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The ‘look’ or finish of your wooden furniture and how to maintain it should be key
to your buying decision. Care instructions are detailed in our
Dining and Bedroom Furniture Care Guide
. Our guide below will help you understand the different finishes on
offer:
Colours and Effects
Bleaching: The colour of any type of wood is lightened
Distressing: The cabinet maker uses various tools to create dents,
scratches and even fake worm holes to give a new piece of furniture an aged and
used look.
Stain: Natural or synthetic dye is used to colour wood and bring
out its best features. Stains may be water, spirit or oil based.
Wash: A paint effect on wooden furniture.
Wenge: Wood that has been stained and finished in a very dark colour,
often contrasted with a pale finish for a dramatic look.
Top Coat Finishes
Lacquer: A clear, durable, easy care finish that brings out the
beauty of the wood in a matt or a gloss finish.
Oiled: A traditional and natural finish that requires repeated
applications over time. It causes the wood to harden giving it greater durability
and enhances the beauty of the wood grain.
Polyurethane: A transparent plastic coating which protects against
general wear and tear. Easy to maintain.
Varnish: A resinous solution with pigments added to produce a coloured
opaque waterproof finish. It is very tough and durable.
Wax: Another traditional and natural finish requiring repeated
applications to enhance the beauty of the grain. Used on bare or stained wood, a
wax finish often covers a lacquer finish for the perfect combination of feel and
practicality.
Material matters: metal, glass and stone
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