A Common Concern with a Surprising Answer
You’re staring at your grandmother’s old dresser. It’s solid wood, built to last, but the dark cherry finish makes your room feel heavy. You’re tempted to paint it, maybe a crisp white or a bold navy. But then that voice in your head asks: “Am I about to ruin this piece forever? Many homeowners wrestle with the same question when faced with furniture that holds sentimental value but no longer matches their interior style. Maybe it’s a mahogany dining table that feels too formal, or an old dresser that’s clashing with your modern decor.
The idea of painting over natural wood can feel wrong, especially if you’ve heard horror stories of ruined finishes, irreversible damage, or devalued antiques. But the truth is, painting your furniture doesn’t have to mean sacrificing its beauty or worth, not if you choose the right method.
At Finish Pros, we specialize in furniture refinishing in Raleigh NC, and we’ve helped hundreds of clients refresh treasured pieces without regret. We offer professional lacquer painting for clients across Cary, Durham, and the greater Triangle area, helping homeowners update cherished pieces with finishes that are both stylish and reversible.
Custom black pie safe with natural wood stained top and hardware, featuring decorative tin panel inlays on the doors, refinished by Finish Pros with matte black lacquer.
Why Paint Furniture at All?
There are many valid reasons homeowners consider painting their furniture. Often, it’s about breathing new life into something that no longer fits the aesthetic of the room. A dark mahogany sideboard may feel too traditional in a modern farmhouse kitchen. A golden oak coffee table might look dated next to sleek gray sofas.
Others want to:
- Update inherited furniture that doesn’t match their home
- Reimagine older pieces instead of replacing them
- Give mass-market furniture a custom designer feel
- Protect surfaces while adding a bold splash of color
But even with the desire for change, the worry remains: “Will this decision be permanent?” Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.
How Lacquer Differs from Traditional Paints
Unlike standard paints, such as chalk, latex, or acrylic, lacquer paint offers a smooth, highly durable, and reversible finish. It’s not just about making furniture look good; it’s about preserving its future potential. With lacquer, your painted furniture can be professionally restored to its original wood tone later without permanent damage.
Traditional paints tend to penetrate deeply into the wood grain, which makes them extremely difficult to remove. Over time, they can lead to blotchy staining or even warping during future restoration efforts. Lacquer, however, sits on the surface, creating a protective shell that enhances visual appeal without bonding permanently to the wood fibers.
This key difference makes lacquer the perfect middle ground between full restoration and modern redesign.
This three-piece bedroom furniture set, consisting of a nightstand, tall chest, and dresser with mirror, was refinished by Finish Pros in a custom-mixed lacquer color matched to Sherwin Williams SW7015 Repose Gray. The pieces feature a soft satin finish and were completed with sleek modern black hardware, offering a sophisticated and cohesive look.
The Finish Pros Lacquer Painting Process
At Finish Pros, we specialize in professional furniture refinishing in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas, including Cary, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest. Our lacquer painting process is designed to provide a factory-grade finish that is reversible, beautiful, and long-lasting.
Here’s how our lacquer painting process works:
- Personalized Assessment
We begin with a full evaluation of your furniture’s condition and finish. Whether it’s an antique walnut buffet or a more modern birch dresser, we customize our prep methods accordingly. - Surface Preparation
Unlike regular paint, lacquer requires a smooth, clean surface for proper adhesion. We strip any failing finishes, clean off residue, and sand the surface to perfection. - Professional Spray Application
Using industrial-grade sprayers in a controlled environment, our lacquer application is smooth and streak-free—far superior to DIY brush methods or home kits. - Quick Drying & Curing
Lacquer dries quickly, allowing for multiple coats in a short time. After curing, the result is a smooth, high-end finish that resists chipping and scratching. - Reversible Results For The Future
One of the biggest benefits? Unlike latex or chalk paints that sink deep into wood grain, lacquer paint sits atop the surface. This makes it removable in the future with professional techniques—ideal for homeowners who may want to restore the original finish later on.
Why Lacquer Painting Is Reversible—and What That Really Means
One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is: “What if I change my mind later?” That’s a fair question. Furniture trends evolve, personal tastes shift, and what feels modern now might not work a few years down the road. That’s where lacquer painting stands apart from other finishes, its reversibility.
Unlike chalk paint, acrylic, or latex-based products, lacquer doesn’t soak into the wood grain. Instead, it cures into a hard, protective shell that adheres to the surface of the furniture. This makes it incredibly durable while still allowing for future changes. Should you ever want to restore the original wood finish or try a different color, the lacquer can be professionally removed without damaging the underlying material.
