Comparative Evaluation of Physical and Optical Properties of Hanji Coated with Korean, Chinese, and Japanese Ottchil Lacquer

This study compares the effects of applying Ottchil lacquer from Korea, China, and Japan -three major East Asian producers -on physical, optical, and water-resistant properties of traditional Korean paper (Hanji).The solid content and viscosity of each country's Ottchil lacquer significantly influenced the weight and thickness of coated Hanji, suggesting that variation in lacquer composition and manufacturing processes affect Hanji's characteristics.Regarding color changes with repeated applications, Korean and Japanese Ottchil lacquers exhibited decreases in lightness and shifts toward greenish-blue, whereas Chinese lacquer retained more of its original red and blue tones.UV aging test demonstrated high UV stability in all three lacquers, with Korean lacquer showing the lowest E value, indicating superior UV resistance.Contact angle measurements confirmed that a single lacquer application provided sufficient water resistance, with minimal additional benefit from multiple coatings.This study highlights the influence of national variations in raw Ottchil lacquer on Hanji's performance and emphasizes its potential as a sustainable and durable coating material for both traditional and modern applications.The findings provide a basis for optimizing lacquer application processes to meet practical and artistic demands.