Quick answer
- Furniture, cabinetry and timber finishing systems
- Wood & Furniture Coatings
Step 1: Start with the timber and the use
- Timber species and moisture content: wet or oily timber can affect adhesion and drying.
- Indoor or outdoor: outdoor timber faces sun and rain, which needs a different approach from indoor furniture.
- Wear: dining tables, kitchen cabinets and counters see more heat, water and scratching than decorative pieces.
Step 2: Choose the look
Decide how much grain you want to see, what colour you want, and the sheen, from matt to high gloss. Stains change the colour, fillers smooth open-grain timber, sealers build a base, and the finish coat gives the final look and protection.
Step 3: Match the system to your production
Coly’s Wood & Furniture Coatings portfolio covers several system types, plus stains, fillers, putties and thinners:
- NC (nitrocellulose): a traditional lacquer family, generally chosen for easy application and repair.
- AC (acid-catalyst): generally chosen when a harder, more resistant finish is needed.
- PU (polyurethane): generally chosen for durable finishes on furniture and cabinetry.
- Vinyl and pre-catalysed systems: options to discuss for specific production and performance needs.
- Water-based: an option where lower solvent content is preferred.
These are general descriptions. The best system depends on your spray equipment, drying process and required performance, so we recommend approving a sample panel before full production.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Coating timber before it is dry enough.
- Mixing stains, sealers and finishes from incompatible systems.
- Skipping a sample panel under your real production conditions.
- Choosing an indoor system for outdoor timber.
Questions we often get
Which wood coating is best for furniture?
It depends on the timber, the look you want, how hard-wearing the finish must be, and your production equipment. Coly supplies NC, AC, PU, vinyl, pre-catalysed and water-based systems. Tell us about your product and line, and we will suggest a system to trial.
Do you supply stains, fillers and thinners?
Yes. The Coly wood portfolio includes stains, fillers, putties and thinners alongside the lacquer systems.
This guide gives general selection advice. Always follow the product’s current technical data sheet and confirm the complete system with the Coly technical team before use.