Types of Wood Finishes - A Comparison of Benefits & Disadvantages

Navigating the realm of wood finishes can often be a perplexing journey for those seeking to safeguard and enhance the beauty of their wooden furniture and handicrafts. The market offers a plethora of options, each boasting unique qualities and purposes, leaving consumers in a state of bewilderment. To demystify this intricate world, let's delve into a comparative exploration of popular wood finishes, shedding light on their distinct benefits to empower you with the knowledge needed for your next home wood finishing project. Polyurethane stands out as a stalwart defender against wear and tear, providing a robust protective shield for your wooden articles. Its water-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for items exposed to moisture, such as kitchen tables or bathroom cabinets. On the other hand, lacquer, a fast-drying and durable finish, boasts exceptional clarity that highlights the natural grain of the wood. This makes it a preferred option for those seeking a glossy and vibrant finish, often seen on high-end furniture pieces. For a more traditional touch, consider shellac, a natural resin-based finish that exudes a warm amber glow. Shellac is revered for its compatibility with various wood types and its ability to bring out the rich, natural hues of the material. In contrast, varnish, a blend of resins and oils, offers a hard and durable finish suitable for outdoor furniture, providing protection against the elements. Penetrating oils, such as tung oil and linseed oil, work differently by seeping into the wood fibers, enhancing both the color and grain while maintaining a natural, matte finish. Tung oil, derived from the seeds of the tung tree, imparts a water-resistant coating, making it an excellent choice for wooden surfaces requiring water repellency.

Types of Wood Finishes

There are different wood finishes but only two major categories of wood finishes. These are Penetrating Finishes and Surface Finishes. All the popular wood finishes can be placed under one of these two types.

Penetrating Wood Finishes- Penetrating wood finishes, renowned for their ability to deeply permeate the pores of wood, belong to the category of oil-based finishes. Among the myriad options available, two prevalent choices are Tung oil and linseed oil. These penetrating finishes distinguish themselves by their capacity to seep into the wood fibers, enriching the material from within. Tung oil, derived from the seeds of the tung tree, boasts remarkable water-resistant properties, making it a sought-after choice for projects requiring enhanced protection against moisture. Its penetrating nature allows it to accentuate the natural beauty of wood while providing a durable and long-lasting finish.

Surface Wood Finishes- Surface wood finishes create a protective layer on the top of wooden surfaces without penetrating the wood itself. This layer acts as a shield, forming a buffer that guards the wood against external elements and potential damage. Among the widely used surface finishes are lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, varnish, and wax. Lacquer is recognized for its fast-drying properties and glossy sheen, providing a sleek protective coating. Shellac, derived from natural resins, imparts a warm, traditional glow to wood. Polyurethane, a synthetic finish, offers durable protection, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. These surface finishes not only add aesthetic appeal but also play a vital role in preserving the integrity of wooden surfaces against environmental factors.

Types of Wood Finishes - A Comparison

Here is a guide about different types of wood finishes with the benefits they provide as well as the disadvantages attached to them.

Lacquer Finish

Benefits The lacquer wood finish dries very fast than the other types of wood finishes. It can also be easily removed when not required and as such they are very useful for finishing wood furniture as you can remove them and apply other finish when the need arises. It is more beneficial when multiple layers are applied to the wood.

Disadvantages- It gives off harmful fumes and can also be hazardous in the presence of fire. As it dries quickly one has to be very fast when applying it. Generally spraying has to be adopted when using lacquer wood finish type.

Oil Based Finish Benefits- It is good for bringing luxurious satin finish on wood surfaces like those needed for decorative wood handicrafts or furniture in living room. It is easy to apply and can easily cover the scratches and nicks.

Polyurethane Finish

Benefits It is an extremely durable type of wood finish and is also water resistant. It is available in a variety of looks and feel including natural appearance, satin, semi gloss and glossy sheens. It is an ideal wood finish for wooden kitchen cabinets, doors, furniture and even floors

Disadvantages- It cannot be used for outdoor wooden furniture or other outdoor woods as it turns yellowish or shows cracks when exposed to sunlight. However, when UV light absorbers are added, this disadvantage can be countered. Once applied, it is very difficult to repair the polyurethane finishing.

Shellac Finish

Benefits It gives a hard finish which dries very fast. It can also be used as sealer as well as stain remover on drywall, cured plaster apart from wood. Shellac finishes can be found in many colors and are good for wood furniture and wooden floors.

Disadvantages- It is not moisture resistant and thus cannot be used for outdoor woods.