Lacquer

DEFINITION

A term with several meanings, it can refer to a natural resin from trees or to various clear industrial coatings to protect artwork. "Lacquer films are glossy, hard, and resistant to wear and weathering." Source: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"<br><br>The term popularly used for some commercially prepared clear or pigmented varnishes derived largely from cellulose in a vehicle of fast drying solvent, available in hardware stores. Its commercially available solvents are called either lacquer FLAMMABLE!solvent or lacquer thinner, and may contain acetone, methyl acetate, or banana oil.(pr. LAK-&#601;r)Also see chinoiserie, Duco, oriental lacquer, paint, polyurethane, resin, shellac, and toluene.