How to Choose the Right Wood Finish for Your Project

One of the final, yet most critical, steps in any woodworking project is applying the right wood finish. The finish you choose not only enhances the beauty of the wood but also protects it from wear, moisture, and damage over time. With so many types of wood finishes available—each with different properties and purposes—choosing the right one for your project can seem overwhelming. Understanding the different finishes and their uses will help you select the best option for both appearance and durability.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most common types of wood finishes, their applications, and tips for achieving the best results. Whether you’re working on a fine piece of furniture or a simple DIY project, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.

Oil Finishes

Oil finishes are popular among woodworkers for their ability to penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing its natural color and grain while offering moderate protection. The most common oil finishes include linseed oil, tung oil, and Danish oil.

How to Apply an Oil Finish
To apply an oil finish, start by sanding the wood surface until it’s smooth. Apply the oil with a clean cloth, rubbing it into the wood in the direction of the grain. Allow the oil to soak in for several minutes, then wipe off any excess. After drying, you can apply additional coats for increased protection and sheen. Be sure to allow adequate drying time between coats.

Best Uses
Oil finishes are ideal for projects where you want to maintain the natural beauty of the wood while providing moderate protection. They are commonly used on furniture, cutting boards, and wooden utensils. Tung oil, in particular, is water-resistant, making it a good choice for surfaces that come into contact with moisture.

Pros

• Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain
• Easy to apply by hand
• Non-toxic options available, making it food-safe

Cons

• Requires regular reapplication to maintain protection
• Offers limited protection against scratches and dents

For more information on natural wood finishes, check out this guide from Fine Woodworking.

Varnish

Varnish is a clear, protective finish that forms a hard, durable layer over the wood surface. It’s available in a variety of sheens, from matte to high gloss, and provides excellent protection against moisture, UV light, and wear.

How to Apply Varnish
Before applying varnish, make sure the wood surface is clean and sanded smooth. Use a high-quality brush or foam applicator to apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before sanding lightly and applying the next one. Depending on the level of protection you need, 2-3 coats are typically sufficient.

Best Uses
Varnish is ideal for outdoor furniture, boats, and surfaces that need extra protection from moisture and wear. It’s also a great option for high-traffic areas like tabletops and floors.

Pros

• Extremely durable and water-resistant
• Protects against UV damage and fading
• Available in different sheen levels for varied aesthetics

Cons

• Can be difficult to apply evenly, especially for beginners
• Long drying time between coats

Shellac

Shellac is a natural, resin-based finish that gives wood a warm, glossy appearance. It’s quick-drying and easy to apply, making it a favorite for both beginner and experienced woodworkers. Shellac is available in different shades, from clear to amber, allowing you to adjust the color of the wood slightly.

How to Apply Shellac
Apply shellac with a brush or cloth in thin, even coats. Shellac dries quickly, so it’s important to work efficiently. After each coat dries, lightly sand the surface before applying additional layers. Shellac is often diluted with denatured alcohol to make it easier to apply in thin coats.

Best Uses
Shellac is commonly used on fine furniture, musical instruments, and antique restorations. It’s an excellent choice for projects where you want a glossy finish and a bit of color enhancement.

Pros

• Dries quickly, allowing for faster project completion
• Easy to repair by reapplying more shellac to damaged areas
• Adds warmth and depth to the wood’s natural color

Cons

• Not very water-resistant and can be damaged by alcohol
• Less durable than varnish or polyurethane

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is one of the most durable wood finishes available, forming a protective layer that’s highly resistant to water, chemicals, and wear. It comes in both oil-based and water-based formulas, with water-based polyurethane drying faster and being less toxic.

How to Apply Polyurethane
For best results, apply polyurethane with a brush, foam applicator, or spray gun. Sand the wood surface thoroughly before applying the first coat, and sand lightly between each coat to ensure smoothness. Oil-based polyurethane requires a longer drying time, but it offers a richer finish, while water-based polyurethane dries faster and has a less noticeable odor.

