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What Is a Hand-Rubbed Lacquer Finish?

A hand-rubbed lacquer finish is a process that brings out a stunning finish, particularly on wood and automobile paint. It can be a somewhat tedious and time-consuming procedure. However, when done correctly and patiently, the results are usually well worth the effort and elbow grease. Shellac and varnish are particularly ideal for hand-rubbing finishes. Some people prefer to apply two or more coats of shellac with a final topcoat of varnish.

Hand-Rubbed Finish
- A "hand-rubbed" finish is essentially a polished finish that is extremely smooth and brought to maximum luster by using exceptionally fine abrasives such as 2500-grit sandpaper, powdered pumice or perhaps a synthetic rubbing compound. Depending on your project, you can purchase these fine abrasives from woodworking suppliers or from outlets selling car finishes. Hand-rubbing needs to be painstaking. On a small wood project, hand-rubbing is not too difficult. On an automobile, however, it can be time-consuming and monotonous. Consequently, on larger projects the rubbing is often done with machines.
Shellac's Benefits
- While some finishes require sanding between coats, shellac does not. When applying a second coat of shellac, you will notice it simply blends into the first coat. Additionally, shellac makes an excellent sealer and will not re-wet, smudge, smear or take off any stain you have applied. After applying a second or third coat of shellac, you can lightly sand the finish to achieve smoothness. After you've sanded it, use a vacuum and a rag to take away all of the fine sanding dust. On the edges or surfaces that have filigree or contour you can use very fine steel wool for smoothing.
Varnish's Benefits
- After you have hand-rubbed the shellac smooth and cleaned off the sanding dust, you can apply varnish for a final coat or coats. Although it is tempting to simply skip the shellac and use several coats of varnish, keep in mind that while shellac works well as a sealer, if a shellac coat is later cleaned with a product containing alcohol or ammonia, it may dissolve. Varnish, on the other hand, forms a protective barrier, won't dissolve if alcohol or ammonia is applied to it and resists water and chemicals.
Hand-Rubbing Advantages
- Hand-rubbing a wood or metal project can create an exceptionally beautiful finish and can often provide a sense of depth. Additionally, the hand-rubbed finish is long-lasting, waterproof and easy to clean. Of course, a hand-rubbed finish is an investment of time or, if you have it done professionally, money. When done with care and patience, the finished product is well worth the investment.

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