How to Polish Lacquer Paint

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Lacquer paint is commonly used on guitars, cars, tables, and other projects. If you’re working on a wooden project, you’ll first need to sand down any imperfections with micro-mesh or finishing paper. If you’re polishing a car, you can immediately skip to polishing, which can be done with a special cloth or handheld polisher. While it can be time-consuming to polish your lacquer, this process will help you create a beautiful final product.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Restoring and Polishing Wood Surfaces

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-1.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Examine your lacquered surface and look for any obvious blemishes or scratches. If the surface is covered with pretty obvious marks, use a piece of 2000-grit or so micro-mesh to buff the surface. Work in short, vertical movements, keeping the micro-mesh moving in the same direction as you go. [1]
    • You can purchase micro-mesh online, or in a hardware or home improvement store.
    • You can also use finishing paper to get rid of scratches and blemishes.
    • Place a cork sanding block on top of the micro-mesh sheet to make the sanding process easier. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-2.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab a piece of micro-mesh that’s around 4000-grit or so. As you did before, rub down the lacquer in short, vertical motions. After rubbing the entire surface, continue switching to a higher grit, like 6000. Keep alternating your micro-mesh sheets and rubbing the surface of the lacquer until the scratches and blemishes are barely visible. [3]
    • Using different grits helps make your polishing job look more even.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-3.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose a smooth, 12,000- or so grit sheet and rub in short, vertical strokes along the surface of your lacquer. Try to buff away any remaining marks or scratches so the lacquer can look as smooth and flawless as possible. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-4.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for obvious scratches and marks that you can detect with your fingertips. Additionally, examine the lacquer to make sure that it’s completely smooth and reflective. [5]
    • You don’t want there to be any visible scratches once you apply the polish.

    Handheld Sander Alternatives

    If you have a handheld sander, you can use it to polish your wood lacquer. Similar to the micro-mesh process, use a 2000-grit sanding pad to expose any scratches in the lacquer, then spray a 3000-grit pad with water. Use this soaked pad to buff the entire surface of your project. Once you’ve finished sanding, switch out your sanding pad with a wool pad. Squeeze a grape-sized amount of ceramic polish onto the pad, then buff it into the lacquer at a low speed (less than 1000 RPM). After you’ve finished this, use foam pads and a small amount of ceramic polish to finish buffing and restoring the wood surface. As a finishing touch, clean the surface with a water-based cleaning spray and polishing surface. [6]

    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Buffing and Waxing Car Exteriors

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-5.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Search online or in an auto supply shop for a round, bumpy foam pad designed for correcting or polishing. Slide this pad onto your the base of your polisher to secure it in place. [7]
    • Check the user manual for your polisher if you aren’t sure how to add a new pad.
    • Foam pads help to polish the surface without causing abrasions.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-6.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Shop online or in a car supply shop for a special polishing cloth. Don’t use a microfiber cloth for your polishing projects, as the fibers may scratch the surface of your lacquer. Instead, purchase a smooth, soft towel or cloth that’s specifically designed for polishing work. [8]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-7.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Add the polish to the specific area or corner that you plan on polishing. If you’re buffing a large surface, you can use extra polish as needed for other sections of lacquer. [9]
    • If you’re using a polisher, feel free to apply the polish directly to the foam pad.
    • You can purchase polish online, or at a hardware or home improvement store. Ask a store associate for help if you need specific recommendations for a project.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-8.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re using a polishing cloth, take a small section of the cloth and rub over the polish carefully. Move it in slow, circular motions to spread the polish and buff the surface. If you’re using a mechanical polisher, set the tool to a relatively slow speed (e.g., machine speed 4), and move it in vertical or horizontal lines to spread the polish. [10]

    Did you know? Some lacquer polishes come in different textures, which helps provide a well-rounded polish for specialty projects, like guitars. After buffing a medium-level polish into the lacquer, feel free to follow up with an extra-fine-level polish as well! [11]

  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-9.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rub the surface in even, circular motions, smoothing out any excess polish into the lacquer. Continue buffing the surface until it looks reflective and smooth! [12]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-10.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use your hands to squeeze the wax so it can soften and apply more easily to the car. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may need to use more or less wax to cover your desired surface. [13]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-11.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Move the cloth in straight or circular motions, depending on what you prefer. Work in small sections at a time, making your way from 1 side of the surface to the other. If the wax begins to dry, rub in a new layer of wax to soften the original. [14]
    • It doesn’t matter how you rub the wax, as long as you’re consistent.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-12.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Work in small sections, wiping in either straight or circular motions to pick up the excess. Go from one side to the other so you can keep track of the area that you’ve wiped. [15]
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-13.jpg\/aid11757084-v4-728px-Polish-Lacquer-Paint-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take a new cloth and rub over the waxed lacquer of your car. Work in straight or circular motions—just make sure you’re being consistent, so the surface looks even and smooth. [16]
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Don’t pour water on the surface of your lacquer when you go to sand it, as this may cause your lacquer to crack. [17]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Restoring and Polishing Wood Surfaces

      • Micro-mesh, multiple grits
      • Wood block
      • Sandpaper (optional)

      Buffing and Waxing Car Exteriors

      • Handheld polisher
      • Correcting foam pad
      • Correcting polish
      • Polishing cloth
      • Paste wax
      • Lint-free cloth

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Varnish Wood
      How to
      Dry Wood Slices Without Cracking
      How to
      Cure Bamboo
      The Best Way to Stain and Finish Pine Wood
      How to
      Finish Live Edge Slabs
      How to
      Make Whitewash
      How to
      Get Rid of Water Stains and Repair Damaged Wood
      How to
      Darken Wood
      How to
      Apply Epoxy on Wood
      How to
      Use Linseed Oil on Wood
      How to
      Finish Wood
      How to
      Use a Wood Filler
      How to
      Clean a Varnish Brush
      How to
      Use Oil‐Based Polyurethane over Water‐Based Polyurethane
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=2m47s
      2. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=2m47s&t=2m37s
      3. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=4m40s
      4. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=4m10s
      5. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GkQCtfeK6Eo&t=1m43s
      6. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GkQCtfeK6Eo&t=0m50s
      7. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_1VKs5zgYOs&t=1m35s
      8. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=6m17s
      9. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=6m14s
      1. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_1VKs5zgYOs&t=2m22s
      2. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=6m5s
      3. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=7m43s
      4. ↑ http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/pastewax.htm
      5. ↑ http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/pastewax.htm
      6. ↑ http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/pastewax.htm
      7. ↑ http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/pastewax.htm
      8. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuXGJRoMt0&t=2m13s

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,999 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement