The high-gloss Finish

In the world of yacht interior outfitting, achieving the perfect high-gloss finish is the ultimate goal. Precious veneers are covered in layers of lacquer to create a shiny reflective surface with the quality of a piano lacquer. The real challenge for Deutsche Werkstätten is not only to create the high-quality finish but also to apply it over hundreds of square meters within the ship’s interior and ensure that the finish keeps its shine for years to come. In 2015, Deutsche Werkstätten commissioned its own ‘Research & Development’ team to work on the development of alternative technologies for the production of high-gloss finishes. The aim was to overcome the problems previously encountered with lacquer sinking into the porous wood.

In an extensive test series designed to determine the optimal combination of technologies and materials, experts combined the most frequently used veneers with different lacquers, as well as varying the methods used to apply the lacquer. The system finally selected, a polyester-based lacquer using a wet-on-wet application technology, has since become a standardized procedure at the company. Whereas previously each layer of lacquer had to be given time to dry, it is now possible to apply several layers consecutively. This saves time. However, a significant part of the process remains unchanged with polishing and hand buffing requiring time and craftsmanship.

Editorial note: This article was published in 2020.