Wood is one of the most popular construction materials in the world. It is strong, durable, and easy to work with, making it a great choice for everything from furniture to flooring. If you’re working with wood, it’s important to know how to finish it properly so that it looks its best and will last for years to come. Here are a few professional tips on how to finish wood.
Purpose Of Finish
Finish serves several purposes. First, they protect the wood from damage. Second, they enhance the appearance of the wood by bringing out its natural beauty. And third, they make the wood easier to clean and maintain.
Protection
One reason is to protect it from moisture and other elements that can damage or discolor the wood. The finish helps to protect the wood from scratches and other wear and tear. finishes can be applied to enhance the appearance of the wood, by giving it a deep, rich color and making it look more lustrous. Finishes can also help to highlight the grain of the wood and make it pop.
Appearance
The grain of the wood is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Some woods have more pronounced grain than others, and finishes can highlight by adding some color to lightning up the wood. If you’re working with wood that has a very subtle grain, you may want to consider using a finish that will showcase the grain more.
Clear coats can add a sheen effect and warmth look to the wood. This is because the natural oils in the wood are allowed to come to the surface, which gives the wood a warmer appearance. So, if you’re looking for a natural look, you may want to consider leaving the wood unpainted and allowing the natural oils to come to the surface.
Types Of Wood Finishes
Types of wood finishes range from water-based, oils, waxes, varnishes, and more. Each type of wood finish has certain benefits and drawbacks. Below is a list of some common types of wood finishes.
Wax
Wax finishes are very soft and have very little protective qualities. Waxes are best used as a polishing or preserving agent on top of other finishes. They can help to add a shine to the wood and protect it from moisture and other elements. However, they are not very durable and will not provide much prg/./ otection against scratches or can be used as a minimalist finish to preserve the natural color and look of the wood.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is a natural oil finish made from the seeds of the flax plant. It is available in both liquid and solid form, and it can be applied with a brush or rag. Linseed oil is one of the most popular finishes for wood because it is very durable and protects against moisture and other elements. It also enhances the appearance of the wood, making it look richer and more lustrous. However, linseed oil can be difficult to apply evenly and can take a long time to dry.
Tung Oil
Tung oil is a very old, natural finish made from the nuts of the Tung tree. It is often used as a base oil component in other finishes. It creates a beautiful, amber color when used on wood and it is very durable for flat surfaces.
Oil-Varnish Blend
The oil-varnish blend is a very popular type of finish and is made by mixing a little varnish with a larger quantity of oil. This mixture is then applied to the wood with a brush or rag. The oil in the blend helps to protect the wood from moisture and other elements, while the varnish helps to enhance the appearance of the wood, making it look richer and more lustrous. It is thinned oil-based polyurethane with paint thinner or mineral spirits.
Shellac Finish
It is a type of finish that comes in a variety of colors, from nearly transparent to orange/amber. It is easy to repair and is not as toxic as some oil-based finishes. Shellac does not yellow with age and can be buffed to a high shine. However, it is not as durable as some other finishes and can be difficult to apply evenly.
Lacquer
Spray lacquer is a synthetic cellulose-based finish and is often considered the finish of choice by many professionals. It is available in several varieties including nitrocellulose and Catalyzed Lacquer. Nitrocellulose lacquer is a fast-drying finish that is available in a variety of colors. It is easy to repair and can be buffed to a high shine. Catalyzed lacquer is a slower drying version of nitrocellulose lacquer that is more durable and resistant to heat and moisture. It is also more difficult to repair than nitrocellulose lacquer.
Varnish
Varnish is a very protective and durable amber-colored finish that protects well against wear, tear, water, and solvents. It is available in both oil- and water-based forms, and it can be applied with a brush or rag. Varnish is one of the most popular finishes for wood because it is very durable and easy to apply.
Water-Based
Water-based finishes are a good choice if you are looking for a finish that is safe for you and the environment. They are easy to apply and come in a variety of colors and sheens. They also dry quickly and are less toxic than oil-based finishes. However, they are not as durable as some other finishes and can be difficult to repair.
Best Way To How To Apply Finish
There are several ways that you can use to coat finishes. Some are simple methods and others are a bit tough to do. Few are as follows:
Rubbing With Rag
Finishes can be applied with a cloth or rag. Oils, varnish, primer, and shellac are all examples of finishes that can be applied this way. Apply wet coat and excess stain is clean off with a dry cloth, and then the project can be finished. When you’re done with wood stain, just throw the rags away.
Wipe-on finishes are easy to apply but can be difficult to get an even coat. They also tend to take a long time to dry.
Brushing
Brushing a finish is a more complex way to apply than wiping. You have to clean the brushes while applying finish which is a daunting way. Because it may leave spots or marks on the wood surface.
If you are using a natural bristle brush to apply a stain, it is important to use a quality brush and to clean it thoroughly after each use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storing the brush.
Spray-On
Spray-on finishes are a great option if you are looking for an easy and fast way to finish your project. They come in a variety of colors and sheens and are less toxic than oil-based finishes. They also dry quickly and are easy to clean up.
Tips On Wood Finishing
There are a few things to keep in mind when applying any finish to your wood project. Tips on wood finishing are as follows:
Use Wipe-On Finish
This means that if you are looking for a quick and easy way to finish your project, you should avoid brush-on polyurethane and instead use a wipe-on or spray-on finish. Brushing a finish is more complex than wiping and can leave marks on the finish. Allow the polyurethane to dry overnight and then lightly sand the entire surface with finer sandpaper.
Use Of Gel Polyurethane
For the thickness of polyurethane, you must have a gel polyurethane that will be simply applicable. It can be wipe-oof and wipe-on the surface but it needs detail to be done rather than other finishes.
Glossy Finish
You can achieve the high glossy finish look by waiting for at least a few days or a week. During this period of time, the painting coats and building sanding gives you a flawless surface. You will also need to take care when cleaning up your workspace as any dust or debris will be visible in the final product.
High-gloss finishes are beautiful but they require time and effort to achieve. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to finish your project, you should avoid high-gloss finishes and instead use a semi-gloss or satin finish.
Finish Dries Even Faster
After your final coat of finish has dried, you can begin the polishing process. You can use paste wax, such as Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax, to achieve a high-gloss shine wood surface. Apply the wax in a thin coat with a tack cloth and then buff it to a shine. You can also use a commercial furniture polish, such as Pledge® Furniture Polish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Get A Perfect Finish
No matter what finish you choose, be sure to follow our professionals for the best results in wood finishing. We’ve got everything you need to get started, including tips on how to sand, how to apply stain and finish combination, and how to finish like a pro.