FAQs.

WHAT DOES WATSON & GABB DO?

We are a luxury material manufacturer specialising in textured liquid metal and pigmented poured panels for use in design projects internationally. We re-invent and elevating traditional materials to create tactile surfaces in the form of panels. We are innovators of hand-applied liquid metal, timber, plaster, limestone and resin surfaces for interiors, exteriors, aviation, super yachts….and beyond.

Our workshops allow us to craft everything from one off, custom surfaces to large scale solutions for commercial projects.

WHAT ARE YOUR LEAD TIMES?

8-12 weeks, unless advised otherwise in writing. Due to the handcrafted nature of our individually produced pieces, unanticipated delays may occur.

WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIFIC LEAD-TIME?

Please share your lead-time with us as soon as possible, and we will work with you to accommodate it. Rush orders can be accommodated for an additional fee if need be

WHAT SIZE ARE THE WATSON & GABB PANELS?

Our standard ‘Ready-To-Install’ (RTI) panels are 8’ x 4’ (2400mm x 1200mm.) 

There are no bounds to what we can do and our CTO ‘Customised-To-Order’ panels are for bespoke commissions, incurring extra fees, and can be made up to 3000mm x 1200mm or 2400mm x 1500mm. More information on bespoke projects and how we work with customisations can be found here.

DO YOU OFFER INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY?

We supply and ship to a wide range of countries internationally, please get in touch to enquire about your particular region.

Alternatively, refer to our Shipping & Delivery policy for further details.

ARE FINISHED EDGES POSSIBLE? 

The edges come trimmed and unsanded as standard, unless otherwise specified. We can supply panels with the edges finished in either sprayed liquid metal, or a balancing colour lacquer. There is an additional charge for this and once finished, they cannot be cut or altered. All edge finished panels are made exactly to specified size.  If this is required, please to speak to our sales team who can discuss specifics and provide you with a quote.

HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?

To place an order email us with your name, location, and panel of interest and we can send over next steps. You’re also welcome to call us on +44 (0) 1380 859484 and our team will get back to you with all the information you might need to place your order. Thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing from you!

DO YOU OFFER A TRADE DISCOUNT?

We offer a very attractive discount to the trade, please contact us if you have any questions about eligibility.  More information on our relationship with our trade clients and our trade application form can be found here.

DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR MULTIPLE PANEL PURCHASES?

Do contact us if you are planning on purchasing 10+ panels.

HOW DO I ORDER A CUSTOM PANEL?

We love bespoke and custom requirements. We can go as wild as you want, from reconfiguring elements from our existing designs into new and distinctive forms and palettes, to creating something entirely bespoke and new.

If a client needs a modest alteration in order to make a finish perfect for their space, we’re happy to accommodate the request..

As you might expect, these sorts of custom projects are time-consuming, involve a lot of communication, and are accompanied by a different pricing structure and lead time. All our panels are produced via a combination of hand and state-of-the-art technology, therefore will always be subject to naturally slight colour, tone, character and finish variation.

Email our sales team to discuss a specific project. More information on bespoke projects and how we work with customisations can be found here.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS IN STOCK?

We do not carry stock of our panels as each job is Made-to-Order by our skilled workshop team

WHERE ARE THE PANELS MADE?

Our panels are made by hand in our workshop based in the heart of Wiltshire, just outside London. It is in this unique environment that Watson & Gabb was born, upholding the true sense of “Made in England.” 

DO YOU OFFER INSTALLATION?

Our panels are designed to be ‘Cut-to-Size’ and installed by the Buyer. Our ‘Ready-to-Install’ panels are safely delivered to you for you or your team to install and/or fit. We do provide clear installation instructions, which can be found on the ‘Installation Guide’ information sheet.

In the unusual case where our expertise is required, we can send an installation team to you. If this is required, please to speak to our sales team who can discuss specifics and provide you with a quote.

WHERE CAN WATSON & GABB FINISHES BE USED?

Watson & Gabb panels are suitable for all interior surfaces and exterior surfaces in all commercial, hospitality and residential environments, from flooring to table tops and wall coverings, our surfaces are hard wearing and suitable for most applications including kitchens & bathrooms. We offer a range of lacquer finishes that are designed specifically for high traffic environments, such as in kitchens and bathrooms. Do get in touch with our sales team who can talk through your project with you and make recommendations.

DO YOU HAVE A SHOWROOM OR STUDIO?

We have our workshop in Devizes, Wiltshire - contact details and a map can be found here. It is very easy to set up an appointment or visit us.

ARE WATSON & GABB FINISHES WATERPROOF?

The finish itself is waterproof. If used in an area of high humidity or high chance of water (i.e. shower) then we recommend edges and the backs of our panel are sealed. Metal panels oxidise naturally over time, and exposure to water will speed this up, consider lacquer for these applications.

ARE THE MATERIALS EASY TO CUT? 

Yes. Our surfaces will cut with ease when using the correct tools. See the ‘Cutting & Machining’ information sheet for further information. 

HOW THICK ARE THE PANELS?

Our Organic Collection thickness ranges from 5mm - 25mm, depending on the substrate and texture that is chosen. Our Poured and Blended Collections range from 20mm - 25mm thickness including the substrate.

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT OF ONE PANEL?

This is dependent on the substrate and panel that is requested. If knowing this is required, please to speak to our sales team who can discuss specifics weights of each panel with you.

HOW DO I AVOID SEAMS? 

We work project by project so can view drawings and advise on the best placement of materials to avoid obvious seams. Using natural, hand-crafted products often means there will be seams. 

Alternatively, it could be cost effective to enquire about custom mould-making for bespoke sizes. If this is required, please to speak to our sales team who can discuss you project requirements.

WILL THE METAL PATINATE? 

We value objects that patina with age, surfaces that grow rich with the signs of daily use are part of the joy of living with great design. Our surfaces are designed and crafted to last a lifetime, so to help them age gracefully we recommend you read our ‘Cleaning & Maintenance’ Guide. Natural patination will occur over time.

We can also achieve a patinated effect upon request, please contact us to find out more.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LACQUERS YOU PROVIDE?

Nano Coating is hydrophobic (water repellent), oleo phobic (oil repellent) surface layer that repels water, oil, dirt, and other dry particles. Nano Coating does not change the colour of  the surface to which they are applied.

Polyurethane Lacquer is highly durable finish resistant to moderate heat, chemicals, and wear and tear such as scratches.

Class ‘O’ Fire Rated Lacquer is a clear, fire retardant lacquer creating an insulating barrier, protecting timber surfaces from flames, heat and oxygen and suppressing emission of deadly smoke & gasses.

ARE THE SURFACES EASILY DAMAGED?

The panel is a decorative surface and should therefore be treated as such, they are liable to scratch when put in contact with abrasive objects. However, the products themselves are hard wearing and can be refinished when slight damage occurs,

ARE THE PANELS FIRE RATED? 

We use a variety of materials to make our panels, some of which are fire rated. If this is required, please to speak to our sales team who can discuss the specific project and requirements.

ARE THE FINISHES SUITABLE FOR TABLE/COUNTER TOPS? 

Our products are suitable to be used as table/counter tops, direct heat above 60°C will mark the surface. The use of place mats or coasters is strongly advised.

DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS?

Watson & Gabb surfaces and panels should be stored where no moisture can attack them. Storage conditions should have a relative humidity of between 35% and 60% and be suitable for timber products

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

For us sustainability is not just about recycling; it is also about longevity, quality of workmanship, and knowledge of your material’s provenance.

Please do head to our ‘Green Agenda’ page to learn more.

 

Can’t find an answer to your question? Email and ask us.