Oops! What will happen if I use a woodburner on lacquer

[jerickson]

Well, I experimented with some lacquer on a bowl and am happy with the results. However, I forgot to sign the piece with my woodburner beforehand. Does anyone know what will happen if I try to burn through the finish?

Or would it be better to just use a permanent marker on this one?

[AHill]

It'll look ugly. I'd go with a permanent marker on this one. You could experiment on a piece of scrap and see what happens, but I don't think you'll like it. Or you could sand off the lacquer, burn in your name, then refinish the bottom with something besides lacquer.

[jerickson]

Ok, I figured as much. Thanks for the reply. I'm just stupid enough to try it unless someone else tells me it's a bad idea.

[Jim Pilsner]

I haven't done it myself, but I just can't imagine lacquer haven't any factor at all with woodburning, seems like it'd burn right through that thin layer.

[AHill]

Jim Pilsner said:

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I haven't done it myself, but I just can't imagine lacquer haven't any factor at all with woodburning, seems like it'd burn right through that thin layer.

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Just based on what heat will do to other surface finishes, I believe will burn through the layer it's applied to, and discolor and/or craze the surrounding lacquer. The surrounding lacquer will then be prone to chipping and flaking.

[jerickson]

I hear you guys about being able to repair lacquer easily, but I just really hate dealing with lacquer at all. I think I'll just leave it alone. I've gotten used to oil finishes and using something like lacquer or poly now is just painful to me. I was hoping I could burn over it, but I figured that wouldn't work so well like it does with oil finishes.

[Steve K]

It will melt the finish but a couple of things to remember. First, it's on the bottom. Secondly, lacquer is just about the most easily repairable finish there is. If it were me I would clean off a spot with lacquer thinner, burn, and reapply lacquer. Or, I would burn, clean it up with thinner and reapply lacquer. You could always try it on a scrap piece first.

[Woodshop]

BTDT ... don't do it burns, discolors an leaves the finish sticky.

[jerickson]

Woodshop said:

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BTDT ... don't do it burns, discolors an leaves the finish sticky.

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Haha! You did it so I don't have to.