Get that refined look at home with Resene Japan Black

08 Oct 2025

Black timber has become one of those stylish go-to looks for homes today. Especially if you’re after a sleek, refined finish. Often used for modern exteriors, it’s now made its way indoors onto walls, ceilings, floors and furniture. Homeowners find it appealing for how it makes spaces feel elegant and sophisticated, while also allowing lighter colours, furnishings, art and textures to really stand out.

Resene has long offered ways to achieve blackened timber, from glossy paints such as Resene Enamacryl, to stains like Resene Colorwood Pitch Black, which highlight the natural grain of the wood. Clear topcoats like Resene Aquaclear or Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K then add sheen and protection.

Now there’s a clever new option, and it’s inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun. Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black is inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware, bringing depth and richness to timber that’s already been stained or varnished. And without the need for sanding back to bare wood.

Despite the inky depth of Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black, the grain of your timber remains visible so that you don’t lose the appeal of its natural beauty and texture. In this space (left), the plywood panels (back wall) and coffee table are finished in two coats of Resene Aquaclear satin mixed with Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black, floor in three coats of Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K mixed with Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black, side walls, column and tray painted in Resene Black Sand, stool and large wooden bowl in Resene Colour Enhance Walnut mixed with Resene Aquaclear satin. On the table (right) the large tray is in one coat of Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black, spoons in two coats of Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black and bowl in Resene Colour Enhance Red Brown all in Resene Aquaclear satin. Kettle, mugs, vase and lamp from Public Record, armchairs from Mr. Bigglesworthy.

By mixing Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black into clear finishes, you can refresh doors, trims, furniture, wall panelling and even flooring while still letting the natural beauty of the timber grain show through.

The more coats you apply, the deeper the black becomes, meaning you can customise and refine your look. Use it with Resene Aquaclear, Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K, or even Resene Concrete Clear and Resene Concrete Wax to transform interior concrete surfaces. It can also be added to Resene Colorwood interior stains.

So if you’re after that polished, moody look at home, Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black makes it easy to bring timeless elegance into your home.

To see the Resene Colorwood and Resene Colour Enhance range, visit www.resene.com/colorwood.

Published: 08 Oct 2025