LACQUER, or LACICER  , a general term for coloured and frequently opaque varnishes applied to certain metallic objects and to wood . The term is derived from the resin lac, which substance is the basis of lacquers properly so called . Technically, among Western nations, lacquering is restricted to the coating of polished metals or metallic surfaces, such as brass, pewter and tin, with prepared varnishes which will give them a golden, bronze-like or other lustre as desired . Throughout the East Indies the lacquering of wooden surfaces is universally practised, large articles of household furniture, as well as small boxes, trays, toys and papier-mache objects, being decorated with bright-coloured and variegated lacquer . The lacquer used in the East is, in general, variously coloured sealing-wax, applied, smoothed and polished in a heated condition; and by various devices intricate marbled, streaked and mottled designs are produced . Quite distinct from these, and from all other forms of lacquer, is the lacquer work of Japan, for which see JAPAN, § Art .