LACQUER & JAPANNING

Our studio restores both Oriental Lacquer and European Japanned furniture. The method applied to European furniture is called Japanning and generally consists of oil and spirit varnishes. Coming from the sap of a tree, Oriental Lacquer (Urushi) is very different in appearance and is the closest natural substance to plastic. Our studio uses materials bought directly from Japan.

Westerners have often restored Oriental lacquered furniture with spirit varnishes (shellac). However, this is only suitable for Japanned items. In the case of Oriental lacquer, it inhibits it from breathing, causing long-term damage.

Much of our work involves removing incorrect varnishes and poor restoration. This includes consolidating surfaces, replacing and matching losses and reviving the original surface.

Our studio does not work with spray lacquers and we are unable to restore any surface finished in a spray lacquer.