2K Acrylic Urethane Explained: The Science Behind Our Most Durable Finish Yet
Our new Performance Finish delivers next-level protection with unmatched clarity, because life happens.
At Gat Creek, we believe in building furniture that stands the test of time—and the occasional science project gone rogue. That’s why we’ve replaced our catalyzed lacquer with Performance Finish, a 2K acrylic urethane topcoat that offers commercial-grade durability and exceptional clarity.
This is not your big box, brush-on polyurethane. Performance Finish is applied in a controlled environment using precision spray guns, giving your furniture even protection and a close-to-the-wood feel from every angle. The result is a finish so clear and resilient, it’s used on bowling alleys and basketball courts—yet it’s just .2 -.3 millimeters thick, making it practically invisible to the eye.
Why We Made the Switch:
Durability: Engineered for everyday life; protects against spills from vinegar, coffee, boiling water, 100 proof vodka, even gasoline.
Clarity: Showcases the natural beauty of Appalachian hardwood like never before.
Health & Safety: Free from formaldehyde and fully cured to eliminate off-gassing.
Easy maintenance: simple soap and water solution followed by a dry cloth is all you need to keep it looking great.
We spent over two years testing and perfecting this finish, investing in a new finishing line to bring you the best in both beauty and performance. It’s the same handmade hardwood furniture craftsmanship, now with a stronger, safer, and crystal clear finish.
Elegant toughness for everyday living.
We developed Performance Finish because everybody forgets to use coasters, sometimes the kid's science project goes haywire, and pets will be pets. In other words, our beautiful, Appalachian hardwood furniture and your family can live happily ever after.
Learn More About What Makes Performance Finish Different
We want you to feel confident about what goes into your furniture—and why it matters. Here are a few trusted sources that explain the science, performance, and safety behind our Performance Finish:
Performance & Durability Testing Standards
- AWI: ANSI/AWI 0400-2022 Factory Finishing Standard — Overview of official industry performance standards for factory-applied wood finishes.
- AWI: Supplemental Information on ANSI/AWI 0400-2022 — Additional context on the development and application of this standard.
- Professional Testing Lab: Guide to ASTM Testing Standards — Explains the value of ISO-accredited labs in delivering consistent ASTM-based test results.
Understanding 2K Urethane Finishes
- PCI Magazine: Development of a Chemical-Resistant 2K Polyurethane Coating System — Explores the science and formulation behind advanced 2K urethane coatings used in high-performance applications.
- Selva Pro: 2K Polyurethane Technical Overview — Feature sheet detailing performance benefits and use cases of 2K polyurethane finishes.
Health and Indoor Air Quality
- U.S. EPA: Formaldehyde and Indoor Air Quality — Learn why formaldehyde-free finishes contribute to healthier homes.
- UL GREENGUARD Certification — Third-party standards for low-VOC emissions in indoor products.
Durability in Commercial Settings
- USBC Equipment Specs Manual (PDF) — Details official bowling lane surface requirements and finish durability standards.