Which finish survives a restaurant
The finish decides whether a chair looks tired after one season or five. It also decides whether you can repair it on site or have to replace it.
Published by JP Furniture · Chair manufacturer in Foshan, China · 2026-09-26
The four finishes you will be offered
- PU / NC lacquer — the commercial default. Hard film, good stain resistance, wipe-clean. Scratches need a professional re-spray.
- Hardwax oil — open-pore, warm hand, repairable in place with a cloth. Lower stain resistance against wine and oils.
- Water-based clear — low VOC, good for markets with emissions rules. Slightly softer film than solvent PU.
- Powder coat — for metal frames. Very hard, uniform, and the only practical choice for outdoor use.
Match the finish to the service
High-turnover restaurants with wine service want a film finish: lacquer shrugs off liquid that would mark an oiled seat. Boutique venues with lower covers and a natural aesthetic can take hardwax oil and repair marks themselves on a Sunday morning.
For outdoor terraces the conversation changes entirely — see outdoor chair weather ratings.
What to ask the factory
- Which sheen (10 / 20 / 40 gloss) — high gloss shows every scratch.
- Whether the finish is certified low-VOC for your import market.
- Whether the seat and frame are finished before assembly (they should be).
- Whether touch-up kits ship with the order.
We spray in-house and can send finish panels before you commit. Start with the solid wood chair range.
