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”

Internal Links

Bituminous Paint
Asphaltum Asphaltite / Gilsonite
- It gets into Terminology Hell, but Bitumen or Asphalt tends to refer to the products of Fractional Distillation / Vacuum Distillation rather than the fossil mineral source
- SUPPOSEDLY the distinction is important

The Wikipedia Page on Jappaning
The Wikipedia Page on Japan Black (Basically a name for the paint used, page is more on the how instead of the where/when)
A Video by the YouTube Channel Hand Tool Rescue Titled “Best Japanning Recipe ( ‘’’~40 Minute Watch’’’)
A Video by the YouTube Channel Hand Tool Rescue Titled “Can you Spray Jappaning ( ‘’’~12 Minute Watch’’’ )