Lacquer is a clear or coloured wood finish that dries by solvent evaporation or a curing process that produces a hard, durable finish.acquer sheen is a measurement of the shine for a given lacquer. Different manufacturers have their own names and standards for their sheen. The most common names from least shiny to most shiny are: flat, matte, egg shell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss (high).