Your project has been fully completed. All the boards have been planned perfectly, the glue has set and dried, and all the nails and screws have been placed perfectly.
After stepping back from your work, you sigh with awe and relief. However, the realization creeps in that your work is incomplete, as you still need to commence the project’s final phase. This requires assessing the techniques that must be applied to finish the project thoroughly.
Woodworking project phases
Woodworking tasks, ranging from creating big custom furniture pieces to crafting smaller cutting boards, can be divided into construction and completion. In the first phase, artisans engage in chopping, planing, cutting, gluing, and nailing to restore wooden components.
A protective coating is applied to the exterior surface to complete the project. This coating enhances the wood’s color and texture and shields it from dirt, scratches, and moisture.
Types of wood finishes
Wood finishes can be divided into two main categories.
When applied, penetrating finishes go into the fibers of the wood and solidify. They provide a more natural appearance to your final product and can be effortlessly applied using a brush or cloth. While they boast of attractive and authentic color and appearance, they do not offer as much protection against discoloration on the surface of your project. Examples of penetrating finishes are linseed oil, tung oil, and Danish oil, all of which are oil-based.
The term “surface finishes” was coined because they are specifically applied to the external layer of a piece of material. These finishes are known for their ability to provide robust protection and durability against both wear and corrosion.
The best finish for your project
It can be overwhelming to select the appropriate finishing for your workshop project.
It can be challenging to determine the appropriate type of wood finish, given the variety of options available and the varying opinions of artisans. To make a decision, it is crucial to consider factors such as the desired level of protection, durability of the finish, ease of application, and the aesthetic appeal sought for the project at hand.
Penetrating Finishes
Linseed oil is a wood finish that provides a range of finishes, from a matte to a shiny appearance, giving the wood a warm, natural glow. It can be applied using a cloth or brush easily but dries slower than other wood finishes. With time, linseed oil will cause a darkening effect and modify the color of the project it’s applied to. One of the well-known brands of linseed oil is Odie’s Oil.
Tung Oil, obtained from the nuts of tung trees indigenous to China and called China wood oil, provides an exquisite golden hue and shiny finish as an entirely natural oil.
Even though Tung oil has a slow drying time, it will become hard when fully dry. Its waterproofing characteristics and tough protective coating are among the most significant benefits, but the time it takes to apply is a major drawback. Minwax’s Tung Oil Finish is a popular choice.
Danish Oil: Danish oil will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as it is a cocktail combination of tung oil, linseed oil, varnish, mineral spirits, and more. It is an ideal oil for beginners as it is easy to apply and dries faster than other oils.
Danish oil offers many benefits, including a protective layer, a smooth finish, and resistance to color change. In addition, it safeguards woodwork against heat, chemical damage, scratches, stains, and water. If you are looking for a highly-rated Danish Oil, Watco’s offering on Amazon is worth considering.
Surface Finishes
Surface finishes are named as such because they are put on the wood’s top layer to produce a layer of protection. Such wood finishes are ideal for furniture and other objects that frequently sustain wear and damage.
Shellac
While shellac wood finish enhances the appearance of walnut, fine veneer, and mahogany objects, it is prone to deterioration. It easily dissolves when exposed to water and solvents, such as alcohol.
A smooth and mellow finish accentuates the natural wood grain.
Suitable for: Artifacts and furniture intended for outdoor use.
Color range: From super blonde to deep orange.
To make use of application tools, it is necessary to use spray equipment, as brushing may prove challenging. Alternatively, a badger hairbrush may also be utilized.
Lacquer
Lacquer is a blend of various glossy finishes for wood. Some examples of lacquer wood finishes include shellac, nitrocellulose, and urushiol variations. Typically, the complex and long-lasting finish is formed by evaporating the solvents used in the drying process.
Different levels of shine include dull, medium, and high gloss.
Perfect for: Cabinets, doors, shelves, and other wooden furniture.
Transparency and a satin gloss finish characterize the color.
Tools for application: Brush with bristles that are either sprayed on or natural.
Varnish
Typically made up of drying oil, resin, and a thinner or solvent, a transparent and unclouded coating is commonly used to finish wood, known as varnish. Several types of varnish wood finishes are available, including lacquer, alkyd, polyurethane, acrylic, shellac, and resins.
Description: Shiny and very shiny.
Suitable for: Flooring, cabinetry, and furnishing.
The color mostly lacks pigmentation, although certain types may create a yellow or orange tone.
Using application tools for this requires spray equipment, though it is possible to roll or spray it. However, brushing it requires a certain level of skill.
Wax
Typically, carnauba wax is the main ingredient in wax finishes. Nevertheless, now wax finishes are available that contain a wide range of wax types. Applying wax furniture finish is a simple process that protects against abrasion. Nonetheless, it is not long-lasting and necessitates recurrent reapplication.
The item looks lackluster and requires buffing to achieve a shiny appearance.
Flooring and furniture are ideally suited for this product.
Matte can be transformed into a satin finish.
Tools for application include cloth, brush, or spray.
Polyurethane
Providing excellent protection, polyurethane wood finish is long-lasting and impervious to water. Additionally, it can imbue the wood with a cozy, amber hue. Nevertheless, restoring it can be challenging when damaged.
Boosts the natural look
Suitable for: Furniture, floors, doors, and cabinets.
Finish Satin and gloss levels ranging from moderate to high.
Tool for Application: Brush with bristles made of natural materials.
Dye
Knowing how to dye wood typically means being familiar with wood dyes, often in powder form that can be combined with water or alcohol. The minute dye particles infiltrate the wood’s surface profoundly, negating the need for a binder.
