Lacquer
Our bespoke approach allows designers and architects to explore the full spectrum of lacquer finishes
Lacquer
Lacquer, a versatile and timeless material, has been an integral part of furniture design for centuries. At Make Bespoke Studio, we use lacquer not merely as a protective coating but as a medium to transform furniture into works of art.
The Art of Creating Exquisite Unique Finishes for Bespoke Furniture
Our bespoke approach allows designers and architects to explore the full spectrum of lacquer finishes, from pearlescent lacquers to highly textured surfaces. We explore the various types of lacquer available, their benefits, and how we use them to create truly unique pieces for residential and hospitality projects.
Special Lacquer Finishes
Lacquer is an umbrella term that encompasses several types of finishes, each with its own properties and benefits. Whether you seek a deep gloss finish or a subtle matt lacquer, the choice of finish plays a crucial role in determining the final aesthetic and durability of your bespoke furniture. At Make Bespoke Studio, our skilled lacquer artisans work with designers to develop bespoke painted finishes, utilising advanced techniques such as spraying, layering, and masking to achieve a flawless, high-gloss or textured look.
The Benefits of Lacquer Finishes
Lacquer finishes are popular for a reason: they provide a durable and protective coating that enhances the beauty of wooden furniture while ensuring longevity. Here are some of the benefits:
Durable Finish: Lacquer, particularly the hard-wearing water-based polyurethane lacquer, is known for its durability. It offers excellent protection against scratches, moisture, and heat, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas and hospitality spaces.
Quick Drying: Unlike traditional oil-based varnishes, lacquer dries quickly, allowing for faster turnaround times without compromising on quality. This is particularly important for projects with tight deadlines, where efficient yet careful application is paramount.
Water Resistance: Lacquer’s water-resistant properties make it ideal for furniture that needs to withstand spills and moisture. Whether it’s a dining table in a bustling restaurant or a side table in a bathroom, lacquer ensures the piece remains resilient and beautiful.
Range of Sheen Levels: From matt to satin to intense gloss finishes, lacquer offers a wide range of sheen levels, allowing for precise control over the final look. For designers seeking a mirror gloss finish, our high-gloss resin application method ensures an almost glass-like effect.
Types of Lacquer Finishes
Acrylic Lacquer
Acrylic lacquer is a versatile choice, offering a glossy finish that is both durable and visually appealing. It is quick-drying, making it suitable for projects that require a rapid turnaround. This type of lacquer is commonly used when a flawless, high-gloss finish is desired, as its properties allow for multiple coats without yellowing over time.
Applications: Wooden furniture, high-gloss dining tables, and cabinetry.
Benefits: Quick drying, durable finish, and suitable for a wide range of colours, including any standard RAL colours.
Polyurethane Lacquers (PU Lacquers)
Polyurethane lacquer is known for its superior durability and water resistance, making it a go-to choice for high-traffic areas. Available in both water-based and solvent-based forms, PU lacquer offers built-in UV protection and excellent resistance to wear and tear.
Applications: Hospitality projects, bar countertops, and bathroom cabinetry.
Benefits: Built-in UV protection, durable high-gloss finish, and water resistance for maximum durability.
Melamine Lacquer
Melamine lacquer provides a hard and durable surface that is ideal for furniture exposed to frequent use. It offers a balance of quick drying and toughness, making it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Applications: Kitchen cabinetry, office furniture, and commercial counters.
Benefits: Long-lasting, quick drying, and easy to clean.
Our Bespoke Lacquer Finishes
At Make Bespoke Studio, our approach to lacquer is anything but standard. We work closely with designers to develop a particular painted finish that suits the unique needs of each project. From colour matching to creating textured or pearlescent lacquers, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of options that allow for full creative expression.
Creating Exquisite Unique Finishes
Our lacquer workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities where our artisans craft finishes that range from subtle matt lacquers to intricate, textured coatings. Using advanced techniques, we can balance colours with textures, ensuring that the final piece complements the overall design scheme. For instance, we offer highly textured lacquer finishes that provide a tactile element, perfect for statement pieces in contemporary interiors.
