Water based laquer

Lacquer can be described as a transparent paint. Ingredients of water based laquer are alkyd, acrylic and/or vinyl acrylic polymers. These microscopic plastic particles are dissolved in water.

Water based laquers have many advantages over oil based laquers. They contain much less organic fumes (VOC’s) than oil based laquers because they don’t need an organic solvent.
Synthetic water based varnishes are not free of harmful substances. They contain agents that can emit VOC’s, such as antibacterial, anti mildew, quick drying or conservant agents.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
			Tips Producing water based lacquers has a lower environmental impact than for oil based ones, but still higher than natural products such as beeswax, tung oil or shellac.

	Quick Water based lacquer dries faster than polyurethane or oil based laquers.

	Non toxic It contains low amount of VOCs. Offgassing is minor compared to oil based paints. It is always better to check the amount of VOC in the ingredients. Under 50g/l it is considered low, under 5 g/l it is considered zero.		Tips When evaluating offgassing it is important always to consider also the amount used, the surface painted, and the other surfaces where the same paint has already used in the same room. ”Low VOC does not mean ‘non-toxic’ but a lower quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create smog in the environment” (1). If a low VOC’s paint is choosen, it is important to check the ingredients. If for instance, the same low VOC’s paint is used for several fornitures, floors and walls in the same room, the total amount of VOC’s can be hazardous in that environment. Latex or water-based paints labeled ‘quick drying’ can emit formaldehyde (2).

		Difficult recycling Even if it is not a hazardous waste, it cannot be disposed as regular waste. If there's less than one-fourth of the paint in the can, take it outside, place it where kids and pets can't get to it, remove the lid and let the paint air dry. When the paint is hard (it is turned into solid waste) you can put the cans out with the rest of your trash (1). Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Easy recycling Milk paint (casein) Wood filler (putty)