Finishes

Stains and lacquers

There are two different types of colouring that can be applied to wood: stains and lacquers.

Stains are transparent coats and can be used to obtain a wide variety of colours. Depending on the hue, this shading can show the grain of the wood to a greater or lesser degree.

Lacquers are completely opaque and totally cover the grain of the wood. Lacquers used in this fashion, like those used with plastic or aluminium, are available in a full range of colours and provide a uniform finish.

Varnish

Varnish provides a transparent layer that covers the piece. It acts as protection against rays of light, humidity and other environmental agents. Varnish has the added benefit of filling the wood’s pores and limiting any possible dimensional changes.

Top coat

This is applied on the last layer of varnish and can be adapted to the requirements of the end product. Normally, the top coat is used to affect the brightness of the end product. The top coat can create a large range of finishes, all the way from a dull, light-absorbing matte to a an incredibly brilliant, high-gloss shine.