The Different Types of Wood Finishes and Varnishes for Furniture

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The right wood finish can bring out the natural beauty of the wood, protect it from damage, and make it last longer. So, our paint experts detail the types of wood finishes, plus a quick buying guide to help you pick the best one for your project.   

Different Types of Finishes for Wood

There are two primary classifications of wood finishes for wood—surface and penetrating finishes.  

Penetrating Finishes

Penetrating wood finishes are transparent wood stains or sealers specifically designed to protect and beautify the natural look of wood.

Cedar Oil

Cedar Oil, also known as cedarwood oil finishes, is an amber-colored essential oil that is obtained from various types of conifers and cypress trees.

Danish Oil

Danish Oil finishes are a wood-finishing product that has been around for centuries and is still a popular choice for modern woodworkers and outdoor furniture.

Linseed Oil

Linseed Oil finishes are a natural, multi-functional product with ideal uses. It comes from soaking flaxseed until the boiled linseed oil is released.

linseed oil

Tung Oil

Tung oil is a type of drying oil derived from the seed of the tung tree and has an attractive, honey-colored hue. 

Also Read: Teak, Tung, and Linseed Oil Comparison 

Surface Finishes

A wood surface finish does more than just protect the wood from wear and tear. It can also bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain and highlight its texture.

Dye

Wood dyes as a wooden surface finisher are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and range of colors available. 

French Polish

French Polish is an oil-based wood finish that is perfect for furniture pieces such as cabinetry, chests, and other high-quality wooden furniture items. 

Lacquer

For applications requiring a sleek, glossy look, lacquer is the ideal choice. Available in colors ranging from bright shades to darker tones.

spray painting chair with purple lacquer paint

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is one of the popular types of wood finishes as it offers durable protection and a vibrant aesthetic. You can choose to use water-based or oil-based polyurethane, depending on your project. 

Paint

Paint is a standard finish used on wooden surfaces to create an aesthetically pleasing look.

Shellac

Shellac is an ideal wood furniture finisher as it is highly durable, can easily be applied with a brush or rag, and dries quickly. There’s also a dewaxed shellac, where you can use it to prevent water absorption.

Stain

Different wood stains are ideal for different applications and should be carefully chosen based on their intended use: 

stained wooden boards

Varnish

It is a wood finisher known for its long-lasting durability and lustrous shine.

Water-Based Finish

Water-based wood finishes are ideal for increasing longevity and wood finish durability.

Wax

Wax is a popular choice for those seeking to finish a wooden surface. We like how wax finishes provide deep, luscious color tones that promote the natural appearance of the wood being worked on.

beeswax in a jar and a paint brush

Wood Preserve

Wood preservatives can penetrate deep into the wood and protect against rot, fungus, and termite damage.

Choosing a Wood Finish: A Buying Guide

Color and Look

Color helps create a feeling or atmosphere in a space. A light color may help an area feel more open and bright, while darker colors might create a sense of warmth and coziness. 

Type of Project

Different types of finishes, varnishes, and stains work better for different materials and objectives. 

Humidity and Sunlight Exposure

Certain wood finishes are more susceptible to damage at certain levels of humidity.

wood painted with Minwax Helmsman Indoor-Outdoor Spar Urethane

Your Skill Level + Ease of Application

Consider factors like the coverage area, the type of surface you are covering, environmental conditions, drying times, and the required number of coats. 

Tool Requirements

Decide if you’d like to use a water-based or oil-based finish. Make sure to use the proper application tools.

Safety and Sustainability

It is important to look for finishes that use non-toxic ingredients, such as natural oils or waxes.

Durability

Oil-based products tend to break down over time; however, they can provide longer-lasting protection against mildew and UV rays when applied correctly. 

Drying Time & Process

Many products claim to dry quickly, but this does not necessarily mean that they will be dry within a few hours; some could require days of curing before the full effect is realized. 

drying stain

Cost

Finishes can range from relatively inexpensive options like wax and shellac to higher-priced selections such as lacquer, urethane, and varnish. 

Process Involved in Wood Finishing

There are two steps involved in doing your wood finishing:

Step #1: Get Rid of the Old Finish

Sanding

This process helps smooth and shape the surface, helping to create a more professional-looking finish. 

Using Chemicals

Chemical additives can be mixed with Danish or Tung oil to create an even smoother, more professional-looking finish on wood surfaces. 

