The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

In wood finishing: is "pickled" the same as "decapé"?

August 8, 2008

Hi, I am a professional translator living in Italy, and I am puzzled by the word "decapé" used in furniture industry (namely: kitchens) to describe a sort of faded colored wood paint. From what I found on several technical sites I guess the term "pickled" is correct. Could you confirm that please? Thanks anyway, your website is of great help.

Damiana Covre
Translator of technical manuals and catalogues - Verona, Italy

---

It doesn't sound right to me, Damiana. The term pickle is always associated to acids, an acid treatment, either to dissolve superficial substances or to impregnate something with it. I can't find any relationship between acids and paints, enamels, or wood treatments. "Decapé" (French) sounds equivalent to "Decapado" (Spanish) which means "stripped or stripping". So, I guess your description of the term as a faded paint is more accurate. It could also be translated as thinned, diluted, partially stripped, but not with the use of acids (not pickled). Good luck and keep posting.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
October 7, 2008

Maybe you're looking for the term distressed?

Antonia Poultsaki
- Larissa, Thessalia, Greece
June 14, 2009

I have been a cabinet finisher for 12 years. I have never taken any schooling for it, but have applied a variety of finishes during that time. I believe "Pickling" is a term used to describe a type of finish where a contrasting/accenting color is desired. The actual "pickle" is sprayed onto cabinet doors, and dries very quickly. Once the pickling is dry, it can be removed by wiping with a soft cloth, or very fine steel wool(0000). The idea is to leave the accenting color of the pickle in the corners and recessed areas of the doors profiles. Because the pickling wipes of fairly easily, a final clear coat is required. It produces an antiqued/ aged look.

Greg Guy
- Penticton, B.C. Canada
May 31, 2011