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Did you know most commercially-made pieces of furniture are coated in lacquer? It’s that hard, protective, shiny topcoat that was first used on art-deco furniture, but now it’s pretty commonplace in furniture manufacturing, especially for pieces that are coated with a color that doesn’t occur in nature. If you’re not sure if you have lacquer or shellac, take a cotton swab and swipe a hidden spot with some rubbing alcohol. If the streak is amber colored and sticky, you’ve got shellac. If it’s white, you have a lacquer piece. Let’s take a look at how you can properly care for your lacquer furniture.
1. Keep it Out of the Heat
Lacquered furniture seems pretty tough, and it is in fact quite durable. However, if you let it get overexposed to sunlight or heat, it can easily become dented or chipped. To be on the safe side, avoid keeping lacquered furniture near a radiator or furnace vent in the winter. Also, don’t put it right in front of a window or where it will get too much direct sunshine.
2. Dust Often
Lacquered furniture will get just as dusty as your antique wood, but thankfully, it’s pretty easy to clean. Simply dust it weekly, and as needed, wipe it down with a soft, clean cloth dampened with a little bit of water (just a little!) and if desired, a gentle cleaner. You’l keep it looking nice for years. Use this article for dusting tips and tricks!
3. For the Tougher Stuff
If you happen to get wax, crayons, or gum on your lacquered furniture, scrape it off with a plastic spatula or old credit card. The residue can usually be rubbed off with a soft cloth. To restore the sheen, try polishing it with a car polish, which may even remove or camouflage any light scratches or marks left behind by the scraping.
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