It can be extremely overwhelming when considering what type of wood finishes are the best for your projects. You don’t need to work in the paint department to make the right choices. It’s easier than ever for you to pick the ideal type of finish. Let’s now find out exactly what type of wood finish you are going to pick today!
When we talk about finishing a woodworking project, this means we are applying a coating to the surface of the wood. The most obvious benefit for this is to give the wood a more beautiful, and attractive look. But a more important benefit is to preserve the wood by applying a protective barrier that helps prevent it from deteriorating.
What Is The Best Type Of Finish For Wood Overall?
The most common type of wood finish is lacquer. It forms a durable protective layer on the surface, while also expressing the wood’s color and grain pattern. Since lacquer is a surface finish it can be used with a stain, allowing for many more possibilities. In this article you will get an in-depth look at lacquer, as well as other popular types of wood finishes.
Watco by Rust-Oleum makes an amazing lacquer, which is my top choice for the best type of wood finish in general. You can find on Amazon by clicking This Link.
How Many Types of Wood Finishes Are There?
Wood finishes can be broken down into two main categories: Surface finishes, and Penetrating finishes. Both of these categories have multiple finish options in them. First we will discuss the two main categories, then this article will give a closer look at some of the more commonly used wood finishes.
Let’s take a closer look at the two types of wood finishes:
Surface Finishes
A surface finish creates a protective film that rests on the surface of the wood. Some common examples of this are lacquer and shellac. Since it is on the surface of the material, you are given a protective barrier between the wood and anything it comes in contact with.
You are given the option of choosing a clear coat finish, one with an amber hue to it, or one with more of a garnet (reddish) tint to it. Being a surface finish you can apply it directly to the naked wood, or combine it with a penetrating finish like a stain.
Penetrating Finishes
Unlike surface finishes, penetrating finishes absorb into the pores of the wood, protecting it from deeper within. Since penetrating finishes absorb into the wood it can require more coats to get a consistent look.
Penetrating finishes help keep out moisture and reduce oxidation of the wood by preventing it from coming into contact with the air, helping it last longer.
Different types of wood finishes are ideal for different applications. If the piece is going to be kept outside, the finish will need to be able to withstand moisture and UV light. A varnish is the perfect choice.
Indoor pieces like coffee tables or hutches do well with linseed oil. This finish may require more frequent applications, but will do well to protect the piece and improve its longevity.
Best Types of Wood Finishes for Cabinets
Since cabinets are pieces of furniture that get a lot of use, it’s important to have a finish on them that is both durable and beautiful to look at. The ideal type of finish for cabinets is an oil-based polyurethane. I prefer a semi-gloss finish on my cabinets, but if you are interested in a high gloss Click Here.
This is a more durable choice than lacquer, and is just as attractive. They both can be applied the same way, and I explain this later in the article.
The chart below is going to help you narrow down the type of wood finish for you to choose based on the type of project you are working on. Notice it also includes the finish’s durability level and color options. Keep reading below for a more in-depth look at each finish.
| Types of Wood Finishes | Project Use | Durability | Color Options |
| Stain | Any to Change Color/Shade | Low | Wide Assortment |
| Wax | Furniture | Low | Clear, Amber, Wood Tones |
| Oil | Can Be Food Grade, Furniture, Low Traffic Areas | Low | Clear, Darkens The Wood Slightly |
| Varnish | Doors, Marine | High | Clear Coat (Use on Stained, Painted, or Bare Wood) |
| Polyurethane | Cabinets, Doors, Furniture, Floors, Not Outdoor Use | High | Clear Coat (Use on Stained, Painted, or Bare Wood) |
| Shellac | Floors, Antiques, Furniture | Low to Med | Garnet, Amber, Clear |
| Lacquer | Furniture | High | Clear |
Stains
Stains come in a seemingly endless assortment of colors and shades. They are possibly the best way to change the appearance of a piece of wood, giving it a whole new look.
Stain are penetrating finishes that physically change the wood’s color. They come in a spectrum of options, ranging from virtually clear, all the way to practically black.
Since stains penetrate into the wood, it’s common to use them in combination with a surface finish like lacquer or varnish, giving the piece an added level of protection.
Stains take a bit longer to dry than some other finishes. As they penetrate into the wood you may notice patches of inconsistencies. For this reason multiple coats are the right way to go. You can count on at least two coats, but sometimes you may need to apply up to four or five. This depends on the shade of the stain color you are trying to achieve.
Allow yourself at least 12 hours between coats to give ample amount of time for the stain to dry. The temperature of your workspace can affect the dry time.
Polyurethane
Unlike stains, polyurethane is a highly durable wood surface finish. This makes it a great option for furniture and kitchen cabinets. This type of finish on wood is not a quick drying finish, leaving it susceptible to dust settling on it.
Use a synthetic brush, or a clean cloth to apply the product. Brush with the grain in long, even strokes. Use the reflection from a light to see if any streaks are forming. If so, brush them out before the polyurethane dries.
Ideal temperature to work in is between 65 and 80 degrees. The colder the temperature, the longer it will take for the polyurethane to dry. If you want to speed up the dry time you can use a space heater in the room.
Lacquer
Lacquer is easy to apply, and dries relatively quickly. It also creates an ideal barrier from water, making it a perfect choice for furniture like tables.
Many choose lacquer because it does not turn yellow over time. This allows the piece to maintain its original beauty for many years. It also requires little to no maintenance.
You can use a sprayer to get a consistent coat on your project. But if you don’t have access to one, lacquer also goes on quite nicely with a natural brush. When applying lacquer you will want to look at reflections to make sure it’s going on consistently and without runs.
