Burnt Wood Effect Finish: Shou Sugi Ban Varnish for Design and Architecture
Carbonized wood effect paints and bleached burnt wood with three-dimensional texture on metal, plastic and wood. CARBONIZED™ and LegnBrûlé™ systems — Shou Sugi Ban water-based finishes for interior design, contract furniture and interior architecture.
What is Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood effect finish?
The Burnt Wood Effect Finish is a single-component water-coated coating that reproduces the appearance and tactility of wood treated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique — the Japanese process of surface carbonization of wood that preserves its structure and gives a unique finish. Molteni Vernici offers two distinct systems:
- CHARRED™ — play dark organic carbonized wood, with a deep texture and natural graininess. Applicable with spatula (yield 1 sq/kg) Or spray (yield 4 sq.m./kg). Born from the collaboration with Studio Marconato&Zappa.
- MULLED WOOD™ — replica bleached burnt birch wood, with lighter tones and soft texture. Application spray (yield 4 sq.m./kg).
Both systems are distinguished by:
- Three-dimensional material texture — depth and grain perceptible to the touch
- 1K water technology — single-component, low environmental impact
- Resistance to hot and cold liquids — completely insulated surface
- Versatility of support — metal, plastic and wood with dedicated cycles
- Ease of application — low industrial costs and repeatability
Drying: 48-72 hours at 20°C. Packaging: 5/10/20 kg. Ready kits for metal, plastic and wood are also available on eShop. Technical data sheets and catalogs on request.
Who is the burnt wood effect finish for
Architects and interior designers
For projects with an organic and natural language where Shou Sugi Ban carbonized wood is desired but not practicable on non-wooden supports — CARBONIZED™ and LEGNBRûLÉ™ bring the aesthetics of burnt wood to metal and plastic.
Contract and hospitality furniture manufacturers
For surfaces with burnt wood aesthetics that guarantee resistance to liquids, industrial repeatability and controlled costs — advantages impossible with the real Shou Sugi Ban.
Design and architecture studios
Who are looking for material and three-dimensional finishes for paneling, doors and accessories with the warmth of carbonized wood without the limits of natural material.
Professional applicators
Who want to offer industrialized Shou Sugi Ban finishes with ready-to-use kits, simple cycles (1K single-component) and CRS Molteni Vernici technical assistance.
Applications
The CARBONIZED™ and LEGNBRûLÉ™ burnt wood effect finishes are used in:
Paneling and wall paneling — accent walls with carbonized wood texture on MDF or metal panels.
Doors and furnishing surfaces — furniture with Shou Sugi Ban aesthetics on any support.
Contract and hospitality — hotels, restaurants and commercial spaces with an organic language resistant to intensive use.
Furnishing accessories — tables, consoles, lamps and objects with three-dimensional texture.
Experiential retail — environments that communicate naturalness, craftsmanship and conscious design.
note: both finishes are intended for use only indoors.
Compatible Substrates
CARBONIZED™ and LEGNBRûLÉ™ are applicable on:
Metallo — with dedicated kit (CARBONIZED Metal Kit/LEGNBRûLÉ Metal Kit) for steel, aluminum and sheet metal.
Plastic — with dedicated kit (CARBONIZED Plastic Kit/LEGNBRûLÉ Plastic Kit) for ABS, polycarbonate and technopolymers.
Wood and MDF — with dedicated kit (CARBONIZED Kit Wood/LEGNBRûLÉ Kit Wood) for wooden supports.
Each kit contains specific primer, base, and topcoat for the substrate. CARBONIZED™ is applicable both with spatula (yield 1 sq/kg, for maximum materiality) which spray (yield 4 sq.m./kg, for industrial productions). LEGNBRûLÉ™ applies spray (yield 4 sq.m./kg). Drying: 48-72 hours at 20°C.
Shou Sugi Ban Burnt Wood Effect Paints for Professional Projects
choose your style
FAQ
What's the difference between CARBONIZED™ and LEGNBRûLÉ™?
CARBONIZED™ reproduces dark organic carbonized wood, with a deep texture and marked graininess — inspired by the traditional Shou Sugi Ban. LegnBrûlé™ replicates bleached burnt birch wood, with lighter tones and a soft texture. Both are 1K water-based monocomponents.
On which supports are wood effect finishes applied?
Metal, plastic and wood. For each support there are dedicated kits (Metal Kit, Plastic Kit, Wood Kit) with specific primer, base and finish. Also available on the Molteni Vernici eShop.
Are they suitable for outdoor use?
No. Both finishes are intended for indoor applications only. For external applications, consult the Molteni Vernici CRS for alternative solutions.
How do they apply?
CARBONIZED™ is applied with a spatula (yield 1 sq.m./kg, maximum materiality) or spray (yield 4 sq.m./kg). LEGNBRûLÉ™ can be sprayed (yield 4 sq.m./kg). Drying: 48-72 hours at 20°C.
Is the surface resistant to liquids?
Yes. Thanks to the technology developed by CRS Molteni Vernici, the treated surfaces are completely isolated from hot and cold liquids.
What is the yield per square meter?
CARBONIZED™: 1 sq.m./kg with a spatula or 4 sq.m./kg with a spray. LEGNBRûLÉ™: 4 sq.m./kg sprayed. The packaging is available in 5, 10 and 20 kg formats.
What is the Shou Sugi Ban technique?
Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient Japanese technique for surface carbonization of cedar wood. Founded at least in the 18th century, it preserves wood from atmospheric agents giving it a unique appearance. CARBONIZED™ and LegnBrûlé™ reproduces its aesthetics on any support.
Who designed the CARBONIZED™ finish?
CARBONIZZATO™ was born from the collaboration between Molteni Vernici R&D and the Marconato&Zappa Architecture Studio, with the aim of bringing the aesthetics of carbonized wood to non-wooden supports with water technology.
How do you clean the surface?
With soft cloth and neutral detergent. The surface is liquid-resistant and easy to clean. Avoid abrasive products that could alter the three-dimensional texture.
Are there technical data sheets and catalogs available?
Yes. Complete technical documentation and dedicated catalogues for CARBONIZZATO™ and LEGNBRûLÉ™ are available on request. Ready-to-use kits that can also be ordered through the Molteni Vernici eShop.
Why choose Molteni Vernici for the burnt wood effect finish
Molteni Vernici is an Italian company founded in 1948 in Brianza, an internationally recognized territory for the culture of design and quality manufacturing. With more than 75 years of experience and the 2022 ADI Compasso d'Oro Award, the company develops high-performance paints and coatings for metal, plastic and wood. The internal R&D laboratories formulate customized application cycles, with direct technical assistance and certified technical data sheets. Molteni Vernici supports architects, designers and technical offices in defining tailor-made, repeatable and long-lasting solutions.