Applying laquer to wood

[Sonak]

What is the best method to apply laquer to ash wood in order to bring out the grain and give a smooth finish?
Thanks to anyone in advance

[Clanad]

Most occasional DIY'rs don't have spray equipment, however that's the best way to apply lacquer. One can, with effort, find spray cans of lacquer and they do produce a very fine finish if one has an area that can ventilate the overspray. I've used it on oak finishes since it's very durable and provides one of the most attractive finishes... if... 1. Don't thin it, 2. Don't rebrush it once applied, since it begins drying quite quickly one can never over brush it and expect to have a finish free of brush stokes, 3. Don't shake the can, since this will only introduce air bubbles and further mar the finished project, and lastly, 4. Be sure the room temperature is fairly warm... at least 70 degrees F, which will assure the finish does set up and doesn't collect the interminable dust particles we all fear and detest... Good luck!

[Sonak]

Thanks very much for your advice Clanad

[Narolines]

Depends what kind of lacquer you want to use; Shellac? Nitrocellulose? Polyurethane? Epoxy?Some are designed for brushing on (with a proper lacquer brush) and some for spraying. If it's not a big area I'd probably be inclined to go for an aerosol polyurethane lacquer; prepare the surface thoroughly with increasingly finer grades of abrasive, finishing with 000 grit, then spray in many thin coats and rub down with flour-grade glasspaper every 3 coats or so. When you're happy with the coverage cut it back to a high gloss with T-cut or something similar, then finish with wax. For a bigger area I'd use a brushing lacquer; use a proper varnish/lacquer brush (not very expensive, but you're not likely to find one at B&Q -you'll need to go to a proper tool merchants), following the same process. 90% of the success of the job is in the preparation, whichever way you do it.

[Sonak]

Thanks Narolines. Where can I buy polyurethane lacquer which is not expensive? Also where can I get 'beech' wood stain (NOT VARNISH)?