This is especially important when working with heirloom or antique furniture, where preserving the wood’s integrity is a priority. Traditional paints can seep deep into porous woods, making it almost impossible to strip them clean. The result? Uneven staining, discolored patches, or even damage to the wood’s texture.
With lacquer, here’s what makes reversibility possible:
- Surface-level application: Lacquer forms a topcoat rather than penetrating the wood fibers.
- Professional removal techniques: Our team uses controlled stripping methods that gently lift lacquer without harming the original surface.
- Restoration-ready: Once the lacquer is removed, the piece can be refinished with stain, a different color lacquer, or restored to its raw wood appearance.
So whether you’re updating a dated piece now or thinking long-term about future restorations, lacquer painting gives you options without locking you into a permanent decision.
At Finish Pros, we believe in giving furniture—and homeowners—room to grow and evolve. Your furniture should work for you now, without limiting your choices down the road.
Why Choose Lacquer Paint Over Traditional Paint?
Why Choose Lacquer Paint Over Traditional Paint?
While chalk paint and other trendy finishes have become popular among DIYers, they often come with long-term issues that many homeowners don’t anticipate:
- Poor durability (chips and scratches easily)
- Difficult removal once applied
- Risk of deep grain staining
- Inconsistent or uneven finishes
Lacquer, on the other hand, is a professional-grade finish that offers:
- A sleek, uniform surface
- Deep, vibrant color with a luxurious feel
- Fast drying times that reduce project delays
- Easy future removal for refinishing or restoration
This combination of beauty, performance, and longevity makes lacquer a top-tier choice for both modern furniture refinishing and antique furniture restoration near Raleigh NC.
We’ve seen firsthand how critical the right finish can be. I always think back to a client who wanted a vanity desk painted in a soft pastel finish. Initially, she considered our professional service—but after a neighbor suggested doing it herself with chalk paint, she gave it a try. Unfortunately, the results were disastrous.
The surface wasn’t properly prepped, the old finish was still flaking beneath the paint, and wax was applied over the chalk paint—creating a sticky mess. When she used the vanity to blow dry her hair, strands would get stuck to the tacky wax-coated surface. After two years of frustration and disappointment, she reached out to Finish Pros.
Our team carefully removed the chalk paint and wax buildup, repaired the surface correctly, and refinished the piece with a rich, lacquer painted finish that was both durable and elegant. Not only did it look beautiful, but it was also far easier to maintain.
This story is a perfect example of why choosing a professional lacquer finish can transform not just your furniture—but your daily experience using it.
Real-Life Transformation: From Traditional to Trendy
Let’s take a look at a project.
This cherry double dresser was finished in a lacquer custom mixed to match Sherwin Williams SW 7674 Peppercorn lacquer painted finish with brass pulls, refinished by Finish Pros in Raleigh NC.
Client Story: The Blue Dresser
Our client, a newlywed in Durham, brought us a solid cherry dresser she inherited from her grandmother. Though grateful for the piece, she found the dark wood clashed with the soft, modern palette of her bedroom. We transformed it with a rich turquoise lacquer and updated brass pulls. What was once a heavy, dated relic now feels like a boutique showpiece—and it still carries the warmth of family history.
We lacquer painted the piece in a bold, turquoise hue. The transformation was striking—a blend of timeless craftsmanship and vibrant personality. Best of all, our client knew they could revert to a traditional wood look later if they desired.
Before: Rich mahogany finish, slightly scratched and faded
After: Smooth, bright lacquer-painted finish with modern brass pulls
This kind of transformation speaks to the benefits of furniture restoration services that blend style and practicality.
Common Concerns About Painting Furniture—Answered
Q: Does the painted lacquer have to be shiny?
- Not at all. While many people associate lacquer with a high-gloss finish, it actually comes in a variety of sheens; matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. At Finish Pros, we tailor the sheen level to your design preferences and the furniture’s style. For example, antique furniture restoration in Raleigh NC might call for a more subtle satin finish to preserve its historic character, whereas modern furniture refinishing in Cary often looks stunning with a bold, high-gloss sheen.
Q: Will I decrease the value of antique furniture by painting it?
- If you have a true antique with historical or collector value, consult with a furniture restorer before painting. However, for many heirloom-quality pieces with personal but not market value, lacquer painting provides a reversible option that protects your ability to refinish in the future.