Best Uses
Polyurethane is ideal for floors, tabletops, and other high-traffic surfaces that require heavy-duty protection. It’s also commonly used for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities due to its moisture resistance.

Pros

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Available in both oil-based and water-based options
• Provides excellent protection against moisture, scratches, and chemicals

Cons

• Oil-based polyurethane has a strong odor and long drying times
• Can sometimes appear too glossy for projects that need a more natural look

Lacquer

Lacquer is a solvent-based finish that dries quickly and provides a hard, glossy finish. It’s often used in commercial furniture production due to its fast application and durability. Lacquer is typically applied using a spray gun, although it can be brushed on in some cases.

How to Apply Lacquer
To apply lacquer, spray it evenly onto the wood surface in thin coats. Since lacquer dries quickly, you’ll need to work efficiently to avoid overlapping strokes. You can apply multiple coats without needing to sand between them, although a light sanding before the final coat can help achieve a smoother finish.

Best Uses
Lacquer is commonly used on furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments. Its fast-drying nature makes it ideal for projects that require a high-gloss finish with minimal downtime between coats.

Pros

• Dries quickly, allowing for rapid application
• Builds up to a smooth, hard finish
• Available in both gloss and satin sheens

Cons

• Requires a well-ventilated space due to strong fumes
• Not as durable as polyurethane in terms of water resistance

Wax

Wax is often used as a final layer of protection over other finishes, such as oil or shellac, to add shine and provide a smooth surface. While wax finishes are not as durable as varnish or polyurethane, they are easy to apply and can give wood a soft, natural feel.

How to Apply Wax
Wax is typically applied with a cloth or steel wool, then buffed into the wood until it achieves a smooth, even sheen. It’s important to work in small sections and buff thoroughly to avoid streaks or unevenness.

Best Uses
Wax is ideal for furniture, decorative items, and projects that won’t be subjected to heavy use or moisture. It’s often used as a top coat over oil finishes to add a layer of protection and sheen.

Pros

• Easy to apply and buff
• Adds a soft, natural luster to wood
• Can be reapplied easily when the finish starts to wear

Cons

• Offers minimal protection against moisture or wear
• Needs regular reapplication to maintain the finish

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Finishes

When choosing between a water-based or oil-based finish, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your project.

Water-Based Finishes
Water-based finishes dry faster, have less odor, and clean up easily with water. They also tend to preserve the natural color of the wood better, without darkening it over time.

Oil-Based Finishes
Oil-based finishes, while slower to dry, provide a richer, deeper finish that enhances the wood’s grain and color. They are generally more durable than water-based finishes but require solvents for cleanup.

Both water-based and oil-based finishes have their advantages, and your choice should depend on your project’s specific requirements for appearance, durability, and drying time.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Project

When deciding which wood finish to use, consider the following factors:

Durability
If your project will be exposed to heavy use, moisture, or sunlight, choose a finish that provides excellent protection, such as polyurethane or varnish. For projects that require moderate protection, such as furniture or decorative pieces, oil finishes or shellac may be more suitable.

Appearance
Do you want a glossy, high-sheen finish, or are you looking for a more natural, matte appearance? Lacquer and shellac offer a high-gloss look, while oil finishes and wax provide a softer, more natural sheen.

Application Method
Some finishes, like oil and wax, are easy to apply by hand, making them great for beginners. Others, like lacquer and polyurethane, require more skill and the right tools for even application.

Drying Time
If you’re working on a project that requires multiple coats, consider the drying time of each finish. Lacquer and shellac dry quickly, while oil-based polyurethane and varnish require longer drying times between coats.

For more tips on woodworking finishes, check out our Woodworking Safety Tips for Beginners to ensure you apply finishes safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wood finish is essential for both protecting your project and enhancing its beauty. From the warm glow of oil finishes to the high durability of polyurethane, each type of finish has its own unique advantages and best uses. By understanding the properties of different finishes and how to apply them, you can ensure your woodworking projects stand the test of time.

For more detailed instructions on how to finish your woodworking projects, check out our Essential Woodworking Tools Every Beginner Needs to make sure you have the right tools for the job.