Hi,
I am developing simple oriental style boxes. The first box I want to make is the “traditional” bright chinese red opaque gloss finish. I was considering using japan paints and top coating with lacquer. I want a finish that if it is chipped will show a red color. Any ideas or suggestions?
Semper Fi,
Richard
Replies
http://www.artsparx.com/lacquer_chest_intro.asp
Richard,
Traditional Chinese lacquer is an art in itself. It spans 'simple' protective coats to elaborately carved lacquer that was applied in a thick coat of bazillions of layers.
My understanding is that traditional lacquer work is excruciatingly time consuming and many craftsmen develop strong allergies. In fact the 15th century or so lacquer furniture sold for much higher prices than hardwood furniture.
Interestingly the Chinese had distinct preference for Elm as base material for lacquer work (the Chinese consider Elm a soft wood). I have no idea how close to the "real thing" modern lacquers are.
Hope you can post some pictures during the process.
Chris
Chris Scholz
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Galoot-Tools
I seem to remember an article in one of the early years of FWW that talked about the process used to put the traditional Japanese lacquer finish on a bowl or tray. I couldn't find it using the Search function but I'll try to look it up for you over the weekend. I also remember that it involved many coats of finish and took a significant amount of time.Regards,Ron
The article is in FWW#51, pp. 54-57. It doesn't seem to be available online.
-Steve
Thanks! At least my LONG term memory is still good! :<))Regards,Ron
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