High Gloss Black Finish

A black lacquer finish, or solid black finish, is a black finish that completely covers the wood surface underneath. This color is generally created with a thick film layer and a high gloss. This color may not be very popular, like other wood colors, but when applied to the right product, it creates a luxurious and expensive impression. This black solid color is often used on products with modern designs and simple, minimalist shapes. This black finish brings a strong impression of elegance and luxury when applied to the right products.

Applications in Interior Design

The use of black in interiors is not much used, as black is considered to have negative connotations in society. However, it also has its own appeal due to its strong, neutral, and elegant impression. However, black is rarely the dominant color in a room, as it can create a cold, intimidating, and monotonous impression. Black lacquer finishes are often used for furniture, accessories, or accents that are not too dominant to create a focal point in a room.

Black Finishing Process

The general finishing process is as follows:

1. Wood filler (for wood with grain and pores)
2. Black base coat
3. Black base coat
4.  Black enamel
5. Black enamel
6. Top coat (optional)

There are several coatings and processes that can be selected and used to produce this black color: NC, PU, UV, PE, and resin casting. Below, I share each process and material used to produce this black finish.

• NC

NC, or nitrocellulose coating, is one of the easiest coatings to apply for wood finishing. However, for high-gloss black, NC coating is not very suitable, especially if the desired finish is a close-pore, high-gloss finish that requires a thick film layer. NC coating generally suffers from its relatively low solid content, which limits its ability to build a thick film layer. Too thick a layer of NC coating tends to crack and often becomes soft, easily causing problems. According to practical data, NC coating is recommended to be applied at a thickness above 5 mills to reduce the risk of cracking. NC coating for black finishing is recommended only for application on already flat and smooth substrates to avoid the need for a thick coat of NC coating. This black NC coating can also be applied to wood surfaces already coated with other finishing materials such as PU, UV, PE, or other stronger materials.

Another issue with NC coating is the strength and durability of the film product. The film layer of NC coating is relatively soft, making it prone to scratch marks or print marks if it gets physically abused. Black tends to highlight any damage to the finish layer clearly. Minor issues such as small scratches, marring, or surface problems will be very visible on this finish.

• PU Coating

PU coating is one of the most widely used finishing materials for creating this high-gloss finish. PU coating, with its high solid content, works very well to coat surfaces and produce a thick film finish. Being a strong and hard two-component material, PU coating also has a lower risk of cracking. In general, PU coating can be applied up to 8 mills thick without the risk of cracking. PU coating also has high resistance to scratches and physical treatment, making it safer from the risk of scratches, marring, or other problems related to the strength of the film coating.

The problem with PU coating is its relatively difficult application. PU coating is a two-component coating that requires precise mixing and more complex handling than NC coating, which is a one-component material. Furthermore, PU coating is also sensitive to dust and ambient conditions, so its application requires a clean, dust-free room.

• UV Coating

UV coating is one of the most recommended finishing materials for creating a thick, strong film. UV coating can safely produce a thick layer of coating, with a lower risk than PU coating. UV coating can also produce a hard film, which is harder than PU. This coating can also be applied very quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for high-volume work.

Unfortunately, UV coating is still limited to flat-panel products. UV coating can only be applied with rollers, curtain coaters, or automatic sprayers, all of which are only suitable for flat shapes. Although equipment for applying UV coating to products with complex or three-dimensional shapes has been developed, it is still imperfect. One of the main problems with UV coating application is the drying process, which requires a high-intensity UV lamp, a technical obstacle that limits the use of this UV coating.

•  Polyester

Polyester coating is a coating that can be used to produce a thick, strong, and hard film. This coating can also be used to safely create a high-gloss black finish. It can be applied by hand spray and dries at room temperature, making it suitable for products with complex shapes. It is also very strong and hard, so if applied correctly, there will be no issues with scratches or marring in the finishing layer.

Unfortunately, this coating is difficult to apply, even more than PU coating. This coating is a three-component coating: coating, hardener, and accelerator, which must be mixed correctly. Polyester coating mixtures also have a very short pot life, so they must be mixed and used with a precise schedule and calculation.

• Water-based Coating

Basically, water-based coating can also be used to create a black finish, but it is not recommended for the high-performance, high-gloss black finishes. Water-based coating generally cannot produce a clear and transparent appearance like solvent-based coating, so the resulting color may not be as clear and beautiful as the black of PU or NC.

Water-based coating is also not recommended for creating finishes with thick film layers. The finishing process takes a long time due to the long drying time and the tendency to produce a cloudy appearance, which can significantly affect the appearance of black.

• Casting Process

The casting process is a good option for producing a thick film layer. The casting process can also be used to produce this black finish. The materials commonly used are polyester resin or epoxy resin, which are designed for casting applications. Unfortunately, these materials must be poured, making the process time-consuming and the final layer never smooth and even. Using these materials always requires heavy rubbing and polishing to achieve a smooth and even surface.

• Combination

Using a combination of several materials is one process option for black finishing. Combining a stronger, more solid material as a base followed by a coating for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance is one process often used for this finishing.

UV coating, or PE or casting resin as a base followed by PU or NC spray coating, can be used to produce the best black finish results. UV coating, PU, or casting resin as a base is applied to create a smooth and even surface. NC topcoat or NC enamel, which has the best appearance, is used as the final layer to develop the desired color and appearance. The UV coating, PE, or casting resin as the base layer, followed by a PU coating, is also a good option to make a black finish with a good look and performance. 

• Rubbing Process

The rubbing process is very helpful in producing a high-gloss finish. Rubbing will clean and address minor problems with the finishing layer, such as small amounts of dust adhering to the surface, dust spray or gloss variations, and rough surfaces due to imperfect spraying. A proper rubbing process will cut and clean uneven film surfaces, resulting in a smooth and even surface. The rubbing process also creates a high-gloss finish with a distinctive look, making the finish appear luxurious and expensive.

Things to Consider When Finishing Black

A solid, clean black finish is a finishing style that presents big challenges. Despite its luxurious and expensive color and appearance, this finish poses several problems and risks that must be well anticipated.

• Dirt, scratches and imperfection are strongly visible

Black finishes are generally more susceptible to problems related to the strength and durability of the finish layer, such as scratches, form marks, print marks, etc. Black tends to clearly reveal surface problems. Dust or dirt adhering to the surface will be even more visible and distracting.

Therefore, it's best to use a strong finishing material that can withstand physical treatment and cleaning agents used to clean the surface if necessary.

• Color Consistency

For solid colors, ensure you use the right color pigment. There are many black pigments, each with its own distinct tone. Therefore, be sure to use a stain with the same color pigment for all products to achieve consistent color.

Ensure you apply a coat of coating thick enough to completely cover the surface with the color or pigment from the base coat or enamel you're applying.

• Clearly displays any unfinished problem issues

Black, especially with a high gloss, will clearly reveal the shape and surface of the item. Any issues or imperfections in the shape and surface will be very visible. Therefore, ensure the product is in excellent condition in its unfinished state. Ensure every detail of the curve, shape, and components is correct. Ensure there are no dents, gaps, or gaps in any joints, and ensure that flat surfaces are level. Uneven or wavy surfaces will be clearly visible with this color finish.

• Product maintenance

Products in black must be properly cared for. Black tends to easily become dirty when exposed to stains or dirt. Consider the maintenance and cleaning process for the coating layer and product so that it can be easily carried out to maintain its beauty and attractiveness.