How much do you know about the lacquering process?
The raw materials used in furniture design can be given various finishes, from matte to lacquered or even high gloss, regardless of the colour. For fans of furniture with a unique look, lacquering may be that special touch that gives your piece the edge it deserves – a painting process that coats materials in their entirety. Want to know how it’s done?
COLOURED LACQUER
When anything other than plywood is lacquered, the primer (polyester) must be applied first and foremost, giving the piece consistency and filling it in. Every piece needs two coats of primer, after which it is left to dry for between 4/5h in a warm, humid environment.
Once dry, a piece will be sanded to remove any impurities. Although this process is primarily mechanised, it can also be done manually – which is especially the case for smaller parts and/or those with more delicate detailing. Next, the piece is prepped to go into the painting/lacquering booth.
Finishing processes follow, which involve applying varnish, which is left to dry. If the finish required is matte, the piece is ready for the final assembly phase; but if a high-gloss finish is the aim, the piece will be polished using a polishing compound applied by a polishing machine.
PLYWOOD
Plywood pores have to be sealed to give it a lacquered finish, giving the piece consistency and filling it in. Every piece needs two coats of sealant, and if it’s going to have a high-gloss finish, transparent polyester will be applied at this stage.
Next, the wood is left to dry in a warm, humid environment for between 4 / 5h for matte finishes; and 24h for glossy finishes. Once dry, the rest of the process is identical to that applied to coloured lacquers.
Whether lacquered or varnished, specific equipment, working techniques and trained personnel are required to ensure pieces of furniture get the highest-quality finish. When faced with this complex task, you won’t do better than counting on Novibelo, a partner with cutting edge machinery and qualified teams capable of designing all types of furniture, making your dream project a reality!