Definition
A finishing material consisting of a film-forming resin (such as nitrocellulose or acrylic) dissolved in a volatile solvent. It dries by solvent evaporation alone, leaving a hard, glossy protective coating on the surface.
Plain English
A type of paint-like coating that dries quickly as its solvent evaporates, leaving behind a tough, shiny film on the surface it was applied to.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft finishing, paint repair, and maintenance instructions for protecting or refinishing metal, wood, or fabric surfaces.
Derivation
From the French 'lacre,' originally referring to a sealing wax, which traces back to the resin 'lac' produced by the lac insect of South Asia. The earliest lacquers were made from this natural resin, and the name carried over to modern synthetic versions that work the same way — a resin dissolved in solvent.
Why Pilots Care
Correct lacquer application prevents corrosion and moisture damage on metal and fabric surfaces, directly affecting aircraft airworthiness and service life.
Intuition Check
Lacquer does not mean any shiny paint. In maintenance, it means a specific type of finish that dries mainly by solvent evaporation and leaves a hard film.
Example Sentence 1
The technician stripped the old lacquer from the propeller spinner before applying the new finish.
Example Sentence 2
After doping the fabric, a final coat of lacquer gave the wing its smooth protective finish.