Paints

Penetrating Finishes

Most of the different wood finishes are either penetrating or surface types. Penetrating finishes infiltrate wood pores and fibers for a beautiful decorative finish. Penetrating finishes provide a low sheen and take longer to dry than surface finishes. Most are oil-based with the most common types being Tung oil and linseed oil. They provide some of the most visually attractive wood finish types.

Oil-Based Wood Finish

Oil-based finish dries more slowly and has a stronger aroma than water-based finish. 

• It is ideal for furniture and low-traffic areas but shows water or alcohol spills. 
• It is easy to apply with a brush or cloth.

• Tung oil comes from the Tung tree and provides a beautiful, natural-looking finish. 
• Linseed oil is pressed from flax seeds and has been used as a clear finish for hundreds of years. Boiled linseed oil is designed to enable quicker drying times. 
• Lemon, walnut and soy oils are sometimes used for penetrating finish. 
• Danish oil is a hybrid of oil and varnish that provides added durability. 

Water-Based Wood Finish

Water-based finish dries quickly and can be used on bare, stained or painted wood. 

• It provides a clear, natural sheen that does not yellow with age. 
• Ideal for protecting decorative finishes, it is not as durable as other finishes. 
• Synthetic brushes are recommended for application.

Furniture Wax

Furniture wax is often made of beeswax and leaves a smooth finish. 

• It offers less protection than some of the other finishes, but can be reapplied as needed to a wooden surface. 
• It is not suitable for outdoor use. 
• It can be applied with a cloth or paint brush for a matte finish.

Surface Finishes

Surface finishes leave a hard, protective film over the top of the wood to create a buffer between the wood and anything it contacts. Generally applied with a brush, the most common types of surface finishes are lacquer, shellac, polyurethane and varnish, which can make the best wood sealants.

Lacquer Wood Finish

Lacquer is a wood finish typically made with a solution of nitrocellulose and solvents to make a glossy or matte coating. 

• Frequently sprayed on, it leaves a thin coat that dries faster than other finishes. 
• It can give off strong fumes when applied, so apply in a well-ventilated area and take necessary precautions. 
• It is ideal for furniture but is not recommended for use over old paint or varnish. 
• Lacquer is more durable than shellac. It is considered one of the best wood sealants.

Shellac Wood Finish

Shellac wood finish is made from a protective waxy resin secreted by the lac insect.

• It is mixed with a solvent, such as alcohol, that makes it easy to apply as it dries quickly, but it may need to be thinned before applying. 
• It provides a hard finish suitable for floors, antiques and fine furniture. 
• It is not recommended for wood that will be exposed to moisture or alcohol spills, as it may dissolve or break down over time. 

Polyurethane Wood Finish

Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that prove highly durable and water resistant, making them the best clear coat for wood protection. 

• They provide a natural appearance with a variety of satin, semi-gloss and glossy sheens and are ideal for kitchen cabinets, doors, furniture and floors, but not recommended for outdoor use. 
• They may yellow or crack in sunlight unless formulated to be UV-resistant.

Varnish Wood Finish

Varnish wood finishes tend to consist of a resin, a drying oil and a solvent or thinner.

• Varnishes are usually clear, highly durable and offer UV protection, making them suitable for doors and marine finishes, whether on bare or stained wood. 
• They are less expensive than polyurethane and are slow to dry, making them susceptible to dust and dirt. 
• They are also considered among the best wood sealants.