Our Blog
Choose The Right Finish For Your Wood Furniture
June 8, 2016 04:21:32pm
Wood furniture needs finish. Not only does the right finish make the wood look better, but also, more importantly, it protects the wood surface from moisture, scratches, sunlight and UV rays, and other causes of potential harm. The world of wood finishes can be a confusing place, however, and when you are preparing to take on a wood refinishing project, it can become downright overwhelming.
Different finishes offer differing degrees of protection, durability, and aesthetic, and some finishes are easier to apply and easier to touch up than others. Finally, no single finish excels in every single feature, so it’s important to asses your own piece of furniture and think about what it will be used for before you run out and buy the first type of finish you see.
Common groupings of finishes include:
Lacquer – Lacquer is still regarded as the best all around finish for wood. Lacquer is durable, dries quickly, and provides great depth and warmth to the wood, once applied. Lacquer can yellow over time, and and is sensitive to heat, which you will want to note when planning your furniture finishing project.
Oil – Linseed oil and tung oil are the oils most commonly used in wood finishing. Both are penetrating finishes, and will penetrate the fibers of the wood before hardening as they cure. These are also among the easiest finishes to apply. Usually, you may simply wipe them on with a rag, allow them to absorb or penetrate the wood, and then wipe away the excess.
Shellac – Shellac is a natural resin that is mixed with denatured alcohol to make it into the liquid form we know and frequently use. Shellac is applied with a brush and provides a strong barrier against moisture. It is available in a range of warm colors, and the colors are influenced by the sap of the tree from which the shellac was harvested. Note that some types of shellac are blended with wax, which will decrease its ability to resist water.
Varnish – Varnish is composed of synthetic resins that have been modified using oils. Varnish cures in the same process as oils, but the finish is more durable, thanks to the highly durable resins. Indeed, varnish is the most durable finish that can be applied by the typical woodworker or craftsman. Varnish is typically applied with a brush, though certain ones can be applied with a rag.
Water-based finish – Water-based finishes contain some of the same ingredients as shellac and varnish, but many of the flammable ingredients have been replaced with water. Even the resins in water-based finishes are acrylic in order to blend better with the water found in such finishes. Water-based finishes are durable and resistant scratches well, but do not resist heat as well as oil-based finishes.
Woodworking and finishing projects require research, planning, and often a significant time commitment. Unless you greatly enjoy such projects, it’s best to leave furniture refinishing projects to good professional furniture refinishers in your area.
Homeowners along Florida’s First Coast trust Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering with furniture projects of all types. Exceptional quality is what we’re known for, and we are passionate about delivering high quality product along with outstanding customer service in every project. Trust your furniture refinishing project to us, and you’ll love the results!
