What is a Woodworking Finish?
A woodworking finish is a protective coating applied to wood to make it look better, last longer, and resist damage. Finishes come in many forms, including oils, varnishes, lacquers, waxes, and stains.
Each type has its own benefits, giving different levels of shine, protection, and texture. The right finish depends on how the piece will be used, the look you want, and how much care you’re willing to give it over time.
Finishing wood isn’t just about appearance—it’s also about protection. A good finish shields the wood from moisture, sunlight, and everyday wear and tear. By sealing the wood’s pores, it prevents water from soaking in and helps protect the surface from scratches and stains.
Types of Wood Finishes
There are several types of finishes used in woodworking. Each type provides unique qualities that cater to different projects, preferences, and uses. Let’s break down the most common finishes in woodworking:
1. Oil Finishes
Oil finishes are one of the oldest and most traditional methods of finishing wood. They penetrate deeply into the wood fibers, enhancing the grain and giving the wood a natural, warm look. Oil finishes are easy to apply and maintain, making them popular among both amateur and professional woodworkers.
Types of Oil Finishes:
Tung Oil: Extracted from the seeds of the tung tree, tung oil is one of the most durable natural oils. It gives wood a rich, warm tone and provides water and mildew resistance. It’s commonly used for furniture and outdoor wood projects.
Linseed Oil: Derived from flax seeds, linseed oil is the most common type of oil finish. There are two variations: raw linseed oil, which takes longer to dry, and boiled linseed oil, which dries faster and is often used for general woodworking and furniture.
Danish Oil: A mixture of oil and varnish, Danish oil combines the advantages of both finishes. It’s easy to apply and provides a durable, water-resistant coating while preserving the wood’s natural look.
Advantages:
- Enhances the natural grain and color of wood.
- Easy to apply with minimal equipment (brushes or cloth).
- Easy to maintain and reapply as needed.
Disadvantages:
- Requires multiple coats for full protection.
- Takes longer to dry than other finishes.
- Not as durable as some other options for heavy-duty use.
2. Varnish
Varnish is a type of surface finish that provides a hard, durable coat on top of the wood. It’s made from a mixture of resins, oils, and solvents, which makes it more resistant to wear, moisture, and UV damage. Varnish is ideal for pieces that require high durability, such as outdoor furniture or wooden flooring.
Types of Varnish:
Polyurethane Varnish: One of the most popular varnishes due to its strength and resistance to scratches and water. It’s available in oil-based or water-based formulas, with oil-based versions providing a warmer, amber tone and water-based versions offering a clearer finish.
Spar Varnish: Used primarily for outdoor projects, spar varnish is resistant to UV rays and moisture. It’s commonly used for boats, outdoor furniture, and windows.
Lacquer Varnish: Lacquer varnish dries quickly and provides a high-gloss finish. It’s often used in fine woodworking where a smooth, glossy look is desired, such as for cabinets and furniture.
Advantages:
- Provides excellent durability and protection.
- Available in multiple sheens (high-gloss, satin, matte).
- Resistant to water, UV rays, and wear.
Disadvantages:
- Can be difficult to apply without leaving brush marks.
- The strong odor of some varnishes requires good ventilation.
- Requires more preparation and drying time between coats.
3. Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac beetle and dissolved in alcohol to form a liquid finish. It’s known for providing a glossy, smooth finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty. Shellac is often used for fine woodworking and cabinetry.
Advantages:
- Fast-drying, allowing for quicker application.
- Provides a beautiful, glossy finish that adds depth to the wood.
- Easily repairable if damaged (simply apply more shellac).
Disadvantages:
- Less durable than other finishes like polyurethane.
- Can be damaged by heat, alcohol, and water.
- Requires reapplication over time.
4. Wax Finishes
Wax finishes are typically used for a soft, satin sheen that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Wax can be used alone or applied over another finish to give a soft, protective layer. It’s often used for antique pieces or furniture that doesn’t need heavy-duty protection.
Advantages:
- Easy to apply and maintain.
- Gives a soft, natural look without high gloss.
- Provides a smooth, silky feel to the surface.
Disadvantages:
- Not as durable or protective as other finishes.
- Needs frequent reapplication to maintain its appearance.
- Not ideal for high-traffic or outdoor areas.
5. Lacquer
Lacquer is a solvent-based finish known for its high-gloss appearance and fast-drying nature. It’s a popular choice for fine woodworking and furniture because of its smooth, glossy finish. Lacquer can be sprayed on, making it ideal for large surfaces and intricate pieces.
Advantages:
- Provides a smooth, glossy, high-end finish.
- Fast-drying, allowing for multiple coats in a short period.
