Catalyzed Conversion Varnish is the gold standard of fine furniture finish. At Carriage House Furniture Company, all of our Amish manufacturers use a conversion varnish when finishing their furniture. Conversion varnish is a high-end solid, two-part post-catalyzed lacquer.
When it dries, conversion varnish creates a finish that is much harder and far less permeable to liquids and solvents than other alternatives like waxes, lacquer, shellac, or oils. Your furniture’s durable coat will resist yellowing and meets federal standards for Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants Standards (HAPS) to ensure the product we use is safe for your family.
The Curing Process:
To be sure your furniture’s Catalyzed Conversion Varnish has been fully cured, or hardened, as many as 30 days of dry time may be required. Curing is best accomplished at a 70 degrees Fahrenheit room temperature, with a humidity level of 35-45 percent. Some of this curing time has occurred prior to your furniture’s delivery.
Your quick response to any mishaps is necessary, but a sweating glass momentarily placed on your dining table poses little risk to the finish of your fine furniture. Fingerprints and household residue from cooking and cleaning can accumulate on any finished surface. None of these contaminants will harm the finish, but should be periodically removed to restore the finish to its original luster. Once cured, the finish will resist scratching and marring, but it won’t be completely indestructible.
Things to Remember:
Cleaners with wax are not recommended for your furniture. Wax from these products will build up on the finish and could make the varnish lose the clarity it had when the furniture was new. Wax will also compromise the integrity of the finish. We recommend using Heirloom Essentials Fine Furniture Spotless Cleanser when cleaning your furniture.
At Carriage House Furniture Company, we strive to offer the best quality, American made, solid wood furniture you can find. We believe that our furniture selections meet that standard!