Guide To Different Types Of Finishes And How To Maintain Them

Here’s all you need to know about the different types of furniture finishes and how to maintain them. Continue reading to learn more!

What Are Modular Furniture Units?

Modular furniture units are pieces of furniture that are designed to be combined or arranged in different configurations to meet specific needs or space requirements. Examples of modular furniture include TV units, modular kitchens, bookshelves, study units, dresser units, crockery cabinets, bar units, wardrobes as well as pooja units, among other designated design spaces. The benefits of modular furniture include the ability to adapt to changing needs, customisation options, and ease of assembly and transportation.

What Is A Finish?

Finishes are elements fixed to the final structure of a modular furniture. They are the final surface of the material and are used to protect it from impact, water, frost, corrosion, abrasion, stains et al. Finishes are also used to offer style, texture, colour and uniqueness to modular furniture design keeping with the overall interior design theme of the room. Laminates, acrylic, veneer, lacquered glass are some examples of finishes that are used on shutters, wardrobes, cabinets, entertainment units and other surfaces.

What Are The Different Types Of Finishes?

Laminates: Laminates are a finish made from very thin sheets of wood or paper and plastic resins. These are pasted on the core material (such as commercial plywood) using glue and a machine press. The upper layer has a decorative design or a colour. There are many types of laminate finishes such as textured, non-textured and high gloss.  

Textured laminates mimic the touch and feel of natural wood with a raised or embossed surface as a result of the manufacturing process in the factory. Non-textured laminates are flat on the surface and without any embossed texture. High gloss laminates have a shine and are reflective finishes. They may be a solid colour or have a wood-like pattern.

Pro Tips To Maintain Laminate Finish: Not all laminates are created equal, so be sure to know what type of laminate your cabinets are made of. Some laminates are more durable and scratch-resistant than others. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning products on laminate cabinets as they can scratch or damage the surface. Instead, use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to clean the surface. 

Laminate can expand or warp if exposed to excessive moisture, so be sure to wipe up any spills or water quickly. Use a dehumidifier in rooms with high humidity levels to help prevent swelling. Regular cleaning and protection from moisture and heat can help extend the life of your laminate cabinets. If you are unsure about how to properly care for your cabinets, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or a professional.

Lacquered Glass: Lacquered glass is commonly used for furniture, such as kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, as well as for decorative elements like walls and partitions. Its high-gloss finish can add a modern and sleek touch to a space, and the ability to customise the colour and pattern allows for greater design flexibility.

Lacquered glass is also relatively low-maintenance and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas. However, it is important to handle lacquered glass carefully to avoid scratches and damage to the surface.

Pro Tips To Maintain Lacquered Glass Finish: Avoid leaning or applying pressure on the cabinet doors and drawers. This can cause the lacquer to crack or chip. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the finish of the lacquer. Clean the surface of the cabinets regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Wipe up spills and splatters immediately, before they have a chance to penetrate the lacquer.

Veneer: Veneer finishes are popular for their ability to imitate the look and feel of solid wood at a fraction of the cost, and for their versatility in allowing designers and manufacturers to create unique and custom pieces. Veneer finishes are also more stable and resistant to warping and cracking than solid wood, as the thin layer of veneer is less affected by changes in humidity and temperature.

Veneers can be finished with stains, oils, or varnishes to enhance their natural beauty and protect the surface. They can be sanded and refinished as needed to maintain their appearance over time. To care for veneer finishes, it is important to clean them regularly and avoid exposing them to moisture or extreme temperatures.

Pro Tips To Maintain Veneer Finish: Dust the surface of the cabinets with a soft cloth. If there are any spills, clean them up immediately with a damp cloth. Avoid using excessive water or cleaning products as they can damage the veneer. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface of the cabinets as this can cause damage to the veneer. Use a trivet or place mat to protect the surface. 

Moisture can damage the veneer, so avoid exposing the cabinets to excessive humidity or water. If the veneer does get wet, wipe it dry immediately. Direct sunlight can cause the veneer to fade or yellow over time, so keep cabinets away from windows or use blinds to limit exposure to sunlight. Use a touch-up pen or marker that matches the colour of the veneer to make scratches invisible.

Acrylics: Acrylic finishes are commonly used in high-traffic areas and for items that are frequently handled, such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, and bathroom vanities, as they are durable and easy to clean. The glossy finish of acrylic can also add a modern and sleek look to a space. The range of colours and transparency options allows for greater design flexibility.

