss finish, then every area of grain needs to be filled and sanded back to flat.
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Sealing: Multiple primer coats are often required to help fill the grain and/or prevent bleed-through from wood tannins or stains embedded in the wood. Deeply embedded stains usually aren’t visible during the surface prep phase.
Mixing: Precise catalyst-to-lacquer ratios.
Spraying: Professional spray equipment required.
Wet sanding: Between every coat to ensure your next spray is perfectly smooth.
Final buffing: Similar to a car, buffing is required to achieve that showroom-quality finish.
Why Isn't Catalyzed Lacquer DIY-Friendly?
Equipment Requirements
Professional Spray Booth: For ventilation and dust control.
Traditional Compressor or Air-less Sprayer: Capable of handling catalyzed materials. Note that some sprayers cannot take flammable materials. Solvent-based lacquers are flammable.
Specialty spray guns: The right spray tip (controls spray span and volume), for the material you are spraying.
Precise mixing ratios: Too much or too little catalyst ruins the batch.
Limited working time: Delays or mistakes will destroy your equipment and your project.
Temperature sensitivity: Requires a controlled environment.
Health hazards: All products require proper ventilation and protection.
Cost Factors
Material cost: 3-5x more expensive than standard paint
Equipment investment: $3,000-$15,000 for proper setup
Waste potential: Mistakes mean starting over completely
Common Applications for Catalyzed Lacquer
Furniture Finishing
Kitchen cabinets
High-end dining tables
Antique restoration
Furniture refinishing
Custom millwork
Commercial Uses
Restaurant tables
Medical equipment
Laboratory surfaces
High-traffic fixtures
Maintenance and Care
To maximize any furniture refinishing investment, we recommend custom tempered glass tops. Additional tips include regular dusting with microfiber cloths. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. If you see damage over the years, you can have a professional buff out the surface scratches, similar to a hardwood floor.
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Cost vs. Value Analysis
Catalyzed lacquer is significantly more costly up front. It requires professional experience and investment in materials, labor, and equipment. In fact, the lifespan can be 10-20 years, with proper care. Long-term its finish can be buffed to recapture its original luster. Lacquer refinishing definitely holds its value over time, and this value is further enhanced with extended use. The more durable it is, the longer you’re likely to keep it, and the cost spreads out over a longer period.
Is Catalyzed Lacquer Right for your project?
Choose catalyzed lacquer when:
You want maximum durability
The piece will see heavy use
You're investing in heirloom-quality furniture
Professional application is available
Consider alternatives when:
Budget is the primary concern
The piece is decorative only
You prefer a DIY approach
Quick turnaround is needed
The Bottom Line
Catalyzed lacquer is the gold standard in furniture finishing. While it requires professional application and commands premium pricing, the durability, beauty, and longevity make it an excellent investment for high-quality furniture pieces.
Understanding what catalyzed lacquer is—and why it costs more—helps you make informed decisions about furniture purchases and refinishing projects. Whether you're buying a professionally finished piece or considering refinishing services, you now know why catalyzed lacquer is often worth the investment.
Looking for professionally finished furniture with catalyzed lacquer? Our pieces are built to last decades, not years. Contact us to learn more about our custom finishing services.
Wow, the craftsmanship and quality of the product is so good. Not to mention the delivery process was easy. I love the attention to detail with glass, pads under the glass in the color of the furniture, and cleaning spray. I will be buying more over the years!
The Brogan did not disappoint! Casey Grace creates an exquisite product that is durable, functional, and above all, beautiful. All our guests fawn over this piece, and I love the reuse/sustainable design concept. I wish I could buy them all!
