We Know: All About Wood Finishes

What is a wood finish?

The term wood finish generally refers to any coating applied to wood. However, it actually means a clear coating product that does not contain pigments that is used to protect wood furnishings and accessories.

What types of wood finishes exist?

The three major kinds of wood finishes are:

  • Oil: Oil finishes are linseed, made from flax seeds or Tung oil, from the nuts of the Tung tree. They are used to preserve and beautify wood. Other oil is not recommended as they do not cure and leave the wood feeling sticky.
  • Varnish: Varnishes are solutions of a resin in oil or spirits, applied to a surface to give it a protective gloss. Shellac (a thin varnish made of purified lac dissolved in alcohol), and lacquer (a varnish made from the sap of an eastern Asian tree and used to give a protective surface) are both types of varnishes.
  • Water based finishes: While marketed as types of varnish, water based finishes are actually solvent based. They and can be cleaned up with water. The difference is distinguished on the label, as it will say, 'cleans with water'.

What are the characteristics of oil finishes?

  • Oil finishes are easily applied by simply wiped on with a cotton rag, with light sanding as needed between coats.
  • Oil finishes are also not affected by dust during drying time as it soaks into the wood.
  • Oil brings out the beauty in the wood while keeping the look natural.
  • Minor scratches can be repaired by wiping on more oil finish.
  • Oil has a longer drying time. Linseed oil needs a metallic drying agent to help the finish dry in a day. Pure Tung oil dries in several days.
  • Oil finishes are less durable and cannot be built up to a thick coat like varnish

What are the characteristics of varnishes?

  • Varnishes are the most protective finishes available
  • The primary disadvantage of varnish is that it dries slowly.
  • Skill and experience is needed to apply them flawlessly.
  • Shellac and lacquer are caustic and can be volatile.

What are the characteristics of water based finishes?

  • Water-based finishes are environmentally safe.
  • Water based finishes tend to hold visible brush marks.
  • They are less durable than the more conventional finishes.
  • They tend to bubble with brushing.
  • Moisture or temperature extremes cause drying problems.

Can wood finishes be combined?

You can apply a varnish finish on a wood item that was previously treated with oil. It is not recommended, however, to mix finishes. Instead, you can investigate new products on the market, like wiping varnishes and oil varnishe,s that combine the best properties of both finishes.



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