Finish Options
What is "finish"?
Finishes are the final layer of protection added to furniture frames & seats etc.
In our industry "finish" mostly applies to upholstery, table tops and frames.
Can I have a different finish?
Most made to order items are easily available in different finishes, please contact Kirkhouse to discuss.
Which finishes are best?
It depends on the application, for example if it is critical that your upholstery should be wipe clean, then you have to use Vinyl.
There is no perfect finish for any material, however we can recommend finishes that will perform best in your environment.
The following guides might be a useful starting point.
| Upholstery |
| Finish | Composition | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Tweed | Wool* | - Shampoo clean
- Very high abrasion toughness
- Inherently fire retardant
- Soft texture
- Retains heat
- Sustainable
| |
| Vinyl | PVC or PU | - Wipe clean
- Extremely high abrasion toughness
- Treated to high fire retardancy
| |
| Faux Leather Vegan Leather Leatherette | PVC or PU | - Wipe clean
- Extremely high abrasion toughness
- Treated to high fire retardancy
| |
| Synthetic | Polyester | - Low cost
- Vibrant colours
- Very high abrasion toughness
- Treated to high fire retardancy
| |
| Split Leather Bonded Leather | Leather / Polyester | | - Leather splits from backing
|
| Real Leather | Leather | - Wipe clean
- Extremely high abrasion toughness
| - Expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
- Unsustainable
|
| Metal Frames |
| Finish | Material | Application |
| Painted / Epoxy Powder Coat | | Indoor |
| Painted / Epoxy Powder Coat (100% Polyester) | | Indoor / Outdoor |
| Chrome Plate | | Indoor |
| Anodized | | Indoor / Outdoor |
| Anodized & Painted / Epoxy Powder Coat (100% Polyester) | | Indoor / Outdoor |
| Galvanized | | Outdoor / Street Furniture |
| Stainless Steel | | Commercial Kitchen / Outdoor / Street Furniture |
| Zinc Plated | | Outdoor |
| Wooden Frames |
| Finish | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lacquer | | |
| Varnish | | |
| Tinted Lacquer | - Sustainable
- Tough
- Tone variations
| |
| Table tops |
| Finish | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lacquer | | - Solid wood or Plywood tops only
|
| Melamine | - Scratch resistant
- Heat resistant
- Range of colours
| |
| Laminate | - Scratch resistant
- Heat resistant
- Range of colours
- Impact resistant
| |