Using Solvents

Utilizing solvents can be an efficient way to achieve smooth, high-gloss wood finishes without leaving brush marks or streaks.

solvents

Step #2: Apply the New Wood Finish

Prepare the Surface by Sanding

Sanding smooths out any bumps or unevenness in the surface, resulting in a more even coat of finish. 

Apply the Stain

When applying the stain, ensure that you have a suitable brush or cloth; then spread an even amount across the surface.

Apply the New Finish

Apply a sealer coat to protect the wood from any discoloration that could result from applying the final finish. 

Wood Stain vs Wood Finish

Wood Stain is designed to color natural grain and textures in the wood, adding depth and character. Wood Finish is a protective layer that coats the surface of the wood.

Both are applied either with a brush or rag, but the wood finish takes longer to dry due to its thicker texture.

What is a Wood Stain?

stained Mahogany boards

Wood stain is a transparent, colored liquid that penetrates the grain of the wood. 

 ConsistencyDrying TimePurposeApplication Time Results
Wood StainLiquid24-72 hrs.Seals wood pores4-6 hrsRich color
Wood FinishThin8-24 hrs.Prevents cracking12hrs +Natural appearance

How to Distinguish the Type of Finish

Finishes are designed with specific characteristics in mind. Take a look at the table below:

Testing Method UsedType of FinishReaction/s
AcetoneShellacThe swab becomes tacky
PolyurethaneThe swab becomes beady
LacquerFinish dissolves
Denatured AlcoholVarnishFinish dissolves slowly
ShellacFinish dissolves quickly
Lacquer ThinnerLacquer, Shellac, and water-based finishesFinish dissolves
Urethane, Alkyd, or Phenolic varnishNo pronounced effect 
OilShellac, Lacquer, Varnish, or PolyurethaneOil beads on the surface
XyleneWater-based finishRemoves the coating
Oil-based finishDoesn’t remove the coating
Paint Thinner/ Naphtha / TurpentineWaxFinish dissolves
Mineral oilWaxWaxy yellowish-brown stain 
Simple scratch testWaxScratch marks

Tips When Applying Wood Finish

Make sure to take the necessary precautions before embarking on your project for a durable finish!

staining wood with sponge brush

1. Get All the Supplies Ready

You don’t want to sacrifice safety. Gather some key supplies for the best possible outcome.

Thick & Thin Stripper

They offer a one-two punch for tackling old finishes. These two tools can help get your project looking brand new again!

Sandpaper/Power Sander

Equip yourself with sandpapers of various grits ranging from 80 to 220. If you’re looking for speed, consider investing in a power sander for a durable wood finish.

Spraying Equipment

For a more professional finish, consider investing in spray equipment.

Rags/Cloth

Not only will it help remove extra stains and finish, but it will also clean the surface of any debris from sanding. 

absorbent cloth for cleaning
Fine Steel Wool

For a stunning silken finish, apply fine steel wool and paste wax – the perfect combination!

Brushes

Brushes spread more product faster while avoiding any frustrating bristles.

Stir Sticks

Stir sticks can be used to blend finishes and stains with thinners or solvents.

Safety Glasses

Some finishes and stains contain solvents that can fill the atmosphere with harmful fumes!

Safety Mask

Masks can provide a shield from hazardous air, just like glasses protect you from the sun’s rays.

protective gears
Drop Cloths/Newspapers

Protect your workspace with drop cloths and newspapers to help keep it free from messes when staining or finishing wood. 

Rubber Gloves

Protect your skin – avoid contact with stains and varnishes.

2. Utilize the Right Brush for the Project

Achieve a professional wood furniture finish with the perfect brush. 

3. Safety First

When taking on any DIY project, safety should always come first.  

man wearing painting protective gear

4. Apply Useful Tips

Want perfect finishes? Follow these tips! 

sealing wood after staining

FAQ

Which wood finish is best?

The best wood finish is the pre-catalyzed lacquer for hardwood floors and furniture.

What are high-end finishes?

High-end finishes include oil-based finishes, varnish, water-based coatings, paint, shellac, and lacquer.

Which is better, varnish or polyurethane?

Polyurethane is better if you’re looking to protect your indoor wooden surfaces. It dries quickly and requires fewer coats than varnish.

Can you apply polyurethane over the stain?

Polyurethane can be applied over oil-based stains but not water-based stains. Aside from that, you can use polyurethane over gel stains with no problem.

Conclusion

Finish your wooden furniture right and see it last a lifetime! With the different types of wood finishes, you’re not just enhancing the look of your wood project but extending its lifespan as well. Hopefully, this guide can help you create an attractive look for all kinds of wooden pieces.

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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