Polychrome wood refers to an item that has been decorated with many colors of opaque paints and pigments. The Greek roots for this word are “poly-“, meaning “many” and “chromos”, meaning “color.” Totem poles are examples of polychrome wood.

What is a polychrome finish?

Polychrome is created by layering multiple materials – paint, gesso, varnish, or even metallic gilding – atop a foundation for an attractive laminated effect. … A thin layer of reversible coating (visible on the left) restores the depth of color and contrast to the painted surface of a historic furniture piece.

What is polychrome printing?

Printing in more than one color is often referred to as either multicolor or polychrome printing, even if only two colors are involved. … These bear a number of different prints encompassing a variety of colors but each print involves only a single color.