Lacquer

Lacquer is a family of coatings rather than a single product, and the right choice depends on where the surface will live and how hard it will work.

• Water-based lacquer – low-VOC and fast-drying, specified for residential interiors and projects with environmental certification requirements. Modern water-based systems reach durability levels that once required solvents.
• Solvent-based lacquer – the traditional spray system, valued for its flow, depth and forgiving application. Each coat partially dissolves the previous one, building a single fused film.
• Acrylic lacquer – built on acrylic resin, water-clear and non-yellowing, used where pale colours and whites must stay true over time. The main advantage of acrylic lacquer is colour stability under UV exposure.
• Polyurethane (PU) lacquer – available in water-based and solvent-based forms with built-in UV protection. The catalysed two-pack version cures by chemical reaction rather than evaporation, producing the hardest, most water-resistant film of the group — our default for bar tops, table tops and high-traffic commercial settings.
• Melamine lacquer – a hard, quick-drying, easy-clean system that balances toughness with speed of application; the workhorse for kitchen cabinetry, office furniture and commercial counters.

Sheen is specified as a percentage of reflected light and is independent of colour. Our standard range runs from a 10% dead matt – soft, fingerprint-forgiving, almost chalky in appearance – through 30–40% satin, the workhorse of cabinet joinery, up to a 90% high-gloss mirror finish that is machine-polished between final coats. The same RAL colour reads differently at each step, which is why we always sample colour and sheen together rather than approving them separately.

Sheen is built coat by coat. After preparation and a sealing base coat, one to two coats produce a natural matt suitable for understated pieces; three to four build a satin or semi-gloss with a working balance of shine and protection; a deep mirror gloss takes three to five, each flat-sanded before the next, with machine polishing to finish. Lacquer’s quick drying time is what makes this layered build practical — coats go on the same day rather than the same week, without compromising the cure.

Colour is mixed to RAL, NCS or Farrow & Ball references, or matched to a physical control sample supplied by the designer – a fabric swatch, a stone offcut, an existing piece of furniture. Matches are sprayed onto test panels and approved under the lighting conditions of the project wherever possible, because metamerism can make a perfect studio match drift under warm hotel lighting. Approved panels become the control standard for the production run.

Black lacquer deserves its own note because it is the most demanding colour we spray. At high gloss, a black lacquered surface behaves like dark glass: every fraction of orange peel, every speck of dust in the booth, reads in the reflection. Achieving a true black lacquer finish on wood means more preparation coats, longer flat-sanding between applications and a final machine polish. At matt sheens, black is more forgiving but shows touch-marks, so we often specify an anti-fingerprint matt system for black lacquered wardrobes, media walls and door faces.

Beyond flat colour sits the specialist work shown in the gallery above. Pearlescent lacquers carry mica particles that shift hue as the viewing angle changes. Metallic systems suspend fine aluminium or bronze powders for a soft sheen that reads differently from liquid metal, which is real cold-sprayed metal rather than a tinted coating. Textured finishes are built by hand: lacquer can be sprayed, blown, trickled, layered, masked and splattered to produce surfaces closer to artwork than to paint. Each textured finish is developed as a sample board first, then reproduced panel by panel by the same artisan so a full run stays consistent.

A correctly specified lacquer system needs little maintenance: a soft cloth and mild detergent, no abrasives, no silicone polishes. For bar and table tops we specify catalysed systems tested against alcohol, coffee and cleaning chemicals. Small damage can be locally repaired and re-polished; deeper damage is re-sprayed panel by panel, which is one of the quiet advantages of lacquered joinery over factory-finished boards – the finish is renewable for the life of the piece.

Lacquer rarely works alone: it sits alongside wood veneer, metal finishes and stone within a scheme, and we sample combinations together so the palette is approved as one composition.

Pearlescent lacquers are particularly popular for their ability to catch and reflect light, creating a dynamic, shimmering effect. These finishes are ideal for spaces that require a touch of glamour, such as boutique hotels or high-end residential properties. We work with designers to achieve the exact pearlescent effect they envision, adjusting the level of iridescence and depth to ensure the finish aligns with the project’s aesthetic goals.

Applications: Feature walls, headboards, and accent furniture pieces.

Benefits: Dynamic visual effect, customisable level of iridescence, and availability in a wide range of colours.

Our bespoke lacquer finishes are the result of meticulous craftsmanship and precise application. Each piece undergoes a thorough preparation process, followed by the careful application of multiple coats of lacquer to ensure a flawless finish.

The application method is crucial for achieving the desired result, whether it’s a deep gloss or a textured finish. We utilise a spray application technique for most of our projects, allowing for even coverage and control over the finish. Depending on the desired outcome, we may apply 2-3 coats for a natural finish or 3-5 coats for a more intense gloss finish.

