It helps to preserve the wood from degradation and it assists the wood to look wonderful. As there are many types of wood finishes it is necessary to define what set and distinctions between different types exist.
The following post will go on to look at good wood finishes to help you choose well for your next project and get appealing and long-lasting results.
Most Popular Types of Wood Finishes
Making the right wood finishing choice will enhance the look and longevity of your woodworking results. Here are a few typical varieties of wood finishes with distinct attributes to meet your needs.
1. Oil-based Finish
Some of the oil-based finishes are linseed and tung oil giving wooden surfaces a rich organic finish. These wood finishes seep into the wood grain and add a warm glow. While these coatings are simple to apply, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, they do not resist moisture and staining well.
Photo from Pexels
Color: Warm and golden hue with a matte finish
Appearance: Highlights the wood's innate beauty as it darkens and matures
Best for: Cue shafts, cricket bats, boat decks and flooring, furniture, and firearm stocks
2. Lacquer
Lacquer is a solvent-based fast-drying finish. The solvents generally evaporate in the usual drying process to create a hard and resistant layer. It works very well to give woodwork a glossy appearance. Although lacquer is tough to apply and requires specialized equipment, such as a spray gun, it dries quickly and leaves a beautiful finish.
Photo from Pexels
Color: Transparent and shiny
Appearance: A dull, medium, and high-gloss glossy or silky surface
Best for: Musical instruments, doors, shelves, and cupboards
3. Water-based Finish
Water-based finishes are known for drying quickly and having no smell. The non-fading and see-through shield of types of wood finishes makes them suitable for many wood projects. These coatings dry quickly and have a slight scent; however, they are often less durable than oil-based coatings.
Photo from Pexels
Color: Milky during application but dries clear
Appearance: Natural sheen
Best for: Decorative furniture and hardwood floors
4. Shellac
Shellac is semi-gloss and is obtained from the lac insect. This wood finish is often used in restoration works on antiques, as well as providing an accent on the beauty of fine woodwork. Shellac is simple to apply, cures rapidly, and has a low resistance to moisture and abrasion.
Photo from Pexels
Color: Vary from light blonde to deep orange
Appearance: Smooth and subdued that brings out the natural grain
Best for: Antique and outdoor furniture and musical instruments
5. Varnish
Varnish forms a strong, long-lasting, and water-resistant protective covering. It is ideal for use in both the external environment and internal spaces.
One of its major advantages is that the finish is very resistant to moisture and not easily damaged by water, but it may be less easy to apply and may need several times for proper coating.
Photo from Pexels
Color: Translucent with a little brown undertone
Appearance: Matte, shiny, or high-glossy
Best for: Floors, boats, and outdoor furniture
6. Dye
Wood dyes provide different shades of vibrant colors that enhance the wood veneer without altering the grain. These types of wood finishes can be harder to apply than stains and also need a coat of varnish for enhanced durability after application.
Photo from Pixabay
Color: Vibrant and deep tones
Appearance: Consistent hue and enhances the wood's inherent pattern
Best for: Furniture crafted from sturdy and figured woods
7. Polyurethane
Artificially synthesized polyurethane coatings are not stained with moisture and are resistant to wear and tear. This specific coating has exceptional durability and water resistance, although it can be more difficult to apply than other coatings and may become yellow with time.
Photo from Freepik
Color: Translucent, possibly with an amber undertone
Appearance: Vary from dull to incredibly shiny
Best for: Furniture, floors, and cabinets
8. Stain
Wood stains are colored finishes, including water or oil stains, that change the tone of the wood while bringing out its natural patterns. For the best longevity, a topcoat is necessary when applying types of wood finishes.
Photo from Freepik
Color: Ranging from vibrant tints to dark browns
Appearance: Highlight the natural grain pattern and an exquisite finish
Best for: Indoor and outdoor cabinets, trim, and furniture
How to Choose The Right Type Of Wood Finish
Consider the following important points before choosing a wood treatment to successfully reduce the wood finish options.
- Wood Type
The type of wood you are using is the first thing to consider. Different wood species have different methods of absorbing finishes. For example, softwoods like pine can require a sealer to get a uniform coating and avoid over-absorption.
Here are some common wood panels that work well on different wood finish alternatives.
- Budget
Evaluate your financial status as wood finishes can range widely in price. Shellac or oil-based finishes are appropriate for your project if the budget is tight. However, for a more upscale look, consider spending extra money on high-end finishes like lacquer or varnish if you have a bigger budget.
- Ease of Use
Consider how easy it will be to apply the finish. Coating can be done by rolling, brushing, or spraying techniques. The matte coatings may be easy to apply compared to the high-gloss coatings. On the other hand, the high-gloss finish may require more maintenance.
Photo from Freepik
- Drying Time
When choosing a finish, take the drying time into account. If you are on a tight schedule, choose finishes that dry fast rather than ones that require days or weeks.
- Application Method
More experienced woodworkers could choose to use sprays for a more polished finish. However, if you are a beginner, you might find it simpler to apply finishes using a brush or cloth.
Why Choose WoodyWalls For High-Quality Wood?
Choosing the right types of wood finishes is essential to improving the strength and appeal of your woodwork project since each one has unique advantages to offer. For outstanding results, there is a demand for quality wood to ensure durability and finest looking appearance.
Woody Walls offers a variety of affordable and eco-friendly panels made from ethical wood. Get your best wall panels from Woody Walls made of wood for the living space.