How to Make a Lacquer and Mother-of-Pearl Ring Box

If you love slow crafts and shiny details, this one’s for you.

1. Surface Preparation & Base Lacquering 0:00~0:46

Begin by sanding the surface and edges of the ring box using 400-grit sandpaper to remove any roughness. After sanding, use a tissue soaked in alcohol to wipe off dust and debris. Squeeze out some black lacquer—if it's too thick, add a drop of orange oil and stir well. Dip a brush into the lacquer and apply a thin, even coat over the entire surface. Avoid applying too much lacquer at once to prevent uneven drying or wrinkling. After brushing one layer, place the box in a ventilated, dust-free area to air-dry. Repeat this process three times in total to build a solid, smooth base.

2. Brush Cleaning & Storage 0:47~1:11

After each use, clean the brush immediately. Start by softening the lacquer residue with orange oil or vegetable oil, then wipe it clean using tissue paper. To prevent the bristles from drying out and becoming damaged, finish by applying a thin layer of cooking oil to the brush. Before using the brush again next time, be sure to thoroughly clean off the oil with alcohol to avoid affecting the drying of the lacquer.

3. Fixing Wrinkled Lacquer Surfaces 1:12~3:40

Wrinkling usually occurs due to excessive lacquer thickness, high temperatures, or uneven brushing. If this happens, use a carving knife to carefully scrape off the wrinkled areas, then sand them flat using 400-grit sandpaper. While sanding, check frequently to avoid over-sanding through the base. If the surface feels sticky, the underlying lacquer hasn't fully dried—allow more drying time before proceeding. To repair, apply diluted black lacquer (with a drop of orange oil) in thin layers to fill the sunken areas. Repeat brushing and drying until the surface is even. Then use 1000-grit sandpaper to level the entire surface. If necessary, increase the grit gradually for a finer finish.

4. Color Blending for Decorative Base 3:41~4:30

Once the surface is fully dry and smooth, begin the color blending process. First, apply a layer of black lacquer, followed by a layer of red lacquer. Then use a clean brush to softly blend the colors—first vertically, then horizontally—so the transition appears smooth and natural. Keep the blending area controlled to avoid spreading the colors too widely. After blending, allow it to dry fully. Repeat this process three times for richer color layering.

5. Applying Mother-of-Pearl Inlay 4:31~4:49

After the decorative base is complete, it's time to apply the mother-of-pearl inlay. First, brush on a thin layer of lacquer and carefully place the inlay pieces onto the wet surface. Let it dry completely in a ventilated area. To secure the inlay, gently brush three additional layers of black lacquer over it, allowing each layer to fully dry. Be especially careful with the first layer, as the inlay may not yet be firmly fixed.

6. Revealing the Inlay 4:50~5:51

Once the inlay is secure, begin polishing to reveal the design. Start with 1000-grit sandpaper and gently sand the surface until the mother-of-pearl starts to show. Gradually switch to finer grits—2000, 5000, and finally 7000—for a smoother finish. Be careful not to sand too hard, and check frequently to avoid damaging the mother-of-pearl inlays during sanding. If any areas remain hidden, you can use a carving knife to carefully scrape away excess lacquer, but do this gently to avoid damaging the inlay.

7. Filling & Surface Polishing 5:52~end

After the inlay is fully revealed, you may notice some uneven spots. Use a thinned layer of black lacquer to fill in any low areas and let it dry. Repeat this process until the entire surface is flush. Then, apply a thin coat of raw lacquer over the surface and wipe it off after about 30 seconds. You should begin to see a soft natural gloss. Next, apply a bit of vegetable oil and wipe it off with tissue paper. Dust on some polishing powder and use your palm and fingers to rub and polish the surface thoroughly. The first round usually gives a matte effect—repeat if a shinier finish is desired.

Your lacquer and mother-of-pearl ring box is now complete. From careful sanding and layer-by-layer lacquering to inlay placement and delicate polishing, every step reflects the precision and patience of traditional lacquerware craftsmanship. The final result is a smooth, luminous, and beautifully detailed handmade art piece that’s both functional and decorative.

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