Top 10 Essential Wood Finishes: Pros, Cons, and Application Tips (2024)

One of the most important aspects of any woodworking project is applying an appropriate finish to the wood.

And it’s about more than just aesthetics. The right finish can provide protection and durability.

As you consider what finish is best for your project, the options may seem a bit overwhelming. Which to choose?

That’s why we’ll explore the top ten essential wood finishes, discussing their pros, cons, and application tips:

1. Oil-based finishes
2. Varnish finishes
3. Shellac
4. Lacquer
5. Water-based finishes
6. Wax finishes
7. Stains
8. Dyes
9. Paint
10. Epoxy resin

Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner looking to broaden your knowledge, this guide will be a valuable resource as you select the perfect finish for your woodworking projects.

Oil-based Finishes

Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is a natural, slow-drying oil derived from flax seeds. Commonly used on furniture, cutting boards, and wooden tools, it’s an excellent choice for enhancing the wood grain and providing a warm, rich finish.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Environmentally friendly
• Natural, warm finish

Cons:

• Limited protection against moisture and scratches
• May darken over time
• Potential to spontaneously combust if the rags are not disposed of properly

Application tips: Apply linseed oil with a clean, lint-free cloth, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for 24–48 hours before applying additional coats. Wipe off any excess oil after 15 minutes to prevent a sticky residue.

Tung Oil

Tung oil comes from the seeds of the tung tree and is a popular choice for finishing wood furniture, countertops, and cutting boards. It penetrates the wood and hardens over time, providing a durable, water-resistant finish.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Good water resistance
• Beautiful, natural finish

Cons:

• Takes longer to dry than other finishes
• May require multiple coats for optimal protection

Application tips: Apply tung oil with a clean, lint-free cloth or brush, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for at least 24 hours before applying additional coats. Lightly sand between coats to ensure proper adhesion.

Varnish Finishes

Polyurethane Varnish

Polyurethane varnish is a synthetic finish that protects against moisture, scratches, and general wear and tear. It’s commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring.

Pros:

• Highly durable
• Water-resistant
• Available in a range of sheens, from matte to high gloss

Cons:

• More difficult to apply than other finishes
• May yellow over time, particularly on lighter woods
• Tends to look like plastic

Application tips: Apply polyurethane varnish with a high-quality brush, working in thin, even coats. After it has dried for at least 4–6 hours, lightly sand and apply additional coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.

Spar Varnish

Spar varnish, also known as marine varnish, is a long-lasting, flexible finish designed for harsh, outdoor environments. This quality makes it a great choice for boats, outdoor furniture, and exterior doors and trim.

Pros:

• Water- and UV-resistant
• Accommodates wood movement from changing temperature and humidity

Cons:

• More difficult to apply than other finishes
• Longer drying time

Application tips: Apply spar varnish with a high-quality brush, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for at least 24 hours before lightly sanding and applying additional coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as spar varnish can have strong odors.

Shellac

Shellac is a natural finish derived from the secretions of the lac bug. Because of its warm, glowing appearance, it’s often used for antique furniture, musical instruments, and fine woodworking projects.

Shellac is also common as a seal coat for lacquer. And here’s an important note: Most shellac finishes from the big box stores contain additional wax. So if you plan to use shellac for sealing, look for dewaxed shellac.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Dries quickly
• Available in various shades

Cons:

• Limited protection against moisture and scratches
• Sensitive to heat and alcohol

Application tips: Shellac is traditionally applied using a technique called “French polish.” It involves applying many thin coats of shellac using a polishing pad—rather than a brush or spray gun.

Lacquer

Lacquer is a fast-drying, solvent-based finish with a hard, durable, and glossy result. It’s a typical choice for furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments.

Pros:

• Dries quickly
• High-gloss finish
• Resistant to moisture and scratches

Cons:

• More challenging to apply than other finishes
• Requires special equipment, such as a spray gun

Application tips: Apply lacquer using a spray gun, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for 30 minutes to an hour before lightly sanding and applying additional coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.

Water-based Finishes

Water-based Polyurethane

Used for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring, this kind of finish offers excellent protection against moisture and scratches.

Pros:

• Low odor
• Dries quickly
• Clear, non-yellowing finish

Cons:

• Lacks the durability of an oil-based polyurethane
• May raise the wood grain

Application tips: Apply water-based polyurethane with a high-quality synthetic brush, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for at least 2–4 hours before lightly sanding and applying additional coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.

