Lick launches new Supreme Ultra Flat Matt paint that's scrub resistant

The article explores the growing trend of anti-fingerprint surfaces in the furniture and decorative materials industry. These surfaces, also known as super matte, ultra matte, or soft touch, are gaining significant attention for their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits across various applications, from TFL, 3DL, HPL, to newer variants like polypropylene and PET. Historically, decorative laminates aimed for durability and ease of care, leading to the prevalence of stipple, pebble, or pearl finishes. While these textures reduced visible scratches, they often compromised the clarity of designs and created an artificial appearance. The current innovation in anti-fingerprint technology represents a significant evolution, offering a smooth, luxurious feel similar to a high-quality laptop touchpad, combined with practical advantages. One of the primary benefits highlighted is the reduced need for cleaning, particularly in high-traffic environments like multi-family residential buildings. Designers and material experts note that these finishes maintain a cleaner, fresher look for cabinets and other surfaces, which is highly valued for both aesthetic upkeep and maintenance efficiency between tenants or in model units. Beyond functionality, these surfaces enhance the visual depth and richness of woodgrain and solid-color laminates. The interaction with light is particularly notable, bringing new dimensions to dark colors, especially black, which traditionally accentuates fingerprints and smudges. This blend of design and function is attributed to advancements in surface texture technology. The term "haptics" is introduced to distinguish the tactile feel of a surface from its visible texture, emphasizing the importance of touch in perceiving material quality. The article notes that the part of the brain dedicated to interpreting touch and pressure is significantly large, underscoring the deep impact of tactile experiences. The mechanics behind anti-fingerprint technology, specifically DTS’s "clean touch" solution under its ELESGO surfaces brand, are explained. ELESGO, which stands for electron-beam cured surface, utilizes a mechanical solution involving nano peaks and valleys. This microscopic structure minimizes the surface area that can be touched, causing oils and dirt to settle into the valleys and effectively disappear from view. Cleaning these surfaces, when necessary, is simplified to using a microfiber cloth with household cleaner or a Magic Eraser-type sponge. These electron-beam cured transparent or pigmented acrylic resins are available as lacquer-free films for existing laminate presses or with hotmelt backing for conventional veneer and molding presses or roll hot laminating machines. The technology not only provides anti-fingerprint properties but also offers high scratch resistance and can be engineered for chemical, bacterial, and heat resistance, making them suitable for diverse applications, including exterior building facades and outdoor flooring. The versatility extends to producing a wide range of textures from high gloss to various woodgrains, stones, and metals. The article concludes by observing that while anti-fingerprint surfaces remain a dominant trend, high-gloss finishes are also re-emerging, often used as visual accents to complement the softer matte textures. Sustainable manufacturing practices are also a key focus, with electron-beam curing requiring minimal power and producing food-safe, fully crosslinked materials without solvents or formaldehyde. These methods offer durability, ease of care, and minimal waste, making them an attractive option for contemporary design and manufacturing. #AntiFingerprintSurfaces #SurfaceTechnology #Haptics #MaterialInnovation #InteriorDesign #FurnitureManufacturing #ElectronBeamCuring #SustainableMaterials #MatteFinish

For many years, glossy surfaces were the dominant aesthetic in interior design, with reflective finishes on kitchen counters, lacquered wardrobes, and marble floors symbolizing luxury. These high-shine materials were favored for their ability to reflect light and create a sense of opulence, making them popular in both residential and commercial spaces. However, design preferences are dynamic, and a new, more subdued aesthetic has emerged as the latest trend: matte finishes. These finishes are now considered the epitome of luxury, offering a sophisticated and contemporary appeal that is both understated and refined. Matte finishes seamlessly integrate with current design palettes, whether in Scandinavian-inspired homes, modern Indian apartments, or boutique workspaces, providing an adaptable and harmonious visual experience. When paired with woodgrains, matte textures soften the wood's appearance and enhance its natural warmth, making them a popular choice for kitchens, wardrobes, and living areas where wood is a primary material. Matte is also an ideal partner for the increasingly popular pastel colors such as sage, pink, lavender, and blue. These gentle hues appear richer and more velvety on matte surfaces, preventing them from looking childish and instead giving them a more elevated and mature feel. Furthermore, matte finishes elevate neutral tones like beige, cream, greige, mushroom, and charcoal, giving them a plush, tactile quality that contributes to a polished, composed, and visually balanced space. Unlike glossy surfaces, matte finishes diffuse light rather than reflecting it, resulting in softer, warmer interiors that are well-suited for modern homes. The increasing preference for matte finishes signifies a broader cultural shift towards interiors that evoke a sense of calm, groundedness, and refinement, moving away from overtly flashy aesthetics. Matte surfaces embody this understated elegance, where luxury is expressed subtly. They convey an intentionality that speaks to a homeowner's refined taste and appreciation for craftsmanship and subtle expressiveness over ostentatious displays. This trend is evident across various product categories, including paints, with brands like Birla Opus offering matte-finish emulsions that provide rich color depth and a velvety, premium look without reflective glare, creating a timeless and contemporary appeal. A common misconception about matte finishes is their perceived difficulty in maintenance, with concerns that their textured surfaces might trap oil, fingerprints, and dust more readily than smooth, glossy alternatives. However, advancements in technology and research have dispelled this notion. Modern engineered materials are now designed to be non-porous, hygienic, stain-resistant, and highly durable, often surpassing the performance of glossy finishes. For example, Specta Quartz Surfaces offers matte quartz slabs that are non-porous and resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and heavy use, making them practical for Indian homes. Many brands now feature matte options with anti-fingerprint technology, micro-scratch resistance, and long-term durability. Matte textures find practical application in living rooms, where matte wall paints create a soft, uninterrupted visual field by diffusing light, making them ideal behind sofas or TV units. This eliminates glare and enhances visual comfort. Storage and furniture are also embracing this shift; glossy wardrobes, bedside units, and side tables can be updated with matte laminates, transforming them into modern, understated pieces that integrate seamlessly into a room without dominating it. The muted texture allows the form and color of these pieces to take center stage, contributing to a more refined and contemporary look. In kitchens, matte finishes are favored for their elegance and practicality. Matte quartz countertops, backsplashes, and kitchen islands are increasingly popular, offering the luxurious look of stone without reflective glare. They provide a warmer, more architectural aesthetic and a premium user experience. These diverse applications demonstrate why matte finishes have become the modern standard for luxury, offering a tactile yet durable, expressive yet subtle, and visually rich aesthetic that aligns with contemporary preferences for relaxed, thoughtfully designed spaces over ostentatious, high-gloss displays. #MatteFinishes #LuxuryDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #UnderstatedElegance #ModernInteriors #DesignPalettes #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign

