Inlay, Woodworking Technique to Build the Aesthetics Value to Wooden Products

Inlay is the process of inserting pieces of another material into the surface of wood to create a contrasting design or pattern. The inlay material is different with the base, in term of color, texture or looked, thus providing a prominent contrast to the design. The inlay material can be woods, metals, shell, stone, or other materials that can provide a beautiful and attractive decorative appearance to the resulting product. The inlay technique not only adds aesthetic value to the wood products, but also shows the high level of skill of the craftsman. The more complicated of the inlay, the higher the value of the resulting product. This inlay technique can be used to beautify the appearance of various kinds of wood products from the big product such as : decorative wall, door, furniture, to the small products such as : musical instruments, accessories, and various other decorative products. 

Functions of inlay

The inlay is purposed to increase the value of wood products. Inlay is one way to build the aesthetic value of wood products. Inlay will make wooden products unique and special. With a wide selection of inlay materials available, craftspeople can experiment with a variety of colors, textures and patterns to create interesting visual effects. Inlays also allow for customization of designs that can reflect personal identity or style, making wooden products more exclusive and special.

Inlay manufacturing process

The inlay manufacturing process is quite complicated. You need skillful person to get the inlay material is installed perfectly into the wood. Following are the general steps in the inlay process:

• Surface sculpting

The inlay process starts from making a design and pattern of the decorative and design, then the carving process is done on the surface of the wood to build room to place the inlay, and finally the inlay is inserted into the place and followed by leveling the surface to produce a flat surface on the product. 

In the past, the design process might be made by drawing directly on the surface of the wood board. The design process generally starts from building image or drawing on the paper, then the paper is attached to a surface as template and guidance to cut and sculpt the wood panel. The sculpting process can be done manually using chisels, knife and router. However, currently the wood carving can be done by using a computerized machine. The design and pattern of the inlay is created using a computer program which is then used to set and run the CNC machine which will cut and carve the wood surface according to the programmed pattern. In general, the inlay cutting process can be done with a 2-dimensional CNC machine which is considered as simple machine. Some hand work with knife and chisel is still needed to tidy up the shape resulted by the machine.

• Inlay cutting

The inlay material is cut and shaped to match the desired shape according to the design. Like the process of excavating and chiseling the base, the inlay cutting requires high precision work to ensure the inlay material can fill the space precisely and neatly. In the past, cutting and forming inlays was done manually by hand cut machine. Currently the cutting can be done using CNC machine technology with neat and precise results. The sanding process is needed to smoothen and tidy up the shape resulted.

•  Installation of inlays

The inlay material is then placed on the prepared area and attached with wood glue or wood adhesive material. Put the proper glue on the inlay material and the sculpted wood, then inserted the inlay into the sculpted wood. Make sure the inlay fills up and the room neatly and let the glue dry. Good glue is needed to provide good adhesion between the inlay and the panel. 

• Sanding and leveling the surface

Once the inlay is installed and the glue is dry, the surface of the wood panel need to be leveled to create a flat and smooth surface. Sanding the wood properly and carefully to make the even surface without damaging the inlay.

• Finishing process

The final process of making inlays is coating with a finishing layer to provide protection and increase the aesthetics of the resulting product. The right finishing is needed to maximize the beauty and uniqueness of the inlay product.

 Materials for inlays

There are many materials that can be used for inlay materials, such as : wood, metal, stone, shells and synthetic materials.

• Wood slices

Inlay with wood slices is the most popular and widely used. Wood in many types with different colors, grain and characters are easy to be sliced and formed to produce many shapes to fulfil wide range of design and ideas. The wood inlay is the best material inlay to make many art designs without losing the natural impression of the wood. The combination of wood with light and dark colors is a very good choice for building various attractive and natural decorative shapes and models. 

Instead of its different basic colors, wood also give many variation from grain pattern and texture of the surface. Varieties of textures, grain patterns and wood colors can be explored to get a variety of interesting models and designs.  

• Metal

Fine metals with a high density such as brass, copper, stainless steel and silver can be used to provide shine and contrast to wooden products and bring the modern and luxurious feel. 

• Stones, pearls or natural materials  

Beautiful and expensive natural materials such as marble, shells and pearls or other natural materials will add a unique, luxurious and expensive impression. 

• Synthetic Material

Synthetic materials are a very attractive choice for inlays today. The resin can be molded with special shapes to be selected to produce special inlay products. Resin can be colored and pigmented with many colors and certain effects such as luminous or shiny resin which is often used for modern inlays, especially to bring more creative designs.

Things to consider in the inlay manufacturing process

To produce good inlay products, the correct process is needed; the work process must be carried out carefully and meticulously using the correct process. 

• Design process

The right design is the main basis for making good products. Make sure you choose the right shape and pattern when making inlay products. Basically, the inlay is the decoration to fill the space at the product. Consider the type and size of the wooden product that will be decorated, make sure your inlay fit well and accord with the product you are making. 

Make sure the inlay theme matches the theme of the product you are building. If you want to build furniture products with classic or antique models, then you can use wood slice or natural substrates as inlay material. On the other hand if you build a modern products, then you can use the metal, or resin.

• Installation process

The process of installing inlays is a complicated job and requires high precision process. Starting from surface preparation of the base, surface excavation, cutting the inlay material and installation must be done carefully and precisely. Even though CNC machines are currently available to do the cutting and excavation work well and precisely, the process still requires carefully controlled. 

If you use special materials such as: metal, synthetic materials or natural materials, then make sure you use the right glue to attach them to the wooden board. Without good adhesion, the inlay could come off when the product is used.

• Finishing process

The finishing process is the final work that will maximize the aesthetic value of the product. The most recommended finishing is coating with a clear coat, sealer and top coat with an appropriate gloss. The stain application may be used but cannot be too thick. Too thick stain will cover the surface and kill the contrast and character of the inlay.  

The right clear coating is needed to produce a beautiful appearance and provide the protection. PU or polyester clear coat is a good choice for building a thick film coating and high gloss film that will give elegant and luxury looked. Finishing with oil or wax can be used if you want the natural wood appearance, especially for products with classic or antique models.

If wood inlay is used, then make sure you recognize the types of wood used, the inlay and the panel base. Each type of wood has different grain, pore and porosity which will affect the finishing results produced. If you use special materials as inlay such as: metal, stone or resin, then make sure you use the right finishing material. Some special materials may be needed to make sure your finishing layer adheres well to the inlay material.