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I was just wondering if anyone has had much luck lacquering papier-mache. I want to seal my 'everyday use' projects so they don't get dirty and that they can be easily wiped clean - but I have never worked with lacquer before.
Has anyone worked with it, and can give me some tips and advice?
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I just use a clear, water based varnish which gives a nice glaze and is easily wipeable.
DavidO
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If you mean the two-part lacquer (larger container of base + small bottle of catalyst), yes, you can, and it works beautifully. I have not done it myself, but I have seen the results. I have seen a plain brown lunch sack with this stuff brushed onto it (all over it), and it even kept its shape.
I would calculate how much I needed, as any extra will have to be thrown away, and the brush you use will also have to be discarded. You can't dawdle with this stuff, so don't answer the phone after you've mixed it.
DO NOT SMOKE OR HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR A CONCENTRATED HEAT SOURCE OR OPEN FLAME!
But David is also correct. Spray-on or brush-on varnish will do fine for handling protection, and you will have the option of a shiny or matte finish. I find the matte finish much more suitable for many things.
Sue
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Hello again butterbee... you can try clear lacquer varnish or clear lacquer gloss to protect your PMs from dust, you can even wash them with soap & water, scrub 'em clean with a sponge or toothbrush without damaging your piece (if you apply a thick coating of lacquer varnish or paint).
I usually apply at least 3 coats of primer (lacquer varnish or paint diluted with lacquer thinner- watery consistency). Usually lacquer paints and varnish are thick off the can or bottle when you buy them. After the primer, apply the lacquer paint as thick as you want. Apply them thick. It'll look nicer if you spray it, but you will be needing an air compressor and a spray gun (I usually use 20 to 30 psi-pressure)... but a brush will do.
...or you can use the lacquer varnish on top of the water base paints... apply it thick (that is the trick- to really soak up the pulp), the only downside is it eats up the finer details of the PM you're painting... check out Jackie's article about waterproofing PMs... oh yeah, do the painting outdoor... fumes... and as Sue says lacquer paints are flamable... well, good luck... Eric
Hi Dave, nice avatar. 
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