Finishing is a tricky business. At Cope Closet Concepts, we provide Hardwood Ventilated Shelving, Cabinets, and more in 6 different finishes. Because properly finishing wood products is a literal moving target, we MUST take the process very seriously. A common characteristic of finish materials is that they start evaporating as soon as they are formulated. Some naturally evaporate more rapidly than others, depending on the formula, air exposure, etc. Evaporation alone is a big deal for a Finish Specialist to manage.
Other forces to be reckoned with are keeping the formula properly agitated during use, keeping lines clean, filters changed, being mindful of atmospheric changes, and even the speed at which the finish is applied. In addition to common issues, each of our 6 finishes has its own set of unique characteristics to manage. While some of our finishes are forgiving enough to run through a finish machine, others require more human touch. Hand sanding, spraying and dipping still go on every day at Cope Closet Concepts.
Wood is also a tricky business. Color and grain variations are normal within every species, and Ash is no exception. Lumber quality must be managed from the start. Wormholes, fish eyes, and mineral streaks are all terms (not of endearment) you may hear when you walk through our plant. In addition, we offer solid hardwood products AND plywood products; this is particularly difficult because plywood and hardwood accept finish products quite differently. Plywood is a handful to manage all by itself! Glue residue, oil, water damage, etc. is often not visible to the eye on raw plywood, but will “rear an ugly head” during the finishing process. To be “good with wood” takes training, experience and sometimes a stubborn spirit!
Finishing real wood products brings challenges for us every day, but we love it! Our goal is to minimize (not eliminate) finish inconsistency. Our finishes accentuate this life, not hide it. Below is a description of each of our 6 fantastic finishes.
Natural: Simple and handsome, this nearly clear lacquer finish complements grain laden Ash hardwood. Blonde color variations, accented by a faint amber hue, will be noticeable as none of the natural wood characteristics are hidden.
Frost: This simple “white wash” process soaks into the wood, resulting in a finish that often looks like a clear finish on wood that has white, beige, and pink hues.
Picket Fence: One of two opaque, painted finishes we offer; the grain is visible, and there could be occasional areas of intense grain not covered in lacquer. Nearly no color variation, resulting only from aging. For less grain, Maple wood is available upon request.
Driftwood: Similar to picket fence, Driftwood is the second opaque finish we offer. It is a medium bodied, painted finish that produces a solid gray color as it is built up onto the wood’s surface. Grain is least visible in this finish, with nearly no color variation.
Mahogany: Mahogany is one of our two darkest wood tone finishes. Rich and bold, Mahogany is very dark, almost appearing black, but with a prominent burgundy hue visible. This finish is so dark, color variation should be minimal.
Walnut: Walnut is a water-born dye. Shelves are submerged in dye to ensure complete coverage of this dark finish. Walnut almost has a black appearance with green, gray and/or brown hues. Dyes produce less color variation than stains. Dye lot variations and wood density play a role in determining the intensity of Walnut’s hues. Once color is achieved, clear lacquer is applied. Much care is taken to ensure color variations are minimal.