Spraying Lacquer With HVLP (Complete How-To Guide)

Lacquer is resin emulsified in a solvent. For example, nitrocellulose generated from wood pulp is the resin, and it's mixed with chemical solvents to help it spread over a surface and pigmentation for coloring.  

HVLP stands for “high volume low pressure”, which is how these paint sprayers operate: lots of paint sprayed at low pressure. By contrast, LVLP sprayers emit a low volume at low pressure.  

When it comes to HVLP versus LVLP, the LVLP sprayers are better for high-viscosity materials, while HVLP sprayers work best for less viscous applications like lacquer.  

Compared to other finishers like polyurethane, tung oils, and shellac, lacquer has a thinner consistency, which means it runs through an HVLP sprayer more easily and dries much faster. 

Most DIYers use HVLP sprayers to add a protective layer and sheen to wood furniture. However, it is also used as a sealant and coloring agent on metal, plastic, and synthetic materials.  

Lacquer is generally either pre-catalyzed, meaning the manufacturer adds the catalyst, or post-catalyzed, which means the user adds the catalyst right before use. Either kind will work if you’re using an HVLP spray gun for lacquer, but post-cat will have a few extra steps and doesn’t last as long in the can. 

Spraying pre-cat lacquer with HVLP guns is faster than brushing and leaves a much smoother finish. You need to build coats, applying a little lacquer at a time until you reach the finish you want.  

The ideal tool is a paint sprayer with a 1.8mm air cap and an air compressor that provides a minimum of 9CFM at 90 psi. Once you’ve got the right sprayer, use the guide in the next section to learn how to spray lacquer with HVLP sprayers.  

You may need to thin your paint before you get started, particularly if it’s a post-cat mix.  

Thinning your lacquer isn’t complicated at all, but you’ll need a few things before you get started with that.  

Once you have all these things, follow these steps to lacquer your project with a paint sprayer: 

These are just basic HVLP lacquer spraying tips. To take your projects to the next level, try out some of this expert advice: 

Not only does the 20-foot cable make this HVLP paint sprayer perfect for hitting every side of your project, but its easily-adjustable pressure control and flow adjusters make applying lacquer a breeze.  

Painters love this model because it’s light enough to prevent hand fatigue but still holds enough in the reservoir, so you won't have to worry about refills during a project. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use in all your home projects, not just lacquering. 

If you’re looking for a paint sprayer that can get into those nooks and crannies, this is the one you need.

Although you might not want to use it to lacquer an entire wood tabletop, it’s great for smaller pieces of furniture, components of larger pieces, and touching up lacquer jobs without having to completely redo them.  

This VanHaus is an inexpensive way to get your next lacquering project done. Painters enjoy the large reservoir, fast-action flow adjustment, and easy maintenance. In addition, all the parts of this model come apart fairly easily, so cleaning it is a breeze.  

Spraying lacquer with HVLP guns is the fastest way to get an even finish on your piece. Of course, it will take some prep and some practice, but with the tips and walkthrough in this guide, you’ll be admiring the sheen of your well-lacquered projects in no time.