Using a clear (non-pigmented) lacquer gives the option for the look of raw wood to be showcased. But choosing a stain color to apply beneath this surface finish will give the piece a beautiful color.
Using a brush to apply lacquer can also give a beautiful looking finish for your project. This method is less messy than spraying because there is less overspray, requiring less cleanup.
DISCLAIMER: Use proper safety techniques when applying lacquer. It produces fumes that can be harmful to your health.
Shellac
Shellac is a natural finish made from the lac insect. It’s easy to apply from an assortment of methods. It also has a quick drying time, allowing multiple coats to be applied in the same day.
This is a transparent finish that comes in an assortment of hues. It is available in clear, but also comes in amber and garnet.
It’s main recommended uses are on antique furniture, family heirlooms, and jewelry boxes. Shellac is also a popular choice for hardwood floors.
Don’t use shellac on dining room tables or coffee tables because if any alcoholic beverages spill on it the shellac will wear off immediately. This finish may also wear off sooner than other finishes like lacquer and polyurethane. This can mean the piece will need to be refinished sooner.
Wood Oils/ Waxes
Wood oils are a commonly used type of wood finish. It penetrates into the wood’s poors, giving it good protection from water. Oils come in interior and exterior use options.
Both oils and waxes offer little protection in the area of durability. They are not going to produce much of a strong protective barrier that shields the wood.
Both of these categories block out moisture and reduce oxidation of the wood. With interior oils you don’t want to let any liquid sit on it for too long because this can produce some discoloration.
The nice thing about using oil for wood finish is it’s easy to apply. Simply pour some oil on a rag and rub it on the surface, going in the direction of the grain. Make sure to evenly coat the entire surface before letting it dry.
Oils don’t take very long to dry, but it’s helpful to wait for it to fully dry before putting anything on the surface. This will allow enough time for the oil to seep into the wood, allowing for maximum protection.
Unlike oils, wax does not penetrate the wood. It sits on top of the surface, creating a protective barrier from moisture and oxidation of the wood. Waxes also do not enhance the look of the wood. It doesn’t really change the color or overall look, and isn’t meant for much more than a way to seal the pores.
TIP: It’s okay to apply the wax over other finishes for an added level of protection.
Below is a chart of the most common types of wood finishes to consider. It includes the main application methods, typical dry time, and difficulty level.
| Types of Wood Finishes | Applications Method | Drying Time | Difficulty of Use |
| Stain | Brush, Cloth | 12 – 24 hours | Low to Med |
| Wax | Cloth | A Few Minutes | Low |
| Oil | Brush, Cloth | A Few Minutes | Low |
| Varnish | Brush | 24 hours | Medium to High |
| Polyurethane | Synthetic Brushes, Cloth | 24 hours | Low |
| Shellac | Cloth, Brush, Sprayer | Fast | Low |
| Lacquer | Spray, Natural Brush | Fast | Low to Medium |
Wood Finish Application Tips
To pick the ideal wood finish for your project, begin by thinking about what type of project it is you are about to finish. Use the above chart to narrow it down.
A few questions you should ask when deciding on a wood finish are:
- Do you want to change the color of the wood dramatically? If so, consider staining it first
- Is the piece going to be kept outdoors? If yes you want a protective clear coat on top, like a varnish.
- Is it a piece of furniture that will be in a high traffic area? If you choose oil you may need to maintain it with frequent applications.
TIP: When choosing a stain color, start by applying a small amount in an area that’s not noticeable. This will let you decide what the best color is.
Always follow proper safety precautions when working with wood finishes. These are made with chemicals that can produce noxious fumes that are harmful when inhaled. It is also important to protect your skin and eyes when working with any wood finishes.
Safety Equipment List:
- Safety goggles
- Disposable gloves
- Respirator with P100 cartridges
Clean the surface of any dust to ensure a consistent application. A wet rag can work for this (let the wood dry before staining). If there is any old stain or paint on the material you want to remove this ahead of time. Sandpaper is a great option for this part of the job.
Application Technique for Stain, Varnish, Polyurethane, or Lacquer using a paintbrush:
Step 1: Clean wood surface from any dust, debris, or old paint/stain.
Step 2: Stir the product with a clean stir stick until any sediment is suspended and off the bottom. Don’t shake the can because this will produce microbubbles.
Step 3: dip the brush in about half way to the ferrule and spread the product on the wood going with the grain.
Step 4: Using long, consistent strokes coat the wood with an even layer.
Step 5: Allow 12 hours to dry, possibly longer if the temperature is below 65 degrees.
Step 6: Give a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe it with either a tack cloth or moist rag.
Step 7: After the surface is dry repeat steps 3-5 to apply another coat if needed.
TIP: Make the workspace smaller by suspending painter’s drop cloths from ceiling and put a space heater inside. This will heat the space up more quickly, decreasing dry time.
DISCLAIMER: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety guidelines when working with these products.
FAQs:
What are some natural wood finishes?
Some of the most common natural finishes are mineral oil, tung oil, linseed oil, and beeswax.
Is it better to wax or varnish wood furniture?
Even though both are good options, varnish will offer more protection, and require less maintenance.
What are the best types of wood finishes for tables?
Some of the more popular surface finishes for tables are lacquer, polyurethane, and varnish. If it’s an outdoor table, consider going with varnish.
What are the best types of wood finishes for furniture?
If it’s antique furniture you want to use shellac, but if it’s furniture that is more frequently used like a dining room table use lacquer or polyurethane