An overprint lacquer comprising a solvent, a resin, a plasticizer, and a gelling agent. The gelling agent is hydroxypropylcellulose acetate. The coatings of this gel-containing lacquer show improved adhesive characteristics and improved durability when compared with conventional overprint lacquers that have higher nitrocellulose content. Also, the viscosity of the lacquer is more readily controllable due to the presence of the gelling agent.