lacquer
n.n. a hard, shiny liquid that you paint on wood or metal to make it look beautiful and protect it from damage.
n. a clear, hard, glossy finish applied to surfaces to provide a protective layer and enhance appearance. Often used in the context of furniture, musical instruments, and decorative arts.
The old table has a beautiful, dark lacquer finish.
The craftsman applied several thin coats of lacquer to the guitar to ensure it was both waterproof and scratch-resistant.
Traditional lacquerware requires the application of multiple layers of natural resin, which is then polished to a mirror-like sheen that can last for centuries.
Borrowed from French lacque (“a sort of sealing wax”), from Portuguese laca, lacca (“gum lac”), from Persian لاک (lâk), from Hindi लाख (lākh), from Sanskrit लाक्षा (lākṣā). Doublet of lac.