Japanning

Basics

• A Finish Consisting of a Coating that is essentially the Lacquer equivalent of Bituminous Paint
• It was originally an imitation of Lacquerwork from East Asia (which typically used the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree’s sap (Main relevant component was Urushiol )
• ”Japanning” wasn’t identical, but produces a similar highly durable glossy black coating
• Largely replaced by Polyurethane based coatings, however from an Appropriate Materials standpoint (as well as potentially from a Microplastics / Microplastic Pollution Reduction and Control scheme) it makes sense
• Typically common on older tools, thus some Tool Restoration YouTube channels have devised modern “recipes”