Our lacquer finishes are quick drying, enabling us to build up coats efficiently without sacrificing quality. Typically, we apply an initial base coat to seal the surface, followed by additional coats to build depth and achieve the final sheen level. For high-gloss finishes, we may apply extra coats, ensuring the result is both visually stunning and long-lasting.

1-2 Coats: For a natural, matt finish suitable for understated pieces.

3-4 Coats: For a satin or semi-gloss finish, providing a balance of shine and protection.

3-5 Coats: For a deep gloss or mirror gloss finish, delivering an intense, reflective surface.

We offer accurate colour matching services, allowing designers to either choose from standard RAL colours or match to a control sample. This flexibility ensures that the final product integrates seamlessly with the overall design scheme. Our colour code system also allows for consistency across multiple pieces, ideal for large-scale projects.

The versatility of lacquer makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in both residential and hospitality settings. Our expertise ensures that we can deliver lacquer finishes that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but also provide the necessary durability and protection.

For hospitality projects, where furniture is subject to heavy use, we recommend PU lacquers or melamine lacquer for maximum durability. These finishes are designed to withstand frequent contact and spills, ensuring that the furniture retains its appearance and functionality over time.

Examples: Bar counters, restaurant tables, and hotel reception desks.

Lacquer is also ideal for feature pieces and accent furniture that require a bold, eye-catching finish. Our pearlescent lacquers and high-gloss resin finishes are perfect for creating statement pieces that elevate the entire space.

At Make Bespoke Studio, we understand that each project is unique, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our lacquer finishes exceed expectations. Our commitment to quality, combined with our extensive range of options, allows designers to create pieces that are both visually stunning and exceptionally durable.

Our skilled lacquer artisans bring years of experience to each project, ensuring that every piece is crafted to perfection. From the initial concept to the final lacquer topcoat, we take a hands-on approach, collaborating with designers at every stage to achieve the desired result.

Whether you are looking for a subtle matt lacquer, a textured finish, or a mirror gloss finish, we offer a wide range of options to suit your needs. Our expertise in pearlescent and wood lacquers means we can provide a customised solution for any style or setting.

Lacquer is not just a finish; it’s an art form that allows for endless creativity and customisation. At Make Bespoke Studio, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of lacquer finishes that cater to the unique needs of residential and hospitality projects. From pearlescent lacquers that shimmer in the light to durable, high-gloss finishes that withstand heavy use, we provide solutions that are as beautiful as they are practical.

If you’re looking to develop a particular painted finish or need guidance on how to create exquisite unique finishes for your bespoke projects, take a look at our gallery below and get in touch with us. Our team of skilled artisans and designers is ready to bring your vision to life, ensuring that each piece is crafted with the highest level of care and attention to detail.

Our bespoke approach allows designers and architects to explore the full spectrum of lacquer finishes, from pearlescent lacquers to highly textured surfaces. We explore the various types of lacquer available, their benefits, and how we use them to create truly unique pieces for residential and hospitality projects .

Lacquer is an umbrella term that encompasses several types of finishes, each with its own properties and benefits. Whether you seek a deep gloss finish or a subtle matt lacquer, the choice of finish plays a crucial role in determining the final aesthetic and durability of your bespoke furniture . At Make Bespoke Studio, our skilled lacquer artisans work with designers to develop bespoke painted finishes, utilising advanced techniques such as spraying, layering, and masking to achieve a flawless, high-gloss or textured look.

Lacquer finishes are popular for a reason: they provide a durable and protective coating that enhances the beauty of wooden furniture while ensuring longevity. Here are some of the benefits:

Durable Finish: Lacquer, particularly the hard-wearing water-based polyurethane lacquer, is known for its durability. It offers excellent protection against scratches, moisture, and heat, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas and hospitality spaces.

Quick Drying: Unlike traditional oil-based varnishes, lacquer dries quickly, allowing for faster turnaround times without compromising on quality. This is particularly important for projects with tight deadlines, where efficient yet careful application is paramount.

Water Resistance: Lacquer’s water-resistant properties make it ideal for furniture that needs to withstand spills and moisture. Whether it’s a dining table in a bustling restaurant or a side table in a bathroom, lacquer ensures the piece remains resilient and beautiful.

Range of Sheen Levels: From matt to satin to intense gloss finishes, lacquer offers a wide range of sheen levels, allowing for precise control over the final look. For designers seeking a mirror gloss finish, our high-gloss resin application method ensures an almost glass-like effect.

We offer accurate colour matching services, allowing designers to either choose from standard RAL colours or match to a control sample. This flexibility ensures that the final product integrates seamlessly with the overall design scheme. Our colour code system also allows for consistency across multiple pieces, ideal for large-scale projects.

Our skilled lacquer artisans bring years of experience to each project, ensuring that every piece is crafted to perfection. From the initial concept to the final lacquer topcoat, we take a hands-on approach, collaborating with designers at every stage to achieve the desired result.