Lacquering and Staining are the final steps in our production. Staining adds a layer of colour to the veneer itself to permanently alter its appearance. Lacquer is a practical application to prevent the affects of moisture on the wood and to apply a protective finish. 

Lacquer

A lacquer is the final covering before the furniture is fitted or the panels wrapped for delivery. Applying a lacquer adds a hard-wearing finish to strengthen each panel and protect them from moisture and scratches. Using our purpose built spray booths instead of traditional brushing methods; we can ensure there are no brush marks and all coats are applied evenly (regardless of shape/moulding).

Lacquers were traditionally made from tree sap and applied by hand using brushes before allowing to dry. Traditional lacquers were thick and time-consuming to apply, generally they supplied a high-gloss finish giving a trademark shine to all pieces produced.

Modern lacquers include chemical polymers to allow them to be applied using spray guns. Our spray guns are only used in purpose built booths to ensure safe application. It is imperative that, before any lacquer is applied, the panels are carefully sanded and any trace of dust or dirt removed. Any blemishes that remain would be coated under the lacquer and the whole process would need to be re-started.

There are various mixes available, allowing for differing amounts of gloss finish. The depth of the gloss finish is measured by percentage, with typical lacquers ranging from 5% - 40%.

Staining

Griffiths and Hood can stain veneered panels to create bespoke colours. Staining veneer is a long and complex process that relies on substantial training and experience to perfect.

Unfinished natural veneers are living pieces, they are affected by moisture, temperature, and sunlight. Any fluctuation in one or more of these during the preparation or staining process will produce a different result. We pride ourself on understanding the subtle differences these variables have on the end product, and tailoring our application accordingly.

Griffiths and Hood offers two types of staining; "To Stock" and "To Sample".

To Stock is a set series of colours that our in-house paint technician has perfected over the years and we have available to add to our products.

To Sample is our colour matching service. Our paint technician will receive your sample, prepare and test mixes until it matches and we will return you a matched sample to compare and decide if you are happy to proceed.*

*We will supply a sample for approval for any stained to sample option. As wood veneer is a natural product this will be a fair representation to the sample supplied but there are many factors including temperature and humidity than can impact staining. Any final product will be a fair representation of the sample provided.