Improved natural look
Perfect for: Suitable for furniture crafted from dense and patterned woods.
The colors are rich and saturated.
The brush is one of the application tools.
Stain
Stains comprise a binder, carrier, and pigment. The carrier assists in embedding the pigment into the surface, while the binder promotes adhesion. Staining wooden furniture frequently enhances its appearance, especially if made from oak or ash, as it highlights the natural grain pattern.
It improves the natural look by emphasizing the pattern of the grain.
Perfect for: Furniture that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
A broad range of colors is available, including blues and greens as the primary shades.
Tools for Applying Stains: Brush or Chemical Method.
French Polish
Applying shellac is the primary step involved in the wood finishing process of French polishing, producing a glossy sheen and enhancing the grain pattern’s rich depth. This method results in durable finishing, but it is also a time-consuming process.
The appearance is highly glossy.
Suitable for: Woodwork used for furniture, musical instruments, and decoration.
The hue is rich and intense.
Tools for applying fabric dye: Fabric dabber
Water-Based Finish
Although water-based wood finishes quickly dry, they cannot be removed with water. Despite this, water is necessary for the finishing process, and this type of finish can offer sufficient protection.
Natural sheen is present in the appearance.
Suitable for: Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of furniture and wooden fixtures and polishing hardwood floors.
The milky appearance of a color.
Synthetic brushes are classified as application tools.
Paint
Applying wood paint finishes is a straightforward task. Furniture paint finishes are available in various colors and finishes, offering a more comprehensive selection. The degree of finishing quality ranges from glossy to highly glossy.
Description: Smooth and lustrous
Perfect for: Wood paneling, walls, doors, and furnishings.
There is a vast selection of colors available.
Utilization Instruments: Brush, roller, or spray.
Important considerations when choosing a wood finish
Will your woodworking project be placed indoors or outdoors? Would you like to showcase the natural hue of your workpiece and maintain its original color permanently, or are you seeking to change its appearance? Are you likely to use or keep your project regularly? Are you inclined towards a shiny or subdued finish? How significant is a coating that is free of toxins? Who is the intended consumer of the completed item?
It is crucial to consider various factors when selecting a finish for your woodworking project rather than just choosing a color and sealing the wood. The proper selection of a finish will not only enhance the wood’s texture but also ensure longevity for years to come.
Once you decide on the finish, apply it to your woodworking project. Ensure that the project is thoroughly prepared for finishing by taking the following steps:
Project type
You must first think about the type of project you are undertaking. The project type will require you to consider the wood type and its desired appearance. If you choose an extremely glossy finish, you may want to contemplate using a wood varnish finish.
Exposure to sunlight and humidity
The significance of environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Specific finishes have drawbacks in this aspect, whereas others exhibit superior resilience. Varnishes, in particular, provide outstanding defense against UV rays, high temperatures, and regular usage. Furthermore, they are excellent water-resistant coatings for wooden furnishings, rendering them ideal for outdoor settings.
Skill level
Utilizing a brush, cloth, or spray apparatus are an option for applying wood finishes. Administering several coats and incorporating a binder or stain may also be necessary. Essentially, beginners should opt for uncomplicated wood protective finishes.
Ease of use
Opting for a wipe-on and wipe-off protective coating is more effortless when compared to the intricacies involved in a complex technique such as French polish. An illustration of this is the simple application of Danish oil to provide a safeguarding layer to your wooden furnishings.
Color
Dark woods like mahogany may exhibit a yellowish or yellowish-orange hue when coated with shellacs and lacquers, which may intensify as time passes, lending a warm and striking appearance to your furnishings. In contrast, most water-based wood finishes will preserve the wood’s natural appearance. The choice of finish will depend on the desired outcomes in color.
Durability
A long-lasting wood coating should safeguard against sunlight and heat but also against physical harm such as scratches, chemical abrasions, and solvent damage.
Various wood finishes possess different measures of durability. Wax, for instance, provides good resistance to acids and alkalis but is vulnerable to harm from sunlight, water, and heat. In contrast, lacquer presents an all-encompassing level of resilience.
Sanding
For a completely smooth surface on your project, ensure it has been perfectly sanded. A project that has been sanded appropriately will enhance the application of a wood finish.
Sanding corners and curves can pose a challenge as the efficacy of an electric sander may be limited. Hand sanding these areas with the same sequence of sandpaper grit used for the rest of the workpiece on the electric sander is recommended.
As you advance to higher grits, the rougher scratches will disappear and be replaced by finer ones, resulting in a polished surface.
When sanding wood, it is essential to follow the grain, whether doing it by hand or with a powered belt sander. Straying from the grain will result in marks that make sanding ineffective, making this an essential tip for woodworking beginners to keep in mind.
Testing your wood finish
Take a small piece of leftover wood and use it to perform a proper test of your chosen wood finish. Following the same sanding process as your actual project, apply the finish and allow it to dry for the recommended time. This technique will provide a more accurate representation of how the finish will appear on your specific type of wood, as the samples shown in stores may vary depending on different wood species. It will also increase the likelihood of achieving desired results and overall satisfaction with your finished product.
Use the right tool.
Choosing the appropriate tool for your wood finish, whether a rag, spray, brush, or large pad, is crucial to achieving optimal application. It is imperative to adhere to the instructions attentively. After using brushes, it is essential to wash them immediately so they are available for future wood finish applications.
Avoid dust in your wood finish.
It is important to significantly decrease the amount of dust in your woodshop before applying the finish.
To prevent dust particles from getting embedded in your wood finish as it dries, take precautions such as vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and using an air cleaner a day before applying the finish. Steer clear of fans or anything else that can cause air circulation. Eh
