Tim Talks: All About Finishes

Welcome to our quarterly “Tim Talks”! Today, Lariza sits down with Tim, Owner and Master Finisher, to explore rattan furniture finishes. Let’s get started!

 

Lariza: Tim, can you tell us about the different finishes that can be applied on rattan furniture?

Tim: Absolutely. Rattan furniture is incredibly versatile when it comes to finishes as the possibilities are endless. Throughout the history of David Francis, we have applied may different types of finishes including: natural clear coat, stains/dyes, single color paints, paint and glaze, dry brushing, metallic, two-tone, aged finishes and faux finishes. We can also adjust the sheen level from low gloss to gloss.  Each type of finish enhances rattan’s natural beauty uniquely.  We are constantly pushing boundaries with new materials and techniques – our most recent being automotive type finishes.

 

 

Lariza: Wow, that’s incredible! Could you elaborate on some specific finishes that you are using today?

Tim: Sure. For a “natural look”, we apply a clear coat to the raw rattan frame. Rattan has grain, highlights and lowlights, different varieties and species like wood. A clear coat enhances its natural beauty.

Stained or dyed finishes give rattan a rich, classic look, highlighting its texture for an organic feel. Our stained finish collection offers warm brown tones and our newest earth tone stains like Truffle, Mushroom, and Onyx, which are more greige and black.

We also offer painted finishes that are great for adding a pop of color, with hues from soft pastels to bold, vibrant shades. We strive to offer a wide variety of finishes for all design styles.

 

Lariza: That’s a great variety! How do you ensure that these finishes are durable and long-lasting?

Tim: A common misconception is that we use spray cans for our furniture. In reality, it’s a much more elaborate process. We use high-quality commercial grade lacquers and advanced techniques to hand-apply all of our finishes. Depending on the finish, a piece can have a 4-8 step finishing process, with sanding between each coat for a smooth, consistent finish. We also use protective topcoats to seal the finish, making it resistant to daily use, enhancing beauty and extending the furniture’s lifespan.

 

 

Lariza: Do you have any advice for selecting the perfect finish?

Tim: Consider the overall style and color scheme of your project. For a cohesive look, choose a finish that complements the rest of your project. For a natural, airy vibe, opt for lighter finishes like Natural, Beachwood, White, or Seaside Blue. For elegance, rich stained finishes like Golden or Dark Mahogany or our new favorite Bourbon are great choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold, jewel tones like Orange Slice or Hibiscus Pink for a standout piece. Always request samples to see how the finish looks in your lighting and environment. Color behaves differently in various lighting conditions.

 

Lariza: Thanks, Tim! I just want to add that we offer complimentary finish samples. Order samples on our website after logging into your trade account or by contacting customercare@davidfrancisfurniture.com.

 

Thanks for joining us today. We hope Tim’s expertise has inspired you to explore the diverse finish options available on our furniture. Remember, the right finish can truly transform your furniture and elevate your space. Stay tuned for more facts, tips, trends, and inspiration in our next issue. Until then, keep rattan-ing!

 

Sincerely,

Tim and Lariza