Why does lacquer dry very quickly?

Lacquer dries very quickly primarily because the thinner used in the formulation evaporates from the film after application. This rapid evaporation is a key characteristic of lacquer as it allows the solvent to escape quickly, leaving behind a hard, durable finish. The high solvent content in lacquer facilitates this quick drying time, allowing for multiple coats to be applied in a shorter duration compared to other types of finishes.

Although other factors such as resin content and exposure to UV light can influence drying times in different types of paint, they are not the primary reasons for the quick drying nature of lacquers. Additionally, while water-based finishes may also dry quickly, the specific characteristic of lacquer drying rapidly is largely due to the solvent evaporation process rather than its water-based nature. Thus, the quick drying action of lacquer is primarily attributed to the rapid evaporation of the thinner it contains.