Wood finishes serve two purposes: to safeguard and highlight the wood’s natural beauty. There are numerous types of wood finishes available. Wood polish and finish are responsible for shielding wooden surfaces against humidity, moisture, ultraviolet rays, and general deterioration. Additionally, they improve the overall appearance of the wood by imparting a lustrous and opulent shine.
Applying polish and finish can seal the pores of the wood, which prevents bacteria from growing and also sanitizes the surface. Wood polish finishes, as they can impact the properties of the wood, have potential to improve its functionality and strength.
It is crucial to understand the distinctions between each type of wood polish and finish when considering durability, protection, ease of application, and aesthetics. This knowledge enables the most suitable utilization of these finishes for various purposes and applications.
Wood finishes can be categorized into two main types: surface finishes and penetrating finishes. The number of coats of paint applied on furniture by woodworkers is determined by how frequently a specific surface will be touched or utilized.
Examining some of the currently popular wood finishes will aid in selecting the ideal finish for your valuable wooden items and furniture by understanding their composition, attributes, advantages, and disadvantages.
Wood finishes for your wooden furniture!
Choosing the appropriate finish is crucial in order to meet your specific needs. The following finishes have the potential to elevate your ordinary piece of furniture, giving it a distinctly regal appearance.
1. Varnish
Varnishes are the more commonly used types of wood finishes, which can be either transparent or colored. Comprised of oil, solvent, and resin, varnish is a robust and protective finish that can be applied to both the interior and exterior of wooden objects.
Varnishes usually have a glossy appearance, but they can be customized to create satin and semi-gloss finishes using flattening agents. Varnishes are effective in providing UV protection, and their slow drying process enhances their protective abilities over dyes.
2. Oil finish
Oil wood finishes enhance the appearance of unfinished wood by replacing the natural oils present in the wood, which tend to dry out over time. Unlike other finishes, oil finishes penetrate the wood rather than simply forming a surface layer, resulting in a deeper and more transparent look. This helps to enhance the natural grain of the wood, making it appear richer and more translucent.
There are two categories of oils that can be employed – drying oils and non-drying oils.
Linseed oil is the most commonly used drying oil, which undergoes a change from a liquid to solid state upon exposure to oxygen.
Non-drying oils such as vegetable and mineral oils are utilized mainly for wood treatment and can be applied on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
3. Wax finish
Woodworkers do not find wax finishes to be very popular, mainly because they only offer temporary protection. Even though applying wax is simple, achieving the desired effect necessitates multiple applications. Additionally, buffing is required after the application.
Waxes come in liquid, solid, and stick forms and are derived from different sources such as vegetables, minerals, and animals for use in wood finishes. They can be formulated in various colors and have varying levels of hardness. However, even the hardest waxes remain softer than varnishes, providing limited protection against scratches and wear.
4. Shellac
Shellac, a natural wax produced by a bug, is combined with alcohol as a solvent and applied onto wood. It is accessible in different colors and proves effective in concealing imperfections on wooden surfaces. Its application is simple and dries rapidly, leaving a shiny appearance. However, exposure to water can harm the shellac.
5. Wood stain finish
The purpose of a wood stain finish is to alter or enhance the color of the wood and highlight its natural grain patterns. It is applied to improve the appearance of the woodwork and create a consistent look, especially when there are variations in the wood’s appearance.
The wood stain finish works best when the color of the stain is darker than the color of the wood.
Wood stains come in different colors and the outcome of the finish will be influenced by the number of coats applied on the wooden surface. It’s important to note that wood stains alone do not provide protection for the wood. Therefore, after applying the wood stain, it is necessary to add a final coat of wood finish to protect the wood.
6. Wood dye
When wood dyes are used, they can either match the current wood color or alter the surface color. These dyes consist of colorants that are dissolved in solvents such as mineral spirit, alcohol or water. The process of wood dyeing is similar to that of cloth dyeing, as the dye crystals separate into individual molecules when combined with the appropriate solvent.
Wood dyes exist in the form of powders that can be combined with water or alcohol. Due to their small size, these dye molecules are able to penetrate the wood deeply and bond directly to it, eliminating the need for a separate binder.
There is no film left on the wood surface that could cause problems when the finish is applied, which is advantageous.
Wood dyes, whether water-based or oil-based, are suitable for dense or figured woods as they seamlessly enhance the natural grain while adding vivid colors. However, it is worth noting that dyes may be more susceptible to fading when exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, they can be conveniently applied using a brush, sponge, or spray gun.
7. Water-based finish
8. French polish
French polish is a method of applying a mixture of shellac and alcohol to wood furniture, musical instruments, or decorative accents in many thin layers. It is not a product but rather a technique that results in a highly glossy, glass-smooth surface that beautifully showcases the wood grain, with a rich depth.
French polish, which has been in existence since the 1600s, is not favored as much today due to its time-consuming process. To apply the shellac, a cloth dabber and a few other basic supplies are used. While it can be used on any type of wood, achieving a glossy and flawless French polish finish is easier on hardwoods with closed grains like maple, spruce, and cedar.
If you choose to apply the method on an open-grain wood variety like walnut, mahogany, or rosewood, you will have to fill the grain using pumice powder, which will require an additional step in the already time-consuming process.
Other methods for achieving a glossy finish on wood, such as varnish, polyurethane, and high-gloss stains and paints, do not offer the same depth and richness as French polish.
Shellac, which has been French-polished, is highly durable and does not necessitate extensive polishing after it has dried. It possesses flexibility, thereby preventing cracks, scratches, and wear. This attribute proves advantageous when accidental dropping of keys on a table coated with shellac occurs. Additionally, shellac dries rapidly and is free from toxins.
Unlike varnish, shellac does not yellow with time and can be easily repaired without noticeable signs. Shellac can be either naturally amber to orange or bleached, making it ideal for light-colored wood such as maple. Nonetheless, shellac is prone to burning when exposed to high temperatures.
9. Polyurethane finish or PU polish
Polyurethane, which can be water- or oil-based, is a plastic resin utilized for coating or finishing wood. It essentially transforms into solid plastic coatings. A type of polymer termed carbamates is connected to polyurethane. These coatings can be created to have different finishes such as glossy, muted, opaque, or transparent.
The polyurethane wood finish is suitable for a wide range of applications such as kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, cupboards, furniture, and flooring due to its ability to resist water. Additionally, it is a long-lasting finish that improves the lifespan of wooden items.
Polyurethane, when it hardens into a solid plastic coating, becomes more vulnerable to splitting, cracking, and delamination if exposed to heat or sudden shocks. This makes it unsuitable for furniture designs with intricate curves or flexible deck boards, for instance.
There are various methods available for applying polyurethanes depending on the purpose, such as brushing, spraying, and hand-rubbing which is commonly used for furniture.
The polyurethane wood polish may turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, thus it is not advisable for outdoor furniture. Nonetheless, the addition of UV light absorbers can prevent sun-related damage. Repairing the polyurethane finish is extremely challenging once it has been applied.
