How can i get this finish?

[leighd]

someone wants me to build them a dining table but they want it all black and polished. i was wondering what the best way to do it is? The finish on the picture say it is <!--StartFragment --> black High-lacquer. Can i just buy black laquer? or will i need to paint it then spray?

[M. Thomas]

Mate, a lot of work. I haven't done this sort of finish yet, but if you have a look at this http://www.theloudspeakerkit.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143, it'll give you some idea. Basicly, you paint it black and then follow up with clear coats and lots of sanding..
Have fun.

[bitingmidge]

Yep you can buy black lacquer. (and a few dozen coats of clear are optional but will make it look a mile deep!)

Remember that it will show EVERY mark on the substrate, and every defect in the finish. I'd think about using epoxy to ensure that there is absolutely no movement in the joints. (the timber will still move until the piece is paint encapsulated, but the joints won't open up.

On the other hand you can ignore sanding the timber altogether, use a really heavy coat or coats of soft filler then sand for a while..about 200 years I would think!

A lot of chinese furniture is made this way (for use on the domestic market) and they use a very soft timber (often paulownia or the like) making it very easy to machine and carve.

Please report back on progress every now and then.

Cheers,

P

[journeyman Mick]

Or alternatively you could use a black two pack finish from Mirotone. Won't have quite as much depth as the lacquer with several clear coats over but it will be black and extremely glossy.

Mick

[Dan]

I've seen a couple of articles in australian woodsmith magazine where the wood was first dyed with aniline dye and then finished. The end result didn't look very glossy but I suppose it depends on what finish is applied over the dye.

[leighd]

I was going to use MDF or should i use solid wood?

[leighd]

also does anyone have a rough price for black laquer?

[MajorPanic]

also does anyone have a rough price for black laquer?
Last time I looked it was aprox $65 / 4 ltr tin from Mirotone, this is the smallest quantity they sell.

[leighd]

so is the black lacqer fairly easy to apply? do u use the same procedures as spraying clear lacquer?

[Shane Watson]

Its identical to apply. Just requires more prep to make sure all surface imperfections are rectified. You can cut & polish this stuff as well, with striking results. With enough practice you can easily achieve gloss levels to rival new cars ;)

[leighd]

is it ok to use it on MDF?

[leighd]

is it ok to use it on MDF?

[Tonyz]

Yes !!!! Go and spend time in Hrvey Normans/ Freedom/ big chain up eastern coast begings with D from memory and other furniture stores esp. high end of the market type stuff look closely at their furniture and you will find MDF /Chipboard veneers stuff ..... Tonto been there, made that, saw it onto the trucks

[Shane Watson]

What Tonto said!

[echnidna]

MDF seals very nicely with grey primer surfacer.
A quick coat of spray putty will reduce tedious sanding, rub it out then spray another grey coat rub it out again then spray the black topcoat.

[leighd]

thanks everyone fow your help. it looks like it is alot easier than i thought.