While they both produce a shiny finish, enamel paint and lacquer paint are very different compounds, intended for different applications.
Typically, enamel paint is an oil-based paint used to cover surfaces.
Nowadays many latex and water-based paints are also termed as enamel. In contrast to this, lacquer paint refers to a quick dry solvent that contains nitrocellulose resin, this resin is obtained from cellulosic materials.
Lacquer Based PaintLacquer based paint was a popular type of paint from the mid 1920s to 1960s.
It was typically used to cover hard wearing surfaces like auto bodies and furniture.
Lacquer paint is difficult to work with and requires sanding between coats and about four to six coats on autos, this is still found and commonly used by many.
These paints are soft and do not have many chemicals, thus, they are not durable and long-lived.
This is why an antique car with an original paint job will appear dull rather than glossy.
This paint is available in aerosol spray containers as well as spray guns.
Enamel PaintsEnamel paints tend to dry very hard, making them much more durable than lacquer paints.
Also available in both aerosol cans and spray guns, these paints are definitely long-lived but do not lay down as easily as lacquer paint.
Some enamel paints need to be used in a two-stage system, that is, they require a clear topcoat.
Solvent The biggest difference between the two types of paint is the solvent.
Enamel uses thinner or white spirits and lacquer paint uses lacquer thinner.
Enamel paints use a process that allows polymers in the paint to set and bond together, thus, when the paint hardens, it will not soften again.
In contrast, lacquer paint dries when the solvent has evaporated and can soften over time.
Finish Though both paints can achieve a glossy and shiny finish, lacquer paints result in a thicker coat than enamel paint.
However, the lacquer paint can bubble and crack if not applied effectively with the right technique.
Often, several coats of lacquer paint need to be applied to get the right finish, there are both latex and oil base paints that can be just as shiny as lacquer paint.
Cost Lacquer paint is much more expensive than enamel paint, especially now that it is not used as much.
Paint stores and home improvement centers do not carry lacquer paint, it can only be purchased in pricey auto body supply shops.
In the past, lacquer paints were the choice for shiny, hard shell paint jobs, but they required frequent waxing and buffing and were ultimately superseded by more efficient, versatile, and durable enamel paints.
Can Enamels be used over lacquers? Yes.
Dupli-Color® enamels can be sprayed over lacquer substrates, or any other painted surface that has been sanded smooth and clean of dirt, grease, and dust.
Can Lacquers be used over enamels? Lacquers have a tendency to lift enamel surfaces. Lacquers will work over most fully cured enamels that have good film integrity.
Tip: Test carefully in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