Lacquered finishes are experiencing a significant resurgence in home design, offering a versatile aesthetic that can elevate various interior styles, from modern to traditional. These highly reflective surfaces introduce a sense of luxury, depth, and dimension to a space. Designers like Sarah Jefferys of Sarah Jefferys Architecture and Interiors, Challie Stillman, vice president of creative at Resource Furniture, and Aurora Espinoza, a designer at Kutchenhaus Doral and nobilia, highlight the numerous benefits of incorporating lacquer into home decor. One of the primary advantages of lacquered finishes is their luminous quality. The glossy surface reflects light, which can make a room appear brighter and more spacious, contributing to a heightened sense of luxury and a contemporary feel. While often associated with bold, statement colors, lacquers in subdued neutrals can also achieve a polished, modern aesthetic. Beyond their visual appeal, lacquered finishes are also practical; their smooth surface is easy to clean and maintain, making them a functional choice for busy households. Lacquered finishes are adaptable to diverse design contexts. In traditional homes, they can be used to emphasize intricate details like plaster moldings, enhancing the beauty of historic architectural elements. For transitional or eclectic spaces, lacquered pieces introduce a contemporary shine without overwhelming the existing decor. The glamorous and geometric style of Art Deco, for instance, naturally aligns with the use of shiny lacquered surfaces. Experts recommend several ways to integrate lacquered finishes throughout the home. Lacquered cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms creates a streamlined, high-end look, especially when paired with stainless steel or natural stone countertops. These cabinets can also contribute to a sense of wellness by maximizing natural light. For those hesitant to commit fully, accent furniture and decor, such as lacquered trays, picture frames, coffee tables, or sideboards, offer subtle pops of shine and a taste of the trend. Wall paneling, particularly an accent wall in an entryway or dining room, can add depth and elegance. Architectural details like interior doors, moldings, and built-ins also benefit from a glossy finish, making a strong architectural statement and introducing color while utilizing the reflective properties of lacquer. Successful integration of lacquered finishes hinges on balance. To achieve a cohesive and stylish look, it's advisable to start with smaller pieces to understand how lacquer interacts with light and texture in a specific space. Embracing color with high-gloss lacquer can create a rich, luxurious, and adventurous statement, though neutral lacquers also offer sophistication. Pairing high-gloss surfaces with matte textures like wood or natural stone helps to prevent a space from feeling over-polished, creating a fresh, contemporary, and multi-layered aesthetic. Careful consideration of lighting is crucial to avoid harsh glare; soft, diffused, or indirect lighting, such as custom-designed light coves, is recommended. Highlighting architectural features with lacquer can naturally boost a room's inherent style. Lastly, moderation is key to avoid overwhelming a space, though a bold, monochromatic design statement can be achieved by covering an entire room in lacquer, offering an elegant "wow factor." #LacqueredFinishes #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HighGloss #ModernAesthetic #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeStyling

The design world is currently experiencing a revival of high-gloss finishes, which are returning to interiors as a sophisticated means to introduce depth and drama. This trend, drawing inspiration from both 1970s glamour and 1920s Art Deco elegance, is gaining prominence in contemporary home design. These glossy surfaces offer a subtle yet impactful statement, moving beyond mere trend following to become a refined design choice. Studio McGee's recent Threshold x Studio McGee collection, available at Target, exemplifies this resurgence by incorporating several pieces that feature a lacquered aesthetic. The collection highlights a deep oxblood hue, which is presented as a considered palette choice that elevates the trend rather than simply adhering to it. This particular color provides a rich, sophisticated look that integrates well into various interior schemes. Key pieces from this collection demonstrate the versatility of high-gloss finishes in different areas of the home. A sculptural oval coffee table, for instance, serves as a grounding element in a living room, contributing a focal point with its reflective surface. For entryways or behind sofas, a console table finished in high-gloss adds a layer of drama and polish, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Additionally, a versatile side table offers a compact yet impactful touch of shine, suitable for various room placements. These lacquered items are designed to be either standalone statement pieces or to be layered throughout a home, illustrating how high-gloss elements can be integrated into existing decor. The approach taken with these pieces emphasizes a thoughtful application of high-gloss, ensuring that the finish contributes to a sense of modern refinement and subtle drama. The collection underscores the idea that when executed with careful consideration, such finishes transcend fleeting trends and become enduring components of elevated interior design. #HighGlossFinish #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorTrends #LacqueredFurniture #ThresholdXStudioMcGee #ModernRefinement #DesignTrends #HomeStyling