Acrylic finishes are also relatively environment-friendly, as the resins used are often made from renewable resources and do not emit toxic fumes. To maintain an acrylic finish, it is important to clean it regularly and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products.

Pro Tips To Maintain Acrylic Finish: Wipe down acrylic cabinets with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or grime. Acrylics are sensitive to heat, so be careful when placing hot items directly on the surface. Use trivets or coasters to protect the cabinets from heat damage. Direct sunlight can also cause the colour of acrylic cabinets to fade over time. To protect them, place them away from direct sunlight or use window treatments like blinds or curtains to limit exposure. 

Dealing with scratches on acrylics? Small scratches can often be buffed out using a microfiber cloth, while deeper scratches may require touch-up paint or the services of a professional. When moving or storing acrylic cabinets, take care to avoid impacts or scratches that could damage the surface. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.

Duco: Duco finish is commonly used in furniture, cabinetry, and other decorative items to add a sleek and modern look. It is also popular for use in high-traffic areas, as the glossy surface is durable and resistant to wear and tear, fading, and staining.

Duco finish is applied in several thin coats to create an even and uniform surface, and can be made in a wide range of colours to match the design of a space. The glossy finish of duco can reflect light, making it a popular choice for small or dark rooms, and can also be used to create a sleek and modern look in larger spaces.

Pro Tips To Maintain Duco Finish: Dust the duco finish regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Use a soft cloth or feather duster to avoid scratching the surface. Clean the duco finish with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish. Keep the duco finish away from moisture to prevent damage or peeling. Use a dehumidifier in damp or humid environments. If the duco finish is damaged, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage or deterioration.

How To Maintain Different Countertop Materials?

Granite Countertops: Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the surface regularly. Granite is porous, so spills can penetrate the surface if not cleaned up promptly. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scouring pads to clean the surface, as these can scratch the granite. Have the countertops sealed every 1-2 years to protect against staining and scratches. Wipe up any spills or splashes of acidic substances, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and wine, as soon as possible. Acidic substances can etch the surface of granite if left for an extended period of time. If a crack or chip occurs, have it repaired by a professional.

Marble Countertops: Wipe down marble countertops with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or grime. Most marble countertops will need to be sealed once a year, although the frequency will depend on the type of marble and the amount of use the countertops receive. To protect your countertops, clean up spills promptly and avoid placing acidic substances directly on the surface. To protect the surface from scratches and damage, use a cutting board when preparing food on a marble countertop.

Quartz Countertops: Like marble countertops, wipe down quartz countertops with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or grime. Quartz is resistant to heat and acidic substances, however, it’s important to prevent any harm by using trivets and coasters for extreme heat, and cleaning up spills promptly to avoid damage, respectively. Quartz is resistant to scratches, but it can still be damaged by sharp objects like knives or keys. Be careful when handling sharp objects near quartz countertops.

Wooden Countertop: Clean up your wooden countertops immediately after every use. Most wooden countertops will need to be oiled regularly to keep the wood hydrated and prevent cracking and warping. The frequency will depend on the type of wood and the amount of use the countertops receive, but most countertops will need to be oiled every 4-6 months. Wooden countertops can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water, so be sure to wipe up spills promptly and avoid placing wet items directly on the surface. Wooden countertops can require more maintenance than other materials, but with proper care, they can be a beautiful and functional addition to your kitchen.

Now that we know how to care for our kitchen countertops, let’s look at kitchen backsplash maintenance tips for different types of finishes. Maintaining your backsplash is pretty easy. Note that cleaning the kitchen backsplash regularly is a great way to ensure that your tiles look sharp. 

How To Maintain Different Types Of Kitchen Backsplash Finishes?

• Blot away grease and food splatters from the backsplash to avoid stains. The longer the splatter and grease stays on the backsplash, the harder it is to clean them. For stubborn stains, blot the grease spots with a dry cloth to soak up as much grease as possible, before you start cleaning it with a dish soap and water.
• Regular cleaning of your backsplash must include a quick wipe down using warm soapy water to soften the grime and grease from the walls. 
• For chalkboard backsplashes, a good wipe down with warm soapy water on a daily basis is a great way to keep your backsplash from looking like an old chalkboard.

And that brings us to the end of our guide on maintaining modular furniture and different types of furniture finishes. Scroll down to learn more about the different types of materials and finishes used in Indian homes and what will best suit your dream home interiors.