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by Franck Lambert
Guest Editor |
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MODERN MATERIALS: Plastics |
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| Introduction | Metals | Natural Fiber | Plastics |
Because they allow for creative shapes and textures, synthetic materials are often used in contemporary furniture. When choosing furniture made from alternative materials, consider the following:
- For furniture that gets heavy use, such as chairs, look for sturdy polypropylene-based plastic.
- For outdoor furniture, look for polyurethane-based plastic because of its UV-protective qualities.
- For a chair that you'd like to use outside, a combination of these materials is ideal but is likely to be more expensive.
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Some things to know about finishes for plastics:
- Epoxy lacquers have stronger impact resistance.
- Polyester lacquers will help protect against fading due to UV rays and will be less sensitive to temperature changes.
- A combination of both, say 20% epoxy and 80% polyester, will ensure a finish that stands up to a multitude of challenges.
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