Wood finishes are used to preserve wooden surfaces throughout your home, from furniture to floors. Finishes form a protective barrier to restrict the amount of visible surface damage to wood which can be easily dented or scratched. Wooden surfaces that are not that dense will require a finish that is more durable than heavier woods to provide longer protection. Durability concerns the make up of the finish as opposed to the amount of coats required. There is a selection of finishes available for a range of different purposes. The most common and effective methods are detailed below.
Oil is a traditional finish for wood. After the oil has been applied it sets into the wood and forms a seal which isn’t really that thick; this suits surfaces which receive light use. Oil finishes that have been cured offer the best results, some that work particularly well include Linseed and Tung oil.
Varnish is another popular choice, offering higher levels of protection for everyday use. Unlike the oil, multiple layers can be applied to determine the durability providing a tailored solution to suit your needs. Although a practical finish, problems can become apparent after application. For best results, leave the wood to dry where there is little dust or moisture in the air as this can effect the setting of the varnish and give an uneven finish and texture.
Shellac is another alternative, mainly used for surfaces that receive light use throughout every day. Shellac is popular as it dries quickly and is available in a selection of colours to compliment your personal colour scheme in that room.
Lacquer is often applied to furniture manufactured in factories as it is an effective seal. Similar to Shellac, lacquer is quick drying so therefore has less of a risk of becoming spoilt by dust or residue that would settle in the grains of the wood.
Water based finishes fulfil a variety of needs. Formed from a latex base without pigment, water based finishes tend to be a more environmentally friendly solution that is also easy to wipe clean. Due to its consistency, care needs to be taken while applying the finish to prevent brush marks from becoming visible and to reduce the appearance of any bubbles.
Wood finishes serve more than one purpose. As well as adding extended life to surfaces, wood finishes can be used to complement the colour scheme and mood of a room to suit your needs.