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Although many know that the term cerused oak has to do with a beautiful finish on furniture, this elegant technique has its roots in the cosmetic industry.
Originally created using a white, lead-based powder, it was used in cosmetic facial powder by women between the 1500s to 1600s to whiten their faces, including Elizabeth the First, remember her snow white face?
Once they realized how toxic the powder was for the skin, it was banned in the cosmetic field, but shortly after, the French discovered that it could be used to create a beautiful finish on wood with open pores, such as oak. This finish has since been used throughout the decades to bring elegance and beauty to a variety of wood furniture and blended with a myriad of design styles.
What is Cerused Oak or Cerused Wood?
This term is used to describe a unique finishing technique that showcases the beautiful wood grain without causing any damage to the wood itself. Ceruse was a white lead-based pigment, which after proving to be toxic to the skin was repurposed in the furniture industry. It has the ability to mute the original wood color while at the same time emphasize the texture of it’s grain. The results were amazing and have continued to be used in the design world. Cerused wood is available in multiple furniture styles, including headboards, tables, lamps and of course, cabinets both kitchen and bathroom. The best part is that the toxic lead ingredient has been removed, and now contains a liming wax which is a mix of clear wax, white liming paste and paint.
How it’s made.
Before the wood is ready to accept the finish, it must be prepped, which is done either by removing the existing finish if it was previously done or sanding unfinished wood. The main trick to cerusing is the opening of the wood grain; which enables it to accept the color and is usually done using a wire brush. Once the wood is ready, the finish is applied, such as a stain or dye. After the finish is done, it is time to massage the ceruse into the wood grain, ensuring that it is pushed evenly into the open pores of the wood. The final step is to apply a sealer. See a renovation project done with cerused oak.
Best wood types and finish options.
While this technique can be used on any wood that has a visible grain, some wood species are more suitable than others. Oak is the number one choice of wood when it comes to doing the cerused effect as it has heavy grain markings and very open pores. Another advantage to oak is how the wood is cross-cut, which highlights the grain motif even more; when the ceruse effect is added, the piece is completely transformed into something amazing. Mahogany is another large pored wood that can be used. Cerused woods are not limited to just the light finish, gray and black are also an option that can make for a beautiful statement piece in any room.
Greenbrook Design Increasingly, homeowners are not only interested in using eco-friendly products and materials but also in designing their homes to have the least possible impact on the environment. This has led to a rise in zero waste kitchen concepts, with designers seeking to meet their clients’ requests in a way that provides a functional, environmentally friendly, yet stylish kitchen. We know that certain materials are better than others, and incorporating more natural elements into our home is beneficial, but what exactly does it mean to design a zero-waste kitchen or bathroom? We aim to answer that question, while also providing you with helpful tips for your upcoming renovation.
Greenbrook Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
Walker Woodworking There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
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