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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.
Walker WoodworkingFinding ways to make the most of your available space, being aware of the crucial components to incorporate into the design, and simplifying the process will reduce frustration and save time.
Don’t underestimate the decorative effect that greenery has. It not only makes the room prettier, but it also makes it look bigger and fresher. Wall art and lighting fixtures can also be used creatively and practically in small spaces. We hope this article was useful to you and that you now have a better idea of how to decorate small spaces.
Greenbrook DesignReviving your home with a makeover through remodeling services is an exciting opportunity to infuse new life into your living space. It goes beyond mere aesthetic updates; it’s an adventure in redefining your environment to mirror your unique taste, boost its functionality, and breathe vibrancy into every nook.
Walker Woodworking Over the last few decades, there has been a significant expansion of design styles used in homes. We are no longer bound by the traditional rules our mothers and grandmothers followed. Homeowners are enjoying the freedom of expression that has emerged with the new styles, including Mid-Century Modern.
The purpose of interior design is to create a space that doesn’t just look pretty but is functional for your lifestyle while representing what matters to you, what makes you feel like you are truly home.
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