Faux Lacquer
Our faux lacquer is a beautiful rippled hand-finish, achievable using any RAL colour and is produced with traditional oil-based paints and varnishes.
Faux lacquer is a wonderful, rich finish, created through the careful build-up of multiple layers of paint and varnish, producing a surface with depth, movement, and visual softness.
The process is deliberately time-intensive, as each layer must be allowed to dry fully before being gently ‘knocked back’ by hand to achieve the desired effect. Doing so by hand, produces a slightly rippled effect, as seen on period lacquer furniture of the 18th Century. It is a slightly more forgiving appearance and lends itself to being restored more easily than that of perfect, flat high gloss sprayed lacquer. Added varnishes, again cut back by hand, can have colour tones added, in order to give a further dimension to the finish.
As well as using faux lacquer on our own products, we have also been commissioned to apply it to chairs, tables, wall panels, and other furniture.
We also offer a flat lacquer finish, which has a cleaner, more contemporary appearance. By comparison, it is less time-intensive to produce and therefore represents a more cost-effective option. This finish is made abroad in collaboration with one of our trusted partner workshops.
Faux lacquer is a versatile finish that can be applied to virtually any surface — from furniture and to walls. Because it is an exceptionally labour-intensive process, it lends itself best to pieces with clean lines, flat surfaces, and simple silhouettes. Furniture with minimal decorative detail will not only showcase the finish to its greatest effect, but will also make the process considerably more cost effective.
When properly applied, faux lacquer is a resilient finish. However, like all fine decorative finishes, it requires a little care. We recommend avoiding harsh chemical cleaners and excessive direct sunlight, which can cause fading or yellowing over time. A soft, slightly damp cloth is all that is needed to keep the surface looking its best.
One of the great pleasures of faux lacquer is the freedom it offers in terms of colour. We work closely with clients to select a colour that is perfectly suited to their space and vision.