Paint Finish
Painted furniture has seen a rise in popularity over the last decade and the trend shows no sign of declining. Reacting to high demand, paint manufacturers have produced specialist furniture paints for specific substrates culminating in a long list of products from which the professional painter can choose. No two hand painters will agree on the best brush or technique to use. You tend to develop your own style taking into account wrist movement, lightness of touch, the brush you choose and the type of paint you are applying. We have committed many hours of research and practical application to attain a beautiful and durable hand painted finish that complements our traditional handmade furniture. For more contemporary pieces we have developed and a spray technique using coloured two pack lacquers that is proving to be very popular.
Preparation
A key factor to a stunning paint finish is the preparation of the substrate. Before our furniture goes into the paint room each component is put through our duel roller drum sander at 120 & 150 grit to ensure that the surface is perfectly flat.
For the next stage we use a random orbital hand sander starting at 120 grit to remove drum sander marks. Followed by three applications through grades 150,180 and 240. A final hand sanding with a soft pad paying attention to the chamfers and it is ready for the undercoat.
When the undercoat is dry it will be flattened again working up to 400 grit. Now it is ready for it's mid coat. Before the final top coat is applied the piece should only need a gentle hand de nib with a very used soft pad, approx 4000 grit (car painting territory).
For the next stage we use a random orbital hand sander starting at 120 grit to remove drum sander marks. Followed by three applications through grades 150,180 and 240. A final hand sanding with a soft pad paying attention to the chamfers and it is ready for the undercoat.
When the undercoat is dry it will be flattened again working up to 400 grit. Now it is ready for it's mid coat. Before the final top coat is applied the piece should only need a gentle hand de nib with a very used soft pad, approx 4000 grit (car painting territory).
Hand Painted or Spray Painted
For the last three years we have been an advocate of the traditional hand painted finish.
However, as the sprayed finish has been rising in popularity we now offer:
A two coat spray primer in a light, mid or dark base, followed by an intermediary spray coat in the chosen colour. A final top coat for all front facing elements of the furniture can either be sprayed or hand painted. Both applications of the final top coat offer durability and a beautiful finish that will last for years.
Our thoughts are contemporary furniture looks crisper when sprayed, whereas more traditional furniture looks in keeping when hand painted Also we will consider the final setting for the piece. Farmhouse setting, contemporary studio flat or somewhere in between the choice is simply a matter of personal preference.
However, as the sprayed finish has been rising in popularity we now offer:
A two coat spray primer in a light, mid or dark base, followed by an intermediary spray coat in the chosen colour. A final top coat for all front facing elements of the furniture can either be sprayed or hand painted. Both applications of the final top coat offer durability and a beautiful finish that will last for years.
Our thoughts are contemporary furniture looks crisper when sprayed, whereas more traditional furniture looks in keeping when hand painted Also we will consider the final setting for the piece. Farmhouse setting, contemporary studio flat or somewhere in between the choice is simply a matter of personal preference.
Spray Painting ~ Advantages & Disadvantages
|
A more uniform finish, sharper more contemporary look.
Very quick drying time. Less labour intensive and therefore not as costly for the client. |
The risk of damage to the finish whilst constructing and fitting.
Not easy to touch up well in situ so furniture has to be removed and taken back to the workshop for respray rectification. Finish can lead towards a plastic like appearance and feel. There will always be some orange peel effect. |
Hand Painting ~ Advantages & Disadvantages
|
Softer, overall luxurious look that typifies high end bespoke furniture.
Easy to touch up in clients home causing minimal disruption. Slightly enhanced shade and colour retention. Wear and tear marks are less visible due to thicker brush application. Possibly longer time between re paints once fitted in the home. |
Correct application requires skilled technique and is labour intensive.
Drying times between coats range between 24 to 48 hours depending on time of year which delays the finished furniture. Labour insensitivity increases the cost to the client. |
Painted & Lacquered Wood Furniture Care
Our paint finishes and lacquers are very durable and will last many years. They only require a wipe with a damp cloth to remove any normal staining. For heavy staining on painted surfaces use warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Please do not use products with a bleach base as they eat though the paint and permanently damage the finish. Your furniture will have been allowed to harden at our premises for a minimum of 2 days after the final coat. However, please note that it takes 21 days for an oil based/cellulose hand painted finish to fully cure and harden. We would advise that you take extra care of your furniture during this period.
