Chinese Lighting Finish Evenness: How to Check Before Buying

The finish is what you see every day. Uneven finish = you'll notice it every day.

Here's how to check finish evenness when buying Chinese lighting.

Why Finish Matters

Finish reveals:

• Quality control: Even finish = attention to detail

• Durability: Good finish lasts

• Appearance: You'll see it constantly

• Value: Poor finish = cheap look

Types of Finishes

Paint:

• Color applied to surface

• Can be matte, satin, gloss

• Prone to unevenness if rushed

Powder coating:

• Electrostatic paint, baked on

• Very even, durable

• Common on metal

Plating:

• Metal layer applied (chrome, brass, etc.)

• Can be thin or thick

• Quality varies

Stain:

• Color absorbed into wood

• Shows grain

• Can be uneven on different woods

Natural finish:

• Just the material itself

• Variations are part of the look

• Should still be consistent in type

What Good Finish Looks Like

Paint:

• Even color throughout

• No drips or runs

• No thin spots

• Consistent sheen

Powder coating:

• Smooth, uniform texture

• Even coverage on all surfaces

• No bare spots

• Consistent thickness

Plating:

• Bright, uniform shine

• No cloudy areas

• No peeling at edges

• Consistent color

Stain:

• Even color absorption

• Grain visible but consistent

• No blotchy areas

• Sealed properly

Natural finish:

• Consistent with material type

• No patches of different color

• Surface smooth

What Poor Finish Looks Like

Paint:

• Drips or runs

• Thin spots showing undercoat

• Brush marks (if hand-painted poorly)

• Orange peel texture (if sprayed poorly)

Powder coating:

• Rough patches

• Thin coverage in crevices

• Bubbles or pinholes

• Inconsistent texture

Plating:

• Cloudy or hazy areas

• Peeling at edges

• Different colors in different areas

• Scratches underneath

Stain:

• Blotchy, uneven color

• Light and dark patches

• Raised grain not sanded

• Sealer uneven

How to Check in Photos

Zoom in:

• Look closely at surfaces

• Any obvious flaws?

Check multiple angles:

• Side views show different lighting

• Undersides reveal quality (or lack)

Look at edges and corners:

• Finish often thinner here

• Problems show first

Compare areas:

• Is color consistent?

• Is texture consistent?

Red Flags

• No close-ups (hiding flaws)

• All photos in dim light (hiding unevenness)

• Too perfect (could be rendered)

• Inconsistent color in different photos

Real Example: Good Finish

I bought a powder-coated pendant. Photos showed close-ups — smooth, even, consistent. When it arrived, finish was flawless.

Real Example: Poor Finish

A friend bought a painted lamp. Photos were distant. When it arrived, paint was thin in spots, drips visible. Looked cheap.

Finish by Material

The Bottom Line

Finish is what you'll see every day. Uneven finish = constant irritation.

Check photos carefully. Ask for close-ups if needed.

Good finish = good quality. Poor finish = corners cut.