Learning the Basics about our Catalyzed Conversion Varnish

Protect your investment with a hearty finish

Catalyzed Conversion Varnish is the gold standard of fine furniture finish. This is a process that creates a finish that is resistant to such things as: water, food, low heat, humidity, some chemicals, air borne cooking residue, and wear.  Your furniture’s durable coat will resist yellowing and meets federal standards for Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants Standards (HAPS) to ensure the product we use is safe for your family.

The Curing Process:

To be sure your furniture’s Catalyzed Conversion Varnish has been fully cured, or hardened, as many as 30 days of dry time may be required. Curing is best accomplished at a 70 degrees Fahrenheit room temperature, with a humidity level of 35-45 percent. Some of this curing time has occurred prior to your furniture’s delivery.

These curing parameters ensure your varnish will provide long-term durability on the surface of your handmade Amish furniture. Once fully cured, your new furniture will be resistant to water, low heat and a variety of household cleaners.

Your quick response to any mishaps is necessary, but a sweating glass momentarily placed on your dining table poses little risk to the finish of your fine furniture. Fingerprints and household residue from cooking and cleaning can accumulate on any finished surface. None of these contaminants will harm the finish, but should be periodically removed to restore the finish to its original luster.  Once cured, the finish will resist scratching and marring, but it won’t be completely indestructible.

Things to remember:

• Cleaners with wax are not recommended for your furniture. Wax from these products will build up on the finish and could make the varnish lose the clarity it had when the furniture was new. Wax will also compromise the integrity of the finish.

• We recommend using Countryside’s Professional Heirloom Furniture Care Kit to clean your furniture, which can be found here.

Your Vision, Our Passion.

Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.