An integral aspect of my work as a woodworker is the finish that I use. The choice of finish not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the piece but also its durability and longevity. Today, I want to share with you some insights into the different types of wood finishes that I utilize in my work, which not only enhance the natural beauty of the wood but also protect it from environmental elements and everyday use.

To start, let's delve into the most traditional type of wood finish: drying oils. These oils penetrate into the wood surface and 'dry'—that is, polymerize—into a water-resistant solid. The polymerized oil lends protection to the wood surface and results in a warm glow. This type of finish is ideal for a more natural look, where a low sheen is desired. Linseed oil dries very slowly and can have a 'tacky' feel, even after fully drying. Tung oil dries faster, and produces a more durable moisture barrier than linseed oil.

Then we have varnish, a finish that consists of a solvent, resin, and drying oil. Varnish provides a strong, hard finish and is excellent for furniture pieces that need to withstand heavy use or water exposure. Varnish is very commonly used on tabletops and hardwood floors, both of which benefit from a hard, armor-like coating that protect the surface from scratches and spills. For exterior protection (on boats, for example) a special type of finish called spar varnish is used. This finish contains UV inhibitors and is often more flexible than stand varnish, in order to allow for the more dramatic expansion and contraction of wood that is exposed to the elements.

A slightly more modern take on the traditional oil finish is oil-varnish blends. This hybrid (often called Danish oil) offers the benefits of both – the penetration of oil and the protection of varnish. It imparts a warm glow to the wood and also provides a layer of protection.

Lacquer is another type of finish that I frequently use. It dries very quickly and offers a shiny, highly durable finish. Each coat 'burns' into the last, producing one solid layer of clear finish without requiring sanding between coats. It's particularly great when a high gloss is desired.

Next on the list is shellac, a natural finish that comes from the secretion of the lac bug. It is often sold in the form of flakes, which are then dissolved in grain alcohol. It provides a warm glow that magnifies the luster of the wood grain. Though it's not as durable as some of the other finishes, it is easy to repair, and is a fantastic sanding sealer and 'barrier' coat—that is, an intermediate layer between otherwise incompatible finishes.

Lastly, let's talk about one of my favorite finishes: hardwax oils. These blends of drying oils and waxes became popular in Europe, and have now made their way into many American woodshops. They offer the same penetrating/film finish benefits as Danish oil, while being harder, more water-resistant, with little to no volatile organic compounds (V.O.C.'s). It's also very easy to perform 'touch-ups' and repairs to hardwax oils without needing to sand and coat the entire project surface, as is often necessary with varnishes. Some concoctions are even durable enough to use on floors.

A finish is more than just the final step in the process of creating furniture. It's the protective seal that safeguards the wood, the enhancer that brings out the wood's natural beauty, and the final touch that sets the piece apart. At Foxmoor Studio, I use a variety of finishes, each offering different benefits and creating a unique look and feel. Understanding and choosing the right finish is as much a skill as crafting the furniture itself.

In the end, it's the finish that completes the piece, giving it beauty and protection for years to come.

Custom Woodworking