- Excellent for fine furniture and cabinetry.
Disadvantages:
- Requires good ventilation due to the strong fumes.
- Can be challenging to repair if damaged.
- May show scratches and wear more quickly than other finishes.
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Project
Here are some factors to think about when choosing a finish:
1. What is the piece and how will it be used?
High use: table top, floor → choose durable surface finish (varnish, polyurethane).
Decorative piece: accent furniture, shelf → penetrating finish (oil) may suffice.
Outdoor vs indoor: outdoor demands UV, moisture resistance → marine varnish, spar varnish.
2. What look do you want?
- Natural wood look with visible grain? Oil or clear penetrating finish.
- High gloss, smooth film? Lacquer or high-gloss varnish.
- Satin or matte? Many varnishes, waxes or oil finishes offer that.
3. Maintenance requirements
If you prefer less maintenance → go with harder film finishes.
If you don’t mind periodic oiling/refreshing → penetrating finishes may suffice.
4. Environmental / health / application constraints
In a small workshop with limited ventilation → water-based finish or low-VOC product may be better.
Do you have spray equipment (for lacquer) or just brush/cloth? Choose accordingly.
5. Wood species and condition
Some woods have strong grain or colour; finishing choices may highlight or hide those features differently.
If wood is oily (like teak) you may need specific finish or preparation.
Basic Finishing Process & Tips
Here’s a simplified but solid step-by-step finishing process you can follow, plus some good tips:
Step-by-Step
- Preparation & Sanding: Smooth the wood surface properly (progress from coarse to fine grit). Good preparation is key.
- Cleaning: Remove all dust, resin, grease. Use tack cloth or vacuum.
- Conditioning/Sealing (optional): Some woods or projects may benefit from a pre-sealer or wood conditioner before finish.
- Apply first coat: Follow manufacturer’s directions (brush, cloth, spray). Apply thin and even coats.
- Allow to dry/ cure: Don’t rush — drying time matters.
- Sand lightly between coats (if applicable): Use fine grit to de-dust and level.
- Apply subsequent coats: Most finishes perform better with multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat.
- Final buff / polish: For waxes or oils you may buff to desired sheen; for film finishes make sure surface is clean and smooth.
- Maintenance: Depending on finish, keep it clean, refresh when needed (oil reapplication, wax, repair film finishes).
Good Tips
“Measure twice, finish once”: The more time spent preparing, the better the result.
Work in a well-ventilated area, especially with solvent finishes.
Apply finish to hidden parts too (undersides, edges) so the wood reacts uniformly to humidity and temperature changes.
Use good quality brushes or applicators — cheap tools can lead to hairs, bubbles, uneven film.
Thin coats beat thick coats: less sagging, fewer drips, more even finish.
Keep track of manufacturer’s directions: drying times, recommended number of coats, compatibility with prior treatments.
Dispose of used rags or leftover oils safely: Some finishing oils (e.g., linseed oil) can self-heat and pose fire risk when left in a pile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying too thick a coat: leads to runs, drips, long dry times, poor cure.
Not sanding between coats (when required) so the next coat doesn’t adhere properly.
Using a finish unsuited for the use-case (e.g., using pure wax for a high‐traffic table top).
Ignoring ventilation or safety: many finishes emit strong fumes.
Skipping hidden surfaces: if you only finish top surfaces, moisture/humidity could affect underside and cause warping, cupping.
Expecting a single perfect finish for all uses: each project may need its own finish choice based on usage, environment, desired look.
Finishes by Use Case – Practical Examples
Dining table used daily: I’d pick a good polyurethane varnish (oil- or water-based) with a satin finish for fewer reflections, good durability and easy clean.
Outdoor bench: Use a marine/spar varnish or high-quality outdoor clear finish that resists UV and moisture.
Decorative inside shelf with beautiful wood grain: A penetrating oil (tung or Danish oil) to bring out the grain, maybe a coat of wax over it for feel.
Fine cabinet or heirloom furniture: Shellac or lacquer to get a high-quality finish, maybe French polished.
Kid’s chair or changing table: Use a water-based finish (low odor, low VOC) with good durability and easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Finishing is where your woodworking project really comes alive — it’s the difference between “that’s pretty good” and “wow, that looks great”. A well-chosen, well-applied finish not only makes your piece look beautiful, but lets it endure, protect it, and bring out the best in the wood.
Take your time, understand what you’re finishing, how it’s going to be used, what look you want, and then pick the right type of finish. Prepare carefully, apply with care, and finish off with good maintenance. Whether you go for oils, varnishes, lacquer, shellac, wax or water-based finishes — you’ll be setting up your work for success.
