Description

Protect your woodworking projects with Chestnut Melamine Lacquer, a premium high-gloss wood lacquer designed to provide exceptional durability, outstanding clarity and long-lasting protection. Combining the fast drying properties of cellulose lacquer with the enhanced toughness of a chemically curing melamine catalyst, it delivers a beautiful gloss finish that stands up to everyday use.

Ideal for professional woodworkers, cabinet makers, furniture manufacturers and woodturners, Melamine Lacquer provides excellent resistance to heat, water and abrasion while enhancing the natural beauty of timber. Once applied, the lacquer becomes touch dry in approximately five minutes before continuing to chemically cure, creating an exceptionally durable protective coating.

Suitable for application by brush, foam brush, cloth or spray equipment, it offers professional-quality results on furniture, cabinetry, decorative timber, woodturning projects and interior woodwork.

Why Choose Chestnut Products Melamine Lacquer?

✔ Quick drying formula

✔ High-gloss professional finish

✔ Heat resistant

✔ Water resistant

✔ Chemically cures for maximum durability

✔ Extremely hard wearing

✔ Excellent clarity

✔ Suitable for brush, cloth or spray application

✔ Professional woodworking quality

✔ EN71-3 Toy Safe when fully cured

Key Features

Fast Drying

Touch dry in approximately five minutes, allowing multiple coats to be applied quickly and reducing project completion times.

Chemical Curing Technology

Unlike standard cellulose lacquers, Melamine Lacquer contains a catalyst that chemically cures after application, producing a significantly tougher finish. Approximately 90% of the curing process occurs within the first seven days, with full hardness developing over the following weeks.

Outstanding Durability

Provides excellent resistance to scratches, heat, water and everyday wear, making it ideal for frequently used furniture and decorative timber.

Crystal Clear Gloss

Builds to a rich, full-gloss finish that highlights the natural grain and colour of the wood without masking its beauty.

Versatile Application

Can be applied using a brush, foam brush, lint-free cloth or spray equipment. For larger projects, Cellulose Thinners may be used to improve flow where appropriate.

Ideal Applications

Chestnut Products Melamine Lacquer is perfect for:

• Wooden furniture
• Dining tables
• Cabinets
• Shelving
• Interior joinery
• Woodturning projects
• Bowls
• Pens
• Decorative boxes
• Display pieces
• Craft projects
• Interior woodwork

Compatible Products

For the best results, use with:

• Cellulose Sanding Sealer
• Burnishing Cream
• Friction Polish
• WoodWax 22
• Microcrystalline Wax

Applying Melamine Lacquer over Cellulose Sanding Sealer helps create an exceptionally smooth base while reducing finish absorption. After curing, Burnishing Cream can increase the gloss, while WoodWax 22 or Microcrystalline Wax adds a softer tactile feel.

How To Apply Melamine Lacquer

1. Sand the timber smooth.
2. Remove all sanding dust.
3. Stir thoroughly before use.
4. Apply a thin, even coat using a brush, cloth or spray equipment.
5. Allow approximately 5 minutes until touch dry.
6. Lightly de-nib if necessary.
7. Apply additional thin coats as required.
8. Allow the finish to cure fully before heavy use.

For larger areas, thinning with Cellulose Thinners may improve application and flow.

Technical Information

Finish: Full Gloss

Base: Cellulose with Melamine Catalyst

Application Methods:

• Brush
• Foam Brush
• Cloth
• Spray

Touch Dry: Approximately 5 minutes

Chemical Cure: Around 90% within 7 days

Final Cure: Up to 3 weeks

Properties:

• Heat Resistant
• Water Resistant
• Hard Wearing

Suitable For:

• Hardwood
• Softwood
• Interior Wood

Benefits of Melamine Lacquer

Using Melamine Lacquer provides several advantages:

• Extremely durable finish
• Excellent heat resistance
• Water-resistant protection
• Professional gloss finish
• Fast drying
• Chemically cured coating
• Smooth application
• Excellent clarity
• Long-lasting performance

Melamine Lacquer vs Standard Cellulose Lacquer

While both products dry quickly, Melamine Lacquer contains a catalyst that chemically cures after application. This curing process creates a tougher, more heat-resistant and water-resistant finish than a standard cellulose lacquer, making it a preferred choice for furniture and high-use wooden surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melamine Lacquer?

Melamine Lacquer is a cellulose-based lacquer containing a melamine catalyst that chemically cures after application, producing a highly durable, high-gloss finish.

Is Melamine Lacquer waterproof?

It provides excellent water resistance for interior wooden surfaces but is not designed for continuous immersion or exterior exposure.

How long does it take to dry?

It is typically touch dry within approximately five minutes under normal conditions, although full chemical curing continues over the following days.

Can I brush Melamine Lacquer?

Yes. It can be applied by brush, foam brush, cloth or spray equipment.

Can it be sprayed?

Yes. Spraying often provides the smoothest finish, but the product is also designed for brush application.

Is Melamine Lacquer suitable for furniture?

Yes. It is ideal for tables, cabinets, shelving, display furniture and interior joinery thanks to its excellent durability.

Can I apply wax over Melamine Lacquer?

Yes. Once fully dry, it can be over coated with WoodWax 22 or Microcrystalline Wax for a softer feel.

Can I polish Melamine Lacquer?

Yes. Burnishing Cream can be used to further increase the gloss once the lacquer has dried.

How many coats should I apply?

Most projects benefit from two to four thin coats depending on the level of protection required.

Is Melamine Lacquer Toy Safe?

Yes. Once fully cured, it meets EN71-3 requirements for toy safety.