Finishing School (part two) – lacquer

This time, we’ll cover one of the most popular finishes that European cabinets are known for – Lacquer.

Wikipedia –In a general sense, lacquer is a somewhat imprecise term for a clear or coloured wood finish that dries by solvent evaporation. It is also often a curing process as well that produces a hard, durable finish. This finish can be of any sheen level from ultra matte to high gloss, and it can be further polished as required. It is also used for “lacquer paint”, which typically denotes a paint that dries to a more than usually hard and smooth surface.

In cabinetry (and in furniture), we generally find lacquer , often called ‘shellac’, in two applications: over wood or as a color paint. It can be any of various durable natural varnishes, mostly a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (Rhus verniciflua) —called also Japanese lacquer, or any of various synthetic organic coating (clear or colored), that dries to create a hard coating, mostly a solution of cellulose dervative (such as nitrocellulose).

Lacquered wood – generally the application of lacquer over wood is over wood veneer (sheets of wood), on slab (flat) door and in high gloss. the application of high gloss lacquer over wood veneer, gives the wood a shiny finish and creates a 3D like affect, adding depth to the wood grain look.

Pros: – rich, unique look, that a second to none, of shiny wood, magnifiying the wood design.

– easy to clean (with just a little soap and water) due to the super smooth, glass-like finish, that does not absorb anything.

Cons: – expensive. The application of the veneer, plus the glossy lacqcer, adds up to a high price.

– on dark colors, shows fingerprints.

High gloss lacquer over wood veneer
High gloss lacquer over wood veneer. Eggersmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Color laqcuer – lacquer is paint, usually sparayed over MDF boards,  that dry by the evaporation of simple solvent and that contains a solid binder that dissolves in a solvent. When that process happens, a thin, hard shell is created.  A few coats are applied to reach approx 5 mm. thickness.

There are three groups of lacquer textures being offered – matte, high-gloss and textured. The matte is simply that – flat paint like finish. The glossy can be at different sheen levels, but is primarily done as a high gloss. The textured lacquer is sprayed from a heated spary gun and when it meets the cold air, it forms a textured finish that is actually more durable than the other two.

Matte lacquer
Matte lacquer, Snaidero

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros: – the clean, perfect look of lacquer…

– easy to clean (with just a little soap and water).

Cons: the matte finish is a bit more sustainable to scratches.

– on dark colors, shows finger prints.

Glossy finish white lacquer
Application of high gloss white lacquer finish, over MDF panels. Pedini.

kitchenguy

Amir J. Ilin, the president of Küche+Cucina, a design firm he started 24 years ago. Ilin’s work has been featured on HGTV, on Donald trump’s The Apprentice, in numerous national publications and on many national magazine covers. He is also the recipient of various design awards, among them “Best of Show Design Award”, from Signature Kitchens & Baths 8 times!Ilin was commissioned to design special projects in very exclusive homes, some located far away from his base in NJ. He was also chosen to create the cabinetry for the newly renovated Plaza Hotel, in NYC, as well as several luxury multi-unit projects around the country. To date, Ilin was involved in installations of more then 3,000 kitchens around the US and the islands, as well as many outside the US, many for well known clients.

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Theo

    Hello!

    How does high gloss white color lacquer compare with white PVC (the type that wraps around the edges so there are no seams – apart from the back) compare in terms of durability?

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