paint finish / painting
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paint finish
The protective and color-giving layer of paint or lacquer that has been applied to a surface, especially the body of a vehicle.
Die rote Lackierung des Sportwagens glänzte in der Sonne.
The red paint finish of the sports car gleamed in the sun.
The noun 'die Lackierung' (paint finish/painting) is derived from the verb 'lackieren' (to paint/lacquer). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun. This pattern is very common in German.
Er will sein altes Fahrrad neu lackieren.
He wants to repaint his old bicycle.
Like many nouns ending in '-ung', 'Lackierung' can refer both to the process (painting/lacquering) and to the result (the paint layer). The context makes the difference clear.
Die Lackierung des Autos dauert zwei Tage.
Painting the car takes two days.
When the result is meant, 'Lackierung' (paint finish) is often combined with words that describe its condition: 'eine beschädigte Lackierung' (a damaged paint finish), 'Kratzer in der Lackierung' (scratches in the paint finish), or 'die Lackierung polieren' (to polish the paint finish).
Er hat den Kratzer in der Lackierung selbst ausgebessert.
He repaired the scratch in the paint finish himself.
When the process is meant, the word often appears in the context of workshops or renovations. A typical phrase is 'eine neue Lackierung in Auftrag zu geben' (to commission a new paint job).
Die komplette Lackierung des Oldtimers ist sehr teuer.
The complete painting of the vintage car is very expensive.
lacquer / varnish
'der Lack' and 'die Lackierung' are closely connected. 'Lack' is the material that is applied to a surface. 'Lackierung' can mean the finished layer of paint or lacquer, for example on a car, or the process of applying paint or lacquer. Learners may confuse the words because in the end you often see both: 'Lack' as the material and 'Lackierung' as the result. If you are talking about the liquid or the material, use 'Lack'. If you are talking about the layer or the work done on a vehicle, 'Lackierung' fits better.
Nach dem Unfall hat die Werkstatt die Lackierung am Auto erneuert.
After the accident, the garage renewed the car's paint finish.
Für das Regal brauchen wir einen Lack, der wasserfest ist.
For the shelf, we need a varnish that is waterproof.