Wood
Water-based vs solvent-based lacquer on furniture
Odour, durability, appearance and workshop conditions: what you need to know to choose the right lacquer system for furniture.
Short answer
Water-based lacquers mean less odour and lower VOC in the workshop and yellow less on pale wood. Two-component solvent-based PU lacquers offer high build, fast recoating and strong chemical resistance. The choice depends on where the furniture is used, the workshop’s ventilation and drying conditions and the look you want.
Choose water-based
- Interiors and closed workshops where odour matters
- Pale woods and white pigmented finishes
- Projects with a low-VOC target
Choose solvent-based 2K PU
- Surfaces that need high abrasion and chemical resistance
- High-build, fast-finishing systems
- Workshops with changing temperature and humidity
1The basic difference: the carrier
The liquid that carries the resin and additives in a lacquer is either water or organic solvents. In water-based systems the film forms as the water evaporates and the resin particles fuse together. The solvent-based lacquers this guide covers are two-component (2K) polyurethane (PU) systems: as the solvent evaporates, the polyol resin also reacts chemically with the isocyanate hardener in a cross-linking reaction that builds a tight film network; the film does not form by solvent evaporation alone. One-component nitrocellulose (NC) lacquers and acid-catalysed lacquers cure by different mechanisms and are not covered here.
Today water-based systems also come as one-component (1K) and two-component (2K) products. 2K water-based lacquers can come close to the durability of solvent-based systems.
2Odour, VOC and the working environment
Water-based lacquers contain far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOC), smell little and carry a lower fire risk. That is a real advantage for on-site work indoors and for workshops with limited ventilation. Solvent-based systems need good ventilation, suitable respiratory protection and fire precautions.
3Appearance and colour
Acrylic-based water-based lacquers yellow little in light and keep white finishes and pale woods such as maple and ash looking fresh for a long time. Solvent-based systems show the grain warmer and deeper, which is often the look wanted on woods such as walnut and oak. PU lacquers with aromatic hardeners can yellow over time; where yellowing is not acceptable, systems with aliphatic hardeners are used.
4Durability and build
Two-component solvent-based PU lacquers offer high scratch, abrasion and chemical resistance, build a thick, full film and close the pores quickly. One-component water-based lacquers usually give a thinner film and may not be enough on their own for heavily used surfaces. Table tops, worktops and kitchen fronts call for 2K systems; see our kitchen cabinet guide.
5Application and drying conditions
Water-based lacquers are more sensitive to temperature and humidity: in cold, damp conditions the film may not form properly and drying takes longer. For most products the air and surface temperature should not fall much below about 15 °C; check the exact limit in the product’s data sheet. Water raises the wood grain, so a light sanding is needed after the first coat. Spray equipment suitable for water-based products matters too.
Solvent-based systems give predictable results across a wider range of temperature and humidity and suit fast recoating. On the other hand, the mix has a limited pot life and must be used up within it.
Comparison table
| Property | Water-based | Solvent-based 2K PU |
|---|---|---|
| Odour and VOC | Low | High |
| Yellowing on pale colours | Little | Depends on the hardener |
| Chemical and scratch resistance | 1K medium, 2K high | High |
| Build and film thickness | Medium | High |
| Tolerance of cold and damp | Low | Good |
| Grain raising | Yes, sand between coats | Little |
Which one is right for me?
Answer three questions to see our suggestion.
Frequently asked questions
Is water-based lacquer less durable than solvent-based?
One-component water-based lacquers usually are. Two-component water-based lacquers can come close to solvent-based systems. What matters is choosing the system for the use.
Can a water-based topcoat go over a solvent-based sealer?
In some systems it can, but compatibility depends on the products. Take sealer and topcoat from the same system, or use products the maker states are compatible.
Why does water-based lacquer raise the grain?
Water swells the surface fibres of the wood and lifts them. A light sanding after the first coat removes them, and the following coats stay smooth.
Which is better for a white finish?
Water-based systems, or systems with aliphatic hardeners, usually give better results on white and pale colours because they yellow less.