Note: This story was originally published April 1. It has been updated to include the finishing supplier, PPE information, and other details.

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.V. — Gat Creek has converted its finish line from catalyzed lacquer to an advanced 2K urethane topcoat. The transition, which included more than a year of development, is complete and all products leaving the factory are now protected by a performance finish.

In a little more than a year, Gat Creek has expanded its factory by 40%, made significant investment in manufacturing technology, doubled capacity, and now has replaced a catalyzed lacquer that performed exceptionally well for 20 years. 

“It’s challenging, these kinds of significant changes to workflows,” said Gat Caperton, CEO. “But the timing was as good as it was ever going to be with the factory expansion. We went forward because this 2K urethane finish makes our products better.”

The urethane product, AristoThane, developed by FinishWorks from Hudson, North Carolina. FinishWorks, which merged with Mohawk Finishing Products in 2024, develops its finishing products at its laboratory in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Objectively better, as borne out by laboratory testing and more than a year of manufacturing process refinement. Not only does the performance finish exceed the clarity that is a catalyzed lacquer hallmark, it also significantly elevates protection against moisture, scratches and the everyday wear and tear that happens in the home.

“Look, this is a commercial grade finish. It’s formulated like the stuff used on bowling alleys and basketball courts,” Caperton said. “We don’t roll it on thick like they do. We are in our controlled environment using the latest spraying technology to apply a super thin coat over the entire product and curing it to further minimize off-gassing in the home. The result is a topcoat that is tougher, with better clarity, than any other topcoat out there.”

For many solid-wood furniture manufacturers, conversion varnish remains the top coat of choice. “And that stuff is loaded with formaldehyde, plus it yellows over time,” Caperton said. “Our performance finish eliminates all that. It’s stronger, stays beautiful and it’s safer for your home.”

David Petersen, vice president - marketing & sales, said that Gat Creek is always looking to improve its products for its customers. "This performance finish is more expensive," he said, "but we won’t be passing along the costs to our customer. Our sales strategy is to make better products that retain our current customers and also attract new ones.

Gat Creek is a solid wood, American-made furniture factory making products in a range of contemporary and traditional styles. Over 240 designs are made-to-order in four wood species, sixty-four finishes and several hardware options. Each piece is personally signed and dated by the builder. The company is a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and holds Silver Exemplary status.