Q: Can I do this myself?
- While there are DIY kits available, achieving a flawless lacquer finish requires professional equipment and a dust-free environment. Amateur attempts can result in uneven textures, bubbling, and irreversible damage to the wood grain.
Q: Is lacquer safe for indoor furniture?
- Yes! Modern lacquer formulations are safe for interior use. At Finish Pros, we use professional-grade materials and equipment to ensure your indoor air quality is not affected.
Q: Can lacquer finishes be touched up if they get scratched?
- Yes, one of the many advantages of lacquer is that it can be spot-repaired and buffed to restore its appearance. Unlike traditional paints that may peel or flake when touched up, lacquer blends seamlessly when applied correctly. For high-use furniture like dining tables or desks, we also offer protective topcoats to improve scratch resistance and reduce the need for future maintenance.
Q: What if I change my interior design in a few years—can I repaint the lacquered furniture?
- Absolutely! One of the greatest benefits of lacquer is its versatility and reversibility. If your color preferences or design trends change, your lacquered furniture can be stripped or recoated in a completely new finish. This makes it ideal for homeowners who like to refresh their space every few years without replacing furniture.
Why Lacquer Is Ideal for Both Modern and Antique Furniture
One of the reasons lacquer painting has become so popular is its versatility. You can use it to elevate nearly any type of furniture:
- Antique buffets and sideboards; Lacquer brings out the richness of the wood while offering a durable finish that resists wear, making it ideal for antique furniture
- Mid-century modern dressers; A clean, lacquered finish enhances their iconic lines and minimalist appeal, especially for clients seeking modern furniture
- Dining tables and chairs; For heavily used pieces, lacquer adds both durability and elegance. It’s a popular choice for dining table refinishing
- Bookcases and shelving units; Lacquer helps transform these from purely functional pieces into polished design statements, ideal for custom furniture refinishing
It’s also ideal for custom furniture design projects where the client wants a unique color or high-gloss look that traditional stains or paints can’t achieve.
If you’re considering modern and antique furniture refinishing in Apex, Cary, or Raleigh, lacquer should be your first choice.
Vintage dresser refinished in a smooth white lacquer with polished gold hardware, photographed outdoors after restoration by Finish Pros.
Furniture Refinishing as a Smart Investment
Replacing an outdated piece might seem like the quickest way to refresh a room—but it’s not always the best move. In fact, refinishing the furniture you already own often leads to better quality, more customization, and longer-lasting value.
At Finish Pros, we’ve worked with countless homeowners who considered getting rid of their old dressers, tables, or sideboards—only to discover that their existing pieces were made of solid wood and built to last far longer than many modern alternatives.
Instead of discarding these items, they chose to reimagine them with a new finish—saving money while keeping meaningful furniture in their homes.
Here’s why refinishing is often the better option:
- These pieces add a pop of color where it may be lacking. pulling a tone from a piece of artwork or a tone in a window treatment may pull an entire room together
- Higher quality: Many older pieces are made from solid wood with traditional joinery, unlike mass-produced furniture built from particleboard or veneer.
- More affordable: Professional refinishing is usually less expensive than buying new furniture of similar quality—especially for large items like dining tables or bedroom sets.
- Tailored to your taste: With lacquer, you can choose any color or sheen to match your style, from matte black to glossy white to bold custom tones.
- Better for the environment: Refinishing keeps usable furniture out of landfills and reduces waste from mass production.
- Sentimental value preserved: Instead of letting go of family pieces, refinishing allows you to update the look while honoring the memories attached to them.
- The piece will be completely unique to you, that are also one of a kind
When you refinish, you don’t just restore wood—you restore connection, craftsmanship, and character. It’s an investment in something that’s already part of your life, made better.
Painting Furniture Doesn’t Have to Mean Ruining It
The idea of painting wood furniture can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. When done correctly, especially using professional lacquer finishes, painting can preserve, protect, and elevate your furniture without compromising its integrity.
At Finish Pros, we believe in giving you the freedom to change your mind, update your space, and hold onto what matters most. Whether you’re trying to match your furniture to a new design style or give an old piece a bold new personality, lacquer painting offers the best of both worlds—style now, restoration later.
Call to Action: Ready to Reimagine Your Furniture?
Don’t let uncertainty stop you from loving your space. Contact Finish Pros today for a personalized quote and let our expert team show you how professional lacquer painting can restore, and elevate, the furniture that matters most.
We’re here to help you love your furniture again, safely, stylishly, and beautifully.
