Technical Guides
Expert knowledge in wood finishes
Practical and technical advice from our specialists to help you choose, apply and get the most out of ICLA products.
01 · Technical guides
Which varnish should you use for MDF furniture? A complete guide
MDF requires a specific finishing system to seal its porous edges and achieve a uniform surface. We explain step-by-step which sealer and topcoat to use.
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02 · Technical guides
Matt, satin or gloss: which finish to choose?
The gloss level is not just aesthetic: it affects maintenance, touch and color perception. Learn how to choose the right topcoat for every project.
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03 · ICLA systems
ICLA CHROME system: perfect and repeatable color every time
The ICLA CHROME tinting system allows for the replication of any color with spectrophotometric precision and total consistency between batches. Here is how it works.
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04 · Technical guides
Wood coatings: A comprehensive guide to types, uses, and how to choose
Acrylic, polyurethane, nitrocellulose, and water-based: what a coating is, which one to use for your project, how to prepare the wood, and how many coats to apply. A complete guide from the ICLA factory in Guatemala.
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05 · Technical guides
Paint vs. varnish for wood: differences and how to choose
To paint or to varnish your wood? We explain the difference between paint and varnish, the 3-in-1 system (stain, sealer, and topcoat), and the right path for colored lacquered furniture.
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06 · Technical guides
How to varnish wood step by step: a guide from the factory
From raw wood to finished furniture: moisture, sanding, sealer, layers, and topcoat. A step-by-step guide to varnishing like a professional, written from the ICLA factory in Guatemala.
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8 common mistakes when varnishing wood (and how to avoid them)
Bubbles, cracks, peeling, and lost sheen: the 8 most common mistakes when varnishing wood in workshops in Guatemala and how to avoid them, based on ICLA's factory experience.
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