Water-based Acrylic

Water-based acrylic is a clear finish used for furniture, cabinetry, and crafts.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Dries quickly
• Clear, non-yellowing finish

Cons:

• Less durable than other finishes
• May require multiple coats for optimal protection

Application tips: Apply water-based acrylic with a high-quality synthetic brush, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for at least 1–2 hours before lightly sanding and applying additional coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.

Wax Finishes

Paste Wax

Paste wax is a soft, solid wax that provides a protective, low-sheen finish. It’s common for furniture, antiques, and wooden floors.

Side note: you can also apply it on your power tools, such as table saws and routers, to help reduce friction as you’re using them.

Pros:

• Natural, low-sheen finish
• Can buff to a higher gloss if desired

Cons:

• Limited protection against moisture and scratches
• May require regular reapplication

Application tips: Apply paste wax with a clean, lint-free cloth, working in small, circular motions. Allow the wax to dry for 15–30 minutes before buffing it with a clean cloth to achieve the desired sheen. Reapply wax as needed to maintain the finish.

Liquid Wax

Liquid wax is a blend of waxes and solvents that, like paste wax, has a low-sheen look. It works well for furniture, antiques, and wooden floors.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Dries quickly

Cons:

• Limited protection against moisture and scratches
• May require regular reapplication

Application tips: Apply liquid wax with a clean, lint-free cloth or a high-quality brush, working in thin, even coats. Allow the wax to dry for 15–30 minutes before buffing it with a clean cloth to achieve the desired sheen. Reapply wax as needed to maintain the finish.

Wood Stains

Wood stains are pigmented finishes that, when applied, change the wood color, enhance the grain, or add depth to the appearance. They can be either water-based or oil-based and are commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, or trim.

Pro:

• Wide range of color options

Cons:

• May raise the wood grain during application
• Protective topcoat is needed for optimal durability

Application tips: Apply wood stain with a clean, lint-free cloth or a high-quality brush, working in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood for the desired amount of time before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth.

Keep in mind that water-based and oil-based may have slightly different application methods and dry times, so follow the instructions on the container.

Then, once the stain has dried completely, you can apply a protective topcoat, such as polyurethane or lacquer.

Wood Dyes

Wood dyes allow you to change the color of the wood you’re working with—often a piece of furniture, cabinetry, or other fine woodwork.

Pro:

• Vibrant, consistent color that can be used for a wide range of effects

Cons:

• More challenging to apply than stains
• Protective topcoat is needed for optimal durability

Application tips: Apply wood dye with a clean, lint-free cloth or a high-quality brush, working in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the dye to penetrate the wood for the desired amount of time before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth. Allow the dye to dry completely before applying a protective topcoat, such as polyurethane or lacquer.

Paint

Some woodworkers might grimace at the thought of covering up a beautiful piece of wood. Nonetheless, many people use paint to customize the color of their wood projects, whether furniture, cabinetry, or trim.

Pros:

• Excellent coverage
• Wide range of color options
• Durable protection

Cons:

• Can obscure the wood’s natural beauty
• May require more extensive surface preparation than other finishes

Application tips: Apply paint with a high-quality brush, roller, or spray gun, working in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry for at least 2–4 hours before lightly sanding and applying additional coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a two-part, clear finish that is mixed and applied to wood surfaces to create a durable, high-gloss, protective coating. It is commonly used on bar tops, countertops, furniture, and woodworking projects with inlays or embedded objects.

Pros:

• Crystal-clear, high-gloss finish
• Very durable against moisture and scratches

Cons:

• Challenging to apply
• May require special equipment and surface preparation
• More expensive than other finishes

Application tips: Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions, being sure to measure accurately and mix thoroughly. Apply 1/16” or less to the whole surface using a notched trowel, foam brush, or your fingers (with gloves on!). This first seal coat is necessary to avoid potential air bubbles or “fisheyes” from appearing in the finish—which can happen as the epoxy starts to gel.

Once dry, sand the whole surface with 100 grit sandpaper and repeat the first step.

Don’t miss this critical step before applying a wood finish

Choosing and applying an appropriate finish is essential for any woodworking project. And here, we’ve equipped you to understand the different types of finishes and how to apply them.

But a good finish—no matter how durable—won’t counteract the effects of wood with excess moisture.

To ensure a beautiful and durable result, be sure to check the moisture content of your wood (1) before you begin your project, (2) during the build, and (3) before you apply your finish.

Only then can your choice of finish truly do its job. And only then can you be sure of a professional-quality result that stands the test of time.

For more about wood and moisture, check out our article explaining why moisture content is so critical for woodworking projects.

Learn more about the basics of wood finishes and tips when applying.

Last updated on March 19th, 2024