Furniture lacquers have come a long way in the last few decades. Today, they are tougher than ever, UV stable and even available with anti-microbial properties for hygienic reasons. While on the subject of hygiene, we’ll take the opportunity to advise against oils or waxes to finish indoor furniture. They do nothing to protect the lovely timber, they harbour germs and need to be reapplied over and over. Outdoor furniture is the ONLY furniture that should be waxed or oiled, indoors we need a strong, hygienic lacquer. Solvent based or water based? Solvent. Water based lacquers contain a mould retarding agent that is present full time to inhibit mould growth. The chemical is always there and so is it’s odour… forever. Water based can’t be poured down the drain as most people believe.