Finish
Wood finish is the process of finishing a wood project and making it ready for everyday use. Finishes provide a protective barrier between the wood and elements such as sun, rain, and wind. Finishes also protect the wood project from spilled drinks and food stains, to name a few.
There are many different types of finish, and each finish has different characteristics that make it better used in certain circumstances.
Polyurethane, varnish, and spar varnish are best used on outdoor wood, as they create a hard protective coat over top of the piece. They protect the wood from seasonal elements.
Lacquer, polycrylic, shellac, and danish oil are best used on indoor projects. Lacquer is commonly used on furniture, while polycrylic can be a suitable replacement at times. Shellac and danish oil are safe to be used on wood that will have food on it.
There are also differences in oil-based and water-based finishers, with each having stark variations in how long it takes to cure and how durable it is.
Featured Articles
How to Stain and Finish Plywood for Woodworking Projects
Plywood is one of the most versatile and cost-effective building materials, and as a result, it is also one of the most popular. So many home DIY projects involve the use of this type of wood, and in order to give it a finished look, most turn to stain. I have put together a comprehensive…
How Much Stain Do I Need?
This article clearly describes the formula for calculating how much stain you need to complete a given project. After describing different factors that might alter the amount of stain you need, it gives examples of common projects and the average amount of stain needed for each. Factors That Affect How Much Stain You Need There…
How to Lighten Wood Stain Before Applying
Staining wood has both aesthetic and finishing benefits for your woodworking project. For starters, staining helps preserve the wood so that it lasts longer. And, stain allows you to add color, texture, and even grain, improving the look and feel of the wood finish. However, some wood stains are thick and difficult to apply. Others…Recent Articles
Minwax vs Varathane: Which For Your Wood Finishing Project?
Not sure whether to choose Minwax or Varathane products for your wood refinishing projects? To help you make these decisions, I’m going to take an in-depth look at these brands and some of their products. I’ll also take a look at some common wood finishing questions. The top two brands for wood finishing products are…
Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane: Which to Use?
Wood requires proper protection to prolong its life and keep it looking beautiful–and for that, the right wood finish is essential. Spar urethane and polyurethane are two of the most widely used protective products. But which one is best? The answer? It depends. There are pros and cons to each, and you should understand them…
Tung Oil vs Danish Oil: Which Finish For Your Project?
This article compares two different kinds of penetrating oil wood finish: tung oil and Danish oil. Feature/Property Tung Oil Danish Oil Origin Harvested from seeds of the tung tree. Combination of varnish, drying oil, polymers, and solvents. Appearance Transparent liquid with a golden tint. Varies, but generally darkens wood. Toxicity Non-toxic and food safe. Contains…
Tung Oil vs Teak Oil: Which Wood Finish is Best?
Since most teak oils contain tung oil, it’s easy to get these two penetrating oil finishes confused. In this article I’ll clear up the confusion by defining each type of oil. I’ll review the similarities and differences between these two products before telling you when to use tung oil and when to choose teak oil…
Olympic Waterguard vs. Thompson’s WaterSeal
In this article, I compared two clear protective decking coats: Olympic Waterguard and Thompson WaterSeal. After reviewing the features of these two products, I’ll discuss the similarities and differences between them. Then, I’ll reveal the major differentiating factor, and advise you on when to use Olympic Waterguard, when to use Thompson WaterSeal, and which is…
Shellac vs Polyurethane: Which Wood Finish Is Best?
When it comes to finishing woods, the options can be overwhelming. If you’re trying to decide whether to use shellac or polyurethane on your next project, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll introduce you to these two finishes and compare their qualities. I’ll review both similarities and differences, and define the…
Gel Stain vs PolyShades Wood Finishes
Many products are available for staining and finishing wood, including gel stains and PolyShades. The type of wood stain you choose depends on your specific project goals, which is why I will compare gel stains with Minwax’s PolyShades to help you make the right decision for your woodworking project. Gel Stain vs Polyshades: Which Should…
How Many Coats of Danish Oil Do I Need?
Transforming the look of your wooden furniture is easy with Danish oil, but how many coats do you need to achieve that perfect finish? After defining this broadly used oil, I’ll also cover how long to wait between coats of Danish oil, how to burnish wood finished with Danish oil, and how to make Danish…
How to Get a Smooth Lacquer Finish
Lacquer is a quick-drying, non-curing finish. It dries quickly, making it easy to build up multiple coats in a short period of time. If you work carefully with the right supplies you can easily build a smooth lacquer finish on any workpiece. Read this article to find out how. How to Apply Lacquer with a…
How to Apply Teak Oil
Teak oil is an especially popular outdoor furniture oil which is thought to preserve color and integrity. Surprisingly, there are several types of teak oil from which to choose. If you are looking to revive and protect your wooden surface with teak oil, I have tips and advice on how to apply teak oil. Why…
Can You Stain Over Polyurethane
You opted to keep that natural look for your woodworking project, floors, or piece of furniture. You wisely used polyurethane to give long-lasting protection to the wood from elements and aging. If you are considering adding stain to your project that is already coated in polyurethane, I have steps to help you. Test the Stain…