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
  • Low Puncture resistance

Faux Leather

Vegan Leather

Leatherette

PVC or PU
  • Wipe clean
  • Extremely high abrasion toughness
  • Treated to high fire retardancy
  • Low Puncture resistance
Synthetic Polyester
  • Low cost
  • Vibrant colours
  • Very high abrasion toughness
  • Treated to high fire retardancy
  • Difficult to clean

Split Leather

Bonded Leather

Leather / Polyester
  • Low cost
  • 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
  • Steel
  • Aluminium
Indoor
Painted / Epoxy Powder Coat (100% Polyester)
  • Steel
  • Aluminium
Indoor / Outdoor
Chrome Plate
  • Steel
Indoor
Anodized
  • Aluminium
Indoor / Outdoor
Anodized & Painted / Epoxy Powder Coat (100% Polyester)
  • Aluminium
Indoor / Outdoor
Galvanized
  • Steel
Outdoor / Street Furniture
Stainless Steel
  • Steel
Commercial Kitchen / Outdoor / Street Furniture
Zinc Plated
  • Steel
Outdoor

Wooden Frames
Finish Advantages Disadvantages
Lacquer
  • Sustainable
  • Tough
 
Varnish
  • Tough
  • Can "yellow" with age
Tinted Lacquer
  • Sustainable
  • Tough
  • Tone variations
 

Table tops
Finish Advantages Disadvantages
Lacquer
  • Sustainable
  • Tough
  • Solid wood or Plywood tops only
Melamine
  • Scratch resistant
  • Heat resistant
  • Range of colours
 
Laminate
  • Scratch resistant
  • Heat resistant
  • Range of colours
  • Impact resistant
 
We're here to help: 01670 81 00 44
Kirkhouse