Best way to finish rattan in black lacquer

[Rickster]

Hi

I'm trying to finish rattan winnowing trays in black lacquer and have an antique look. I attempted to spray paint one tray in glossy black lacquer and it turned out flat as expected but I can't seem to reach into the crevices and nooks and the spaces where some rattan overlap each other. I've already expended 2/3 a spray can on a 38 cm diameter tray and it's only been spray painted a second coat. What is the best way to get a finish like one in the picture? A paint brush? Heard that lacquer on a paint brush is impossible.


http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/asian-art-furniture/sculptures-carvings/striking-burmese-rattan-trays-on-stands/id-f_654048/

[Master Splinter]

That actually does look like a brush applied finish. I don't think spray application was up and running in the early part of the 1900's.

But if I were doing it, I'd actually try a black stain that could be flooded on, as rattan should take that nicely.

[Arron]

Yep, spray lacquers are next to impossible to apply by brush. There are a few brushing lacquers about - http://www.refinishfurniture.com/deft_lacquer.htm .

We cant get them here in Australia - not sure about Malaysia.

cheers
Arron

[fudo133]

Personally if i were doing it i'd just brush on a watery mix of blonde shellac mixed with black stain and a little bit of talc to help make it more opaque, then use some tripoli powder with a rag to buff it up a bit more followed by a quick wax.
Sorry I can't offer too much help if it has to be lacquer, i simply dont have enough experience with using it.

You could also possibly do it by simply using a gloss black paint?

[steamjunkprops]

What about using bitumen thinned with a little bit of turps. Should soak in well and give a nice dark stain.