Iridescent String Inlay
ZipFlex, a laminated shell material brings sparkle to your work
String inlay has been used for centuries as a decorative detail on fine furniture. In this article, I’ll discuss how to inlay wood using modern manufactured string inlay, which can be used in straight or curved applications. The process is the same, either way.
Traditionally, furniture makers have used woods like ebony and holly to create delicate yet beautiful stringing. There are, however, more exotic materials that have been developed in recent years that can be used for inlay, and these complement modern furniture designs wonderfully, adding more visual interest and complexity to my furniture than traditional wood stringing.
One of the most interesting new materials I’ve been using for string inlay is called ZipFlex, manufactured by Advanced Shell Technology. It’s a flexible version of the straight strips of shell-based material used by luthiers. ZipFlex is available in a variety of colors, including white, gold, and black mother-of-pearl, blue…
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