Wood Finishes: Different Types And How To Choose The Right One

Wood is an outstanding furnishing material for indoor furniture and flooring, an outdoor deck, a fence, or a whole log. It gives any space a natural, green, and in some cases, luxurious feel. On the other hand, wooden surfaces can become worn by environmental factors and knocks and scrapes, which is why they need frequent care and protection from everyday wear and tear.

Some people decide to paint wooden elements to revitalize and restore their beauty. However, the painting covers the wood’s grain, hiding its natural look. That’s why many who prefer the natural timber appeal often pick a wood finish to protect it yet help its natural appearance shine through.

Wood finishing products add layers of protective coating on objects made of wood to prevent damage that UV radiation, rain or high humidity levels can cause. Knowing the different types can help you choose the right option for your project and keep it in a beautiful condition for years to come.

When searching for protective wood finishes, you’ll come upon two main types: surface and penetrating. As their name suggests, surface finishes only coat the surface, while the others penetrate deep into the wood grain, enhancing its qualities. Several different types fall under these two categories. Here’s a breakdown of each variety so you can get a general picture to help you decide on the correct option for your project.

A wood stain is a pigmented wood finish that changes the wood's colour, enhances its grain, or adds depth to its look. It’s the best option for changing light-coloured wood tones. This type is relatively easy to apply and achievable for anyone with basic DIY skills. Applying multiple coats with a quality brush is often the best method to get the best results.

There are water-based, oil-based, and solvent-based wood stains, with the first option being the best choice. It’s easy to apply, quick-drying and has excellent coverage – using a foam pad, natural bristle brush, or cloth is the best way to apply it. It’s low-odour and low VOC, making it environmentally friendly and safe to use inside and in confined spaces. Water-based wood stains effectively penetrate the wood and are highly resistant to mould and mildew, making them the right choice for any wood type, inside and out.

Wood stains are available in many colours. When choosing a hue, remember to make it darker than the wood you’re working on, as you can’t coat a dark wood with a light stain. The result will ultimately depend on the number of layers you’ll apply. Applying a wood stain sometimes requires applying a sealer to provide additional protection.

For hundreds of years, people have been using this classic wood finish. Nevertheless, a wide variety of other products are available, some simply including a small quantity of wax with various additives. Keeping things as basic as possible is the best way to achieve a real wax finish.

Although pure beeswax was originally regarded as the best choice, if you want to use it on furniture, look into a ready-made brand of paste wax because it doesn't offer a similar degree of protection to other finishes.

Although wax finishes work well for wooden objects that aren't touched frequently, they aren't the best option for outdoor furniture because the sun can dull them. You can also put it on top of an already-existing finish for further shine.

The natural resin made from the female lac bug in India and Thailand is called shellac. In addition to secreting glue and wax that form tubes along the branches, the bugs consume the trees’ sap. To turn the resin into a liquid, these tubes are collected, heated over a fire, and broken up into flakes after being dried on flat sheets.

Although traditionally used as a safe, non-toxic plastic (in dentistry, motor industry, and ballet shoes), shellac is best as a primer for wooden surfaces because it prevents water vapour penetration. It’s compatible with almost all other finishes; shellac provides UV protection that won’t get darker over time, stopping pigment or resin bleeds into the final finish and wood stains from becoming blotchy.

Tung, linseed, cedar and Danish oils are natural, penetrating oils used to preserve any wooden surface’s natural look. They’re an excellent option for restoring and conserving wood. However, you must be careful when using them, as some produce toxic fumes. Also, the process might take a longer time.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a log finish is whether your project is outdoor or indoor. Certain manufacturers specify the best use for their products – ensure checking the guidelines whether buying online or in-store. The same goes for application methods, as you can’t apply every wood-finishing product using the same technique. Some are best sprayed, while others are applied with a brush, cloth, or roller.

Furthermore, honestly assess your skills to see if you need help from a professional. Ensure the wood finish has enough time to cure and dry completely to achieve the desired effect. The recommended drying time may vary according to the wood finish, so consult the manufacturer's information.