Pearlescent Lacquers
Pearlescent lacquers are particularly popular for their ability to catch and reflect light, creating a dynamic, shimmering effect. These finishes are ideal for spaces that require a touch of glamour, such as boutique hotels or high-end residential properties. We work with designers to achieve the exact pearlescent effect they envision, adjusting the level of iridescence and depth to ensure the finish aligns with the project’s aesthetic goals.
Applications: Feature walls, headboards, and accent furniture pieces.
Benefits: Dynamic visual effect, customisable level of iridescence, and availability in a wide range of colours.
Methodology and Processes
Our bespoke lacquer finishes are the result of meticulous craftsmanship and precise application. Each piece undergoes a thorough preparation process, followed by the careful application of multiple coats of lacquer to ensure a flawless finish.
Application Method
The application method is crucial for achieving the desired result, whether it’s a deep gloss or a textured finish. We utilise a spray application technique for most of our projects, allowing for even coverage and control over the finish. Depending on the desired outcome, we may apply 2-3 coats for a natural finish or 3-5 coats for a more intense gloss finish.
Drying Time and Coats
Our lacquer finishes are quick drying, enabling us to build up coats efficiently without sacrificing quality. Typically, we apply an initial base coat to seal the surface, followed by additional coats to build depth and achieve the final sheen level. For high-gloss finishes, we may apply extra coats, ensuring the result is both visually stunning and long-lasting.
1-2 Coats: For a natural, matt finish suitable for understated pieces.
3-4 Coats: For a satin or semi-gloss finish, providing a balance of shine and protection.
3-5 Coats: For a deep gloss or mirror gloss finish, delivering an intense, reflective surface.
Accurate Colour Matching
We offer accurate colour matching services, allowing designers to either choose from standard RAL colours or match to a control sample. This flexibility ensures that the final product integrates seamlessly with the overall design scheme. Our colour code system also allows for consistency across multiple pieces, ideal for large-scale projects.
Applications for Bespoke Furniture
The versatility of lacquer makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in both residential and hospitality settings. Our expertise ensures that we can deliver lacquer finishes that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but also provide the necessary durability and protection.
High-Traffic Areas
For hospitality projects, where furniture is subject to heavy use, we recommend PU lacquers or melamine lacquer for maximum durability. These finishes are designed to withstand frequent contact and spills, ensuring that the furniture retains its appearance and functionality over time.
Examples: Bar counters, restaurant tables, and hotel reception desks.
Feature Pieces and Accents
Lacquer is also ideal for feature pieces and accent furniture that require a bold, eye-catching finish. Our pearlescent lacquers and high-gloss resin finishes are perfect for creating statement pieces that elevate the entire space.
Examples: Console tables, headboards, and wall panels.
Why Choose Make Bespoke Studio for Your Lacquer Finishes
At Make Bespoke Studio, we understand that each project is unique, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our lacquer finishes exceed expectations. Our commitment to quality, combined with our extensive range of options, allows designers to create pieces that are both visually stunning and exceptionally durable.
Skilled Lacquer Artisans
Our skilled lacquer artisans bring years of experience to each project, ensuring that every piece is crafted to perfection. From the initial concept to the final lacquer topcoat, we take a hands-on approach, collaborating with designers at every stage to achieve the desired result.
Wide Range of Finishes
Whether you are looking for a subtle matt lacquer, a textured finish, or a mirror gloss finish, we offer a wide range of options to suit your needs. Our expertise in pearlescent and wood lacquers means we can provide a customised solution for any style or setting.
Lacquer is not just a finish; it’s an art form that allows for endless creativity and customisation. At Make Bespoke Studio, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of lacquer finishes that cater to the unique needs of residential and hospitality projects. From pearlescent lacquers that shimmer in the light to durable, high-gloss finishes that withstand heavy use, we provide solutions that are as beautiful as they are practical.
If you’re looking to develop a particular painted finish or need guidance on how to create exquisite unique finishes for your bespoke projects, take a look at our gallery below and get in touch with us. Our team of skilled artisans and designers is ready to bring your vision to life, ensuring that each piece is crafted with the highest level of care and attention to detail.
Lacquer Workshops
Contact us for more information on our processes and to see examples of our finishes.