WPE Lancaster preview: FinishWorks’ one-step cerusing technique
FinishWorks Cerus-N-Stain

The cerusing technique accentuates the natural beauty of wood by highlighting its grain pattern, giving it a timeless yet contemporary appeal. Shown: Ceruse Chalk, left, Ceruse Blue Emerald, and Ceruse Wood Blanket.

MANHEIM, Pa. — FinishWorks will feature its new Cerus-N-Stain at Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, Oct. 24-25, at Spooky Nook Sports.

FinishWorks

According to FinishWorks, Cerus-N-Stain requires only one coat to create a cerused wood finish. 

FinishWorks notes that cerusing has long stood out as a distinctive finishing technique that adds depth, character, and elegance to wooden surfaces. Originating in 11th century Europe, cerusing has traversed through time, evolving into a revered method sought after by artisans and interior designers alike.

Derived from the Latin word “cera,” meaning wax, cerusing initially involved filling woodgrains with hot wax, followed by applying pigment to highlight the grain pattern. Over time, this method evolved to include the use of lead-based compounds, and eventually transitioned to safer alternatives like lime.

The Renaissance era witnessed a surge in the use of cerused finishes, particularly in high-end furniture crafted for nobility and affluent patrons. It became synonymous with sophistication and luxury. Today cerusing remains a cherished technique, albeit with modern variations and safer materials. 

FinishWorks says Cerus-N-Stain allows manufacturers the opportunity to offer products with the highly sought-after look of cerusing with a very minimal raw material cost difference from that of other finishing methods. With this one-step process, Rodney McFalls, director of color styling and iInterpretive design at FinishWorks, says that “the cerusing technique can be achieved at the same time that the base stain is applied.” 

Cerus-N-Stain simply requires that the ceruse medium is added to the base stain before applying. The ceruse particles then cling to the grain and natural crevasses, wiping clean from the flake. Next, a sealer with active solvent should be applied. To achieve the best results, FinishWorks recommends that any raised grain is sanded to create a smooth surface. However, this step is optional and the cerused effect will remain if manufacturers choose to skip. Lastly, a topcoat should be applied.

The cerusing technique accentuates the natural beauty of wood by highlighting its grain pattern, giving it a timeless yet contemporary appeal. This technique can be applied to various wooden surfaces, including furniture, cabinetry, and even flooring, offering versatility in interior design applications. Moreover, cerusing works well on hardwoods with open pores, as they readily absorb the lime paste, ensuring a more pronounced and enduring finish. Woods like oak, ash, and walnut are popular choices due to their natural beauty and compatibility with cerusing.

See Ceruse-N-Stain at booth #306. Learn more. 

Read more about cerusing.

Wood Pro Expo Lancaster 2024 Registration

About Wood Pro Expo Lancaster  
Wood Pro Expo is a regional event for woodworking businesses that brings together suppliers and experts for a localized presentation of equipment and supply solutions. WPE includes a strong educational program on best practices for shop production and business management. The expo features a wide variety of industrial woodworking equipment and supplies mainly geared to small and medium-sized shops. The 2024 edition of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster takes place Oct. 24-25 at the Spooky Nook Sports/Warehouse Hotel at the Nook in Manheim (Lancaster County), Pa. 

To learn more about Wood Pro Expo Lancaster exhibiting opportunities, including the Running Machine Program, Classic Machine Pavilion, and more, contact Lewis Goldman at [email protected] or 800-969-2212.

Visit woodproexpolancaster.com

Wood Pro Expo 2024 Exhibitor Prospectus

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Closets Conference & Expo / Wood Pro Expo Florida, June 11-13, 2025, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 12-14, 2025, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ontario.

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About the author
Rich Christianson | President/Owner/C-Level

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.