Guest post written by : David Crader

Selecting the best finish for refinishing furniture can be confusing since there are so many different finish products on the market. Some of them are not compatible with each other, and not all work equally well in all situations. Each has its own advantages and limitations. Some finishes use a number of different products, and others may consist of only one product, such as a penetrating oil finish.

For example, a typical finishing schedule for a piece of fine furniture might consist of the following:

• Presealer
• Stain
• Wash coat
• Grain filler
• Sealer
• Several coats of lacquer
• Rub and polish
• Wax

Another finishing schedule might consist merely of several coats of penetrating oil. The desired result will determine the actual finishing schedule to be used.

There are basically two types of transparent finishes for woodworking, surface finishes and penetrating finishes. Surface finishes protect the wood by forming a hard film on the surface of the wood. They include Danish Oil, Tung oil, and some combination wax and oil products. Stains can be used with either type.

One of the first decisions a woodworker must make is which type of finish to use. Surface finishes will offer somewhat better moisture protection and better protection against penetration from spills. They are easier to clean and do not require the occasional “renewal” coat that some penetrating finishes require. If a high-gloss finish is required, it is much easier to obtain with a surface finish.

Penetrating finishes are generally easier to apply. They require less skill to apply, are less sensitive to dust in the air during application, and do not require any equipment such as a brush or spray gun. They are easy to repair in the event they are scratched by merely sanding out the scratch and applying more finish. They give the wood a very natural appearance since they do not leave a film on the surface. There is no film to crack or peel with age.

They do, however, tend to get dull or dry looking after several years. This requires another coat of the finish to renew the fresh appearance.

The actual choice of finish will depend on the appearance desired, the use of the product, and the type of finishing equipment available. Before settling on a final product you should do extensive research on the wood you’re about to be refinishing first. Every type of wood has its own distinct characteristics that need to be catered too. Please remember to test out your finishing products on small unnoticeable areas of the furniture first to avoid dissatisfaction down the line. Once everything is completed you’ll have a beautiful piece of refinished furniture that you’ll be proud to show off to all of your friends. Good luck!

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