Can You Apply Lacquer Varnish Over Acrylic Paints?

 
Yes, you can use lacquer varnish over acrylic paints as long as you are careful not to allow the lacquer solvents to attack the acrylic. However, with a few precautions and by building the finish up slowly, it is possible to safely add a smooth and hardwearing lacquer coat over acrylics.
 

Instructions: Applying Lacquer Varnish Over Acrylic Paints

Allow the acrylic paint to fully cure

Allow at least 24–72 hours for the paint to cure after painting, or longer if the paint was applied heavily or under humid conditions. The paint must be fully dry before applying lacquer.

Prepare the surface

Gently wipe the model with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and debris. Try to avoid handling the surface directly with your hands after this point.
(Optional) Apply an acrylic protective clear coat
Spray a thin coat of acrylic gloss or satin varnish first. This creates a protective layer to further isolate the acrylic paint layer from the lacquer solvents.
Spray the lacquer in mist coats
 
Hold your airbrush or spray can 20–30 cm away from the surface, and apply 2–3 very light mist coats. Wait 10–15 minutes for each mist coat to dry. This will form a hard skin of lacquer to protect the paint layer before heavier coats are applied.

Apply the main lacquer coat

After the lacquer mist coats have dried (30–60 minutes), add a wetter, more even coat to form the main finish. Try to avoid flooding the surface and build the lacquer finish up slowly.

Allow full cure

Leave the lacquer to cure for at least 24 hours before touching or handling the model, and allow it to cure for even longer before masking or weathering. Avoiding these common mistakes will also help:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to use lacquer on top of acrylics that have not fully cured
Spraying heavy, wet coats of lacquer first, which can dissolve the paint layer.

Neglecting to use a mist coat stage
Failure to test the combination on a spare part or test piece beforehand.

  • Tip: Avoid using general hardware store lacquers or automotive enamels/sprays unless you are certain they are model-safe. The solvents used in many cheaper lacquers are so strong that they can immediately soften or wrinkle acrylic paints on contact.
  • Tip: Mr. Hobby Mr. Color GX Clear lacquer is considered one of the least aggressive of all lacquers and is a popular choice for spraying on top of acrylic paints.
  • Tip: Tamiya LP Clear lacquer is also considered to be largely compatible with most acrylic paints when applied in light coats first.
  • Tip: Alclad II Klear Kote is a lacquer with a low odour and gentle solvent base, making it safe for protecting delicate acrylics.
  • Tip: AK Interactive Intermediate Gauzy Agent Shine Enhancer is not a true lacquer, but a hybrid lacquer/enamel. However, it is much safer to use over-cured acrylics.
 
Lacquer varnish can provide a tough and flawless finish on your model when applied carefully over acrylic paints.
 
The key is to allow the acrylics to fully cure first and then to apply the lacquer in light mist coats first. Only after the mist coats have been added should a final heavier coat of lacquer be added.
 
If you are unsure, always test a spare part or test piece before applying it to your finished model.