Lacquer - What is lacquer?

Answer:

A type of coating material that is usually made of a resin dissolved in a solvent. Clear or coloured (by adding pigments to the solution), lacquers are applied to face materials in liquid form (usually by being sprayed onto the surface) and dry through solvent evaporation; the solvent evaporates leaving behind a thin, solid film that covers the surface of the face material. Lacquer coatings are used to enhance the appearance of a face material by creating a high gloss finish and to provide a protective cover that is both smooth and highly durable. They are usually applied during the manufacturing process, but can also be added at a later stage, including after a label has been printed.

In labelling, lacquers are most commonly used as a coating on face materials, but can also be added to inks to create a high gloss print finish.