Parchment-Wrapped Finish

This finish was inspired by the great French designer, Jean-Michel Frank. In the 1920's, he created exquisite parchment- and vellum-wrapped furniture for the sumptuous Art Deco interiors he designed.  Many of these pieces had inlays of exotic wood and shagreen (shark skin).  Ours is a simpler version of this timeless technique.

Materials List:

8½x11 parchment/resume paper (enough to cover)
Cold coffee (3-4 cups)
Flat baking dish (9"x12")
Exacto knife
Iron
Metal ruler
Pencil
White glue (thinned with water)
Disposable paintbrushes
Roller/brayer
Clear polyurethane sealer (gloss finish)
.0000 steel wool
Furniture paste wax
Lint-free cotton rags

For this finish, it's best to keep the lines of the furniture very simple. Flat planes work best. The detail is provided by the application of the paper. Be sure the furniture is clean. If the furniture is unfinished wood, it needs to be painted a neutral color in order to seal it (usually, two coats are required). If you are working on furniture with a plastic laminate finish, use a detergent to make sure the surface is clean (otherwise, the glue may not adhere properly).

2. Dyeing the Parchment

Pour cold coffee (black, unsweetened, decaffeinated is okay!) into a flat baking dish. Submerge the parchment (one sheet at a time). The length of time in coffee will determine the darkness. When the desired color is achieved, remove the sheet of parchment from the coffee, and let it dry. When the parchment is dry, iron the sheet flat. Repeat this process with as many sheets of parchment as you need.

3. Decorative Pattern

Determine the desired pattern and mark lightly on the furniture surface with a pencil. We designed an X motif on the armoire doors. Decide which areas will be light and which will be dark, to guide the application of the parchment.

4. Applying the Parchment

Thin the glue with water to consistency of cream. Apply the glue to the furniture with a paintbrush. Keep the working area small enough to cover with parchment before the glue dries. Carefully butt the sheets end to end. Stagger the joints and remember to keep the lines straight. Wrap all exposed surfaces with the parchment. Use a brayer (available at art stores) to roll out any air bubbles. Remember to work from the center of each sheet out to the edges. Wipe any excess glue with a damp cloth. Allow to dry.

5. Sealing the Parchment

Apply clear polyurethane (3 coats). Allow to thoroughly dry between coats. Rub the entire surface with .0000 steel wool to eliminate any air bubbles or imperfections in the finish. Apply another coat of polyurethane and allow to dry. Steel wool the surface again. Repeat these two steps until the surface of the parchment is smooth. After the final application, apply a coat of furniture wax with steel wool and buff to a soft luster with a cotton rag.

Want detailed, step by step directions for a lot more of Kurt's projects?  Kurt's book, Centerpieces Through the Year has detailed directions for 18 centerpieces, including directions for many different finishes, such as faux lapis lazuli and faux macassar ebony.  Click here for more information.