avlakning

Avlakning is the process of removing a lacquer or varnish coating from a surface, typically metal, wood, or plastic. The term combines av-, meaning removal, with lakning, referring to lacquer or coating. The goal is to expose the underlying material in order to re-finish, repair, or conserve the object.

Methods include chemical stripping, which uses solvents or caustic solutions to soften or dissolve the coating; mechanical stripping, which relies on abrasion, scraping, sanding, or abrasive blasting to physically remove the layer; and thermal stripping, which applies heat to soften the coating for removal, sometimes combined with mechanical methods to reduce residue.

Applications include furniture restoration, woodworking, and automotive refinishing, where old lacquer or varnish must be removed before applying a new finish. In art conservation and metalwork, controlled avlakning can reveal original surfaces while preserving the substrate and details.

Considerations include the potential for damage to the substrate if misapplied; solvents pose health and environmental risks and require ventilation, PPE, and proper disposal of waste. Some coatings may contain hazardous components such as heavy metals or chlorinated solvents. After avlakning, surfaces often need cleaning, neutralizing, and surface preparation for subsequent finishing.