Why Custom Lacquer Colors Cost More – And Why Stock Colors Save You Money
- Corrine Lombardo
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
At Raleigh Woodworks, we love giving furniture new life with high-quality lacquer finishes. Whether you're refreshing a vintage piece or customizing cabinetry, lacquer painting is a durable and beautiful option. But have you ever wondered why we offer stock colors at a standard price while custom color orders incur additional costs? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the factors involved.

Understanding the Lacquer Storage Challenge
Lacquer paint is not like traditional water-based paint. It requires proper storage to remain safe and usable. The government and EPA enforce strict regulations on lacquer storage, which includes the need for fire-safe cabinets. These cabinets can be quite expensive, and space is often limited.
With thousands of potential colors available, keeping an unlimited selection would necessitate extensive storage and maintenance. By curating a selection of stock colors, we can store, organize, and manage our inventory efficiently. This helps keep costs down for our customers.
The Hidden Costs of Lacquer Waste and Disposal
One major hidden cost of lacquer painting is waste removal. As a hazardous material, lacquer must be disposed of properly. If we purchase a custom color that isn’t used again, we end up paying for its removal. The more custom colors we bring in, the higher our waste management costs become.
Using stock colors enables us to utilize materials more efficiently with minimal waste. This approach helps us maintain competitive pricing.
Cost Efficiency in Ordering Lacquer Minimums & Supplier Fees
Unlike standard paints, lacquer often comes with strict ordering minimums. If a customer requests a custom color, we may need to buy more than we actually require for a single project. Since the chances of another customer selecting the same custom shade are low, we may end up with excess material that potentially goes unused.
Stock colors allow us to efficiently order in bulk. This lowers costs and reduces unnecessary waste significantly.
Streamlining Lacquer Cleanup & Production Efficiency
Every time we spray a different lacquer color, we must fully clean our equipment to avoid contamination. This cleanup involves specialized solvents, which also need to be safely stored and disposed of. By sticking to a selection of stock colors, we streamline this process, minimizing cleanup time and material costs.
Benefits for You
Selecting from a carefully curated list of stock colors offers you several advantages:
Lower Prices: Stock colors allow us to buy in bulk, which reduces overall costs.
Faster Turnaround: With stock colors readily available, we can complete projects more efficiently.
Consistent Quality: Stock colors ensure reliable color reproduction and easier touch-ups if needed later.
We understand there are times when only a custom color will do. That's why we gladly provide custom lacquer colors for an additional fee. This option ensures you achieve the exact look you envision while also covering the necessary costs associated with sourcing, storage, and labor.
Custom Colors: Your Vision Realized
If you’re interested in adding a personal touch to your furniture, consider our custom color options. We want to bring your vision to life. It’s a conversation we’re excited to have!
If you're ready to refresh your furniture with a high-quality lacquer finish, check out our stock color options or reach out to discuss a custom project. We’d love to collaborate and help you achieve your ideal design!
Raleigh Woodworks – Curated Furniture & Custom Carpentry, Tailored to Your Space
(919) 335-3605 | info@raleighwoodworks.com | www.raleighwoodworks.com
Comentários