Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500264
06/24/03
Wood, Modern Lacquer Finish--Care and Cleaning
Care
Lacquer is hard and glossy but may be dented or
chipped so avoid hard blows. Avoid use of water unless
furniture label recommends it. Much new furniture has a
durable lacquer finish. Older lacquered pieces or
imported items may have finishes affected by some
solvents, so test products first on an inconspicuous
place.
Cleaning
Vacuum and/or dust with a soft, dry cloth; do not use
oiled or treated cloths on waxed finishes. Some finishes
can be wiped with a damp (not wet) cloth, followed at
once by rubbing with a dry cloth,(test first in
inconspicuous spot) to remove fingerprints and smudges.
A solvent-based furniture cleaner can be used on most
finishes (test first).
Special Cleaning
Use a solvent-base furniture cleaner. Apply with soft
cloth in one hand, and wipe at once with soft cloth in
other hand, doing only a small area at a time. An oil
soap may be satisfactory on some finishes but test first
in an inconspicuous spot to be sure it is OK with finish.
Protect with liquid wax or polish to maintain gloss.
Resin Lacquer Protection:
3-M has introduced a "Scotchgard" wood protection
which is synthetic resin looking much like a traditional
lacquer finish. But it is claimed to resist stains,
chips, scratches, heat; spots or rings from water-
alcohol, and oil-based liquids, and damage from solvent-
based products such as nail polish and polish remover.
It can be cleaned with soap and water, and a damp cloth.
Waxing is not needed but can be used. It is claimed to
not wear off during the life of the furniture under
normal use. Currently it is first being used on dining
table tops.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Wisconsin
Extension bulletin, Care, Cleaning and Minor Repairs of
Furniture Surfaces.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .