Nitty Gritty Furniture Design and Restoration

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Finishing

The Look and the Durability

For many customers, these two subject lines go together.  They say, “I want it to look great, and I want it to be bullet proof.”  In many cases we can do just that, but it is important to know that there are lots of different options and as a result, subtle differences in the finished look and durability, when using different sealers.  We are happy to explain the differences, and give our recommendations.

Depth and Build

Depth

Most finishers look for the simplest solution to achieving a colour or effect.  We, on the other hand, look to the best process to achieve the result.  For years we have blended our own stains, because we haven't found good enough colours to use on their own.  Furthermore, we often add stain into our Danish oil when oiling furniture, to add depth and richness.  The key to depth in a finish is building with thin layers.  That includes all stages of staining, glazing, and sealing. For the greatest depth, we use glazes and oil colours hand rubbed into the finish to richen the colours and bring our the grain of the woods.  We love wood grain, and like to bring it alive in every way.  Unfortunately, so much of today's mass produced furniture today is shaded with coloured lacquer.  You’ve seen it, the cherry or expresso finish that looks painted on! You can’t even tell what wood or veneer is used. 

Build

The greatest secret to a good finish is the build.  For French Polish, 20-30 coats is not uncommon.  For lacquer, putting on 4-6 thin coats is much more effective, and much more visually appealing than putting on three thick coats.  Another key is using both the toughest and clearest finish as the base.  To that end, when lacquering or urethaning we often start with high gloss finish for the first few coats.  This gives the greatest durability, and clarity.  Then we overcoat with the sheen desired.  If, on the other hand, we used 4-5 coats of satin, the finish would be too cloudy, like the floors finished by those "expert" floor refinishers. 

Sheen 

Sheen is often described with words, but as finishers, we address it in degrees.  Where 90 degrees is the exceptionally high gloss and 15 degrees is flat. Most pieces we work on are either in the satin range 25-35 degrees, and more formal sheen of 40-60 degrees.

The sheen of course will affect the look.  We are happy to discuss and show you the differences.

Durability

Each finish has it's own look, and it's own differing durability.  Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful finishes are also the most delicate.  We discuss finishes with al our clients and recommend the appropriate finish to the use and tolerance level of the client.  In general, finishes below are ranked from 1-7, weakest to strongest.  However, that should not be the only consideration.  A plasma stand finished in oil and wax is not generally submitted to the same abuse as the lacquered kitchen table, and so there is more latitude in the options.

1.Oil & Wax

2.French Polish

3.Varnish & Nitrocellulose Lacquer

4.Lacquer (pre-cat and post-cat)

5.Urethane

6.Spar Varnish

7.Two Part Urethanes

Oil and Wax sheen on black Milk Paint

Shellac and Wax sheen on replica desk top

Post-Catalyzed Satin Lacquer on Cherry

Nitrocellulose Lacquer on Chinoise Credenza

© Nitty Gritty Furniture Design

2222216 Ontario Inc.

Nitty Gritty

CAROUSEL AND ROCKERS

We sell and restore antique and hand carved carousel animals, antique English rocking horses and other carousel art.

Nitty Gritty

CUSTOM FURNITURE

We design and build beautiful handcrafted furniture and cabinetry from solid woods and fine veneers, in all styles.

Nitty Gritty

FURNITURE REFINISHING

AND RESTORATION

We are furniture refinishing specialists.  We expertly restore, repair, refinish, update and rejuvenate antiques,and other fine wood furniture of every style.

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