Table
Designs offers several different finishes including
conversion varnish, epoxy resin and ultra-violet cured. Each
finish has its own characteristics and one may be more or less
suitable for your tables depending on the application. The following
is a description of each finish and its associated advantages.
Conversion
Varnish
An industry standard for wood veneer and solid wood tabletops,
it is more durable than lacquer and is resistant to moisture,
heat and chemicals. The finish is applied by spraying several
coats to a finished thickness of 6 thousands of an inch. As
it is a thin film finish, heat from moderately hot cups and
plates will transfer through to the wood substrate without visibly
affecting the finish. While conversion varnish is scratch resistant,
the finish will show scratches on darker stained woods. To minimize
this effect we apply a satin sheen. Heavy daily use may require
refinishing after several years.
Epoxy
Resin
A poured finish which has a thickness of as much as .25”,
epoxy resin is used both as durable wood finish and as a coating
over logos, photographs, posters, metal, fabrics, cards, coins,
etc. Epoxy has been a favorite finish for bars and restaurants
because moisture will never affect it and it will never wear
off, meaning tabletops can be in use for years without needing
to be refinished. However, as it is a thick film finish the
epoxy will be affected by hot cups and plates, leaving an indentation
or “heat ring”, and surface scratches are more evident
as they are suspended above the substrate. Epoxy finishes generally
go through a “wear in” period during which they
receive initial surface scuffing and some indentations. Epoxy
is available as gloss or satin, the latter may cause some blurring
of image detail in the substrate.
Ultra
(UV Cured)
A thin film finish cured by intense ultra-violet light, this
finish is the most durable in the furniture industry. The main
advantage is mar and scratch resistance which is far superior
to either varnish or epoxy. The heat, moisture and chemical
resistance are also superior. Our UV finish is available in
semi-gloss.