Furniture finishing involves applying a protective coating to timber, which helps prevent damage such as warping, cracking, and scratching. The porous nature of wood means that without a finish, it can easily absorb moisture and dirt. At Coastwood Commercial, we use high-quality finishes to enhance the durability and appearance of our NZ-made furniture. Whether you prefer a stained or painted finish, we offer a range of customisation options to suit your needs. Here, we’ll explain the finishes we use, how they’re applied, and answer frequently asked questions about customisation, samples, odour, and the differences between paint and stain.
What Finishes Do Coastwood Use?
At Coastwood, we source all of our NZ-made furniture finishes from Australian supplier Mirotone. This includes stains, paints, sealers, and lacquers. All of our furniture is finished with solvent-based products, specially crafted for Coastwood’s needs. Stained pieces receive a sealer and lacquer topcoat for added protection, while painted finishes include a durable base and topcoat.
The Finishing Process: What Does It Look Like?
For Stained Finishes:
- Staining: A custom stain is sprayed onto the timber, soaking into the wood and enhancing the grain.
- Sealing: After drying, a clear sealer is applied to protect the surface from dirt and moisture.
- Sanding: The unit is sanded with superfine sandpaper to create a smooth, flawless finish.
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Topcoat Lacquer: A lacquer topcoat is sprayed on for UV protection and enhanced durability, offering a subtle gloss (20%).
For an aged look (Aged Pine, Sienna), the piece is distressed and treated with tar for added character before the topcoat is applied.
For Painted Finishes:
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- Undercoat: A base coat of paint is sprayed on, which acts as both the colour and the sealer.
- Sanding: The piece is sanded to ensure a smooth finish.
- Topcoat: A high-quality paint topcoat is applied, resulting in a velvet-smooth, durable finish.
For an aged painted look (Aged White, Aged Bone), a black undercoat is applied, followed by a lighter topcoat. The edges are then sanded to reveal the dark underlayer for a weathered effect.
Can I Customise My Stain/Paint Colour?
Yes! Coastwood offers a broad selection of standard colours and can match any Resene colour compatible with timber furniture. If you need to match existing furniture, simply send us a sample (e.g., a drawer front), and we will custom-mix a stain that aligns with your existing pieces. If a sample is not available, we can work from a photo, though this may be less accurate.
Can I Order Timber Stain Samples?
Absolutely! We understand that colour appearance can vary between print, digital screens, and real life. You can order free stain or paint samples directly from our website, by clicking the 'Order Free Samples' bar across the top of the screen.
Why Does My Stained/Painted Furniture Smell?
Newly finished furniture may have a slight smell due to the solvent-based finishes used during production. This odour comes from the solvents (VOCs) evaporating as the finish cures. The smell typically dissipates within 28 days. To accelerate the process, ensure the furniture is placed in a well-ventilated area. We use a topcoat with a subtle lemon fragrance to reduce the intensity of the odour.
Mirotone, our finish supplier, ensures their products are safe and fast-evaporating, with nearly all VOCs released within 24 hours of application.
What’s the Difference Between Stain and Paint?
While both stain and paint add colour and protection to timber, they work in different ways:
- Stain: Soaks into the timber, enhancing the wood grain for a more natural, rustic appearance. It is ideal for highlighting the unique texture of the wood. Stain is also more durable, as it doesn’t show scratches and chips as easily as paint.
- Paint: Sits on top of the timber, providing a solid, consistent colour. Paint is perfect for creating a more modern or bold look, but it can show wear and tear over time, especially in high-use areas like dining tables.
How to Purchase Touch-Up Stain/Paint
If your furniture shows signs of wear, we offer small pottles of touch-up stain or paint to keep your pieces looking fresh. We can also provide pottles of polish to maintain the appearance after touching up. Please contact us for more information.
In Summary
Both stain and paint offer great finishing options for wooden furniture, each providing its unique advantages. Stain is more wear-resistant and ideal for a natural or rustic look, while paint offers a consistent and modern finish. At Coastwood, we provide both options, so you can choose the perfect finish for your commercial furniture needs.
