Choosing and Applying Stains, Paints, and Sealants

When building or refinishing any wooden items, the importance of a well-planned wood-finishing project cannot be overstated. Products made from lumber are prone to absorbing moisture, grit, and other environmental contaminants. Without durable wood finishes, prized living room and bedroom sets would likely deteriorate prematurely. If you have an heirloom or weathered item that has seen better days, learning about wood and its finishing techniques allows you to restore its original luster or reinvent its appearance.

What is Wood Finishing?

Applying wood finishes provides enhanced protection and delivers an aesthetically pleasing appearance to wooden items. There are an abundance of wood finishing products that can be used with a variety of techniques to tailor the surfaces of a chest of drawers, sideboard, kitchen table, or that old rocker on your front porch.

When new products undergo the wood finishing process, it typically adds anywhere from 5 to 30 percent to the final manufacturing cost. It’s important to keep in mind that different wood finishes can result in vastly different appearances. The outcome of preparing the material and applying protective products leaves the item with dissimilar properties. That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to investigate finishing techniques and products before moving forward with a project.

What is the Best Way to Finish Wood?

Handy DIYers often ask about the best way to finish the wood on a handcrafted item or on a vintage gem. It may be difficult to fathom, but there is no definitive answer. The best way to finish wood largely depends on your goals. For example, if you are making a picnic table from pressure-treated lumber, it may be prudent to allow it to sit for a season until the lumber fully dries. Once it’s ready, light sanding followed by an outdoor stain or clear wood preservative should suffice.

By contrast, if you pick up a worn coffee table at a tag sale, it may make sense to use a coarse-grit sandpaper to sand off the top layer. Then, follow up with a fine grit and apply an indoor stain that makes it sing. Once dry, it’s usually a good idea to apply a few protective coats of varnish to prevent staining. As you can see from these two examples, the best way to finish wood depends on the item, its function, and your goals.

What is the Easiest Way to Finish Wood?

The easiest way to finish wood starts with the fundamental step of sanding. Whether you are using raw, unfinished lumber or restoring an antique, sanding prepares the surface to better absorb the wide variety of wood finishes available. Once the surface has been sanded and cleaned, there are easy ways to finish the job. You can apply a clear coat, stain, paint, wax, or oil.

Clear coats such as polyurethane varnish can be purchased in three different sheens: high gloss, semi-gloss, and flat (satin). The glossier the finish, the easier it is to clean later. Stains soak into the wood and protect it from early deterioration. Many of today’s advanced wood finishing products provide an additional protective layer. They are a type of hybrid between stains and clear coats.

Danish tung oil and linseed oils, among others, can be applied directly to a sanded, clean wood surface using a light brush or clean rag. These wood-penetrating oils give the item a more natural-looking appearance than others in their class. Some are particularly good for food preparation items, such as charcuterie boards. But check the product description to ensure it’s the right choice for natural wood countertops cutting boards, and other food-prep surfaces.

Lastly, you can purchase a paint suitable for use indoors or outdoors. Some paints contain a primer, allowing you to skip having to apply a separate primer coat. Depending on your goals and the item, a single coat may suffice. However, multiple coats usually augment the item’s appearance and durability.

What is the Most Durable Finish for Wood?

Although not everyone agrees on the most durable finish for wood, many artisans indicate that oil-based polyurethane stands apart. Oil-based polyurethane can last upwards of 10 years, even on high-traffic hardwood flooring. Some argue that water-based polyurethane delivers almost the same durability and longevity.

The key differences between oil- and water-based polyurethane are drying time and odor. Water-based products typically dry in a matter of hours, allowing wood floor refinishers to apply more than a single coat daily and complete a project more efficiently. This class of wood finishing products does not give off the harsh smell found in its oil-based cousin. Also, water-based polyurethanes will remain crystal clear for years, while oil-based polyurethanes tend to yellow over time.

That being said, oil-based coatings generally tend to resist scratching, hard impacts, and other adverse contacts better than water-based options. The extra effort and smell involved in applying oil-based polyurethane can make them worth the trouble.

How to Choose the Right Wood Finish for Your Project

Wood finishing projects are not necessarily a matter of choosing the most cost-effective product. Different wood finishes possess unique or varying degrees of essential properties. Before putting a gallon in your shopping cart, take the time to think about a wood finish’s traits and how they affect the outcome. And keep in mind that price is often an accurate indicator of quality.

Environmental Resistance

You will likely see three classes of wood finishing products at a local home store: indoor, outdoor, and indoor-outdoor use. Finishes designed for indoor use cannot withstand severe heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions. As the label indicates, they are for indoor use only. Outdoor-use products are designed with enhanced durability and weather resistance. If you are staining a deck or fence, always select products labeled “outdoor.” Hybrid products, labeled indoor-outdoor, are not necessarily a best-of-both-worlds solution. They typically provide limited resistance to things such as intense UV rays. They are good candidates for items that are used outside, but stored indoors.

Aesthetic Qualities

The appearance of a piece of furniture, hardwood floor, or deck is a driving force when selecting wood finishing products. Paints add color that conceals the natural wood. They can be an excellent choice when revitalizing an item that suffers from wood discoloration and significant blemishes. On the other end of the spectrum, clear polyurethanes augment natural wood grains and the distinctive color of the lumber. The same holds true of oils and wax products.

Occupying a middle ground, stains infuse color. Deep penetrating stains also extend the longevity of wood. This class of wood finishes can come with polyurethane to add a protective coating. The point is to envision how you want the piece or project to look as a jumping-off point in the wood finishing process.

Wood Finish Application Process

Different wood finishes call for suitable and distinctive application processes. Staining products may be applied by using a clean cloth, dabbing the liquid on the surface, and then rubbing it in. Paints can be applied by employing standard brushes, rollers, sponges, and even cloth dabbing in some cases. It’s also not unusual for people to use a sprayer to cover large areas with paint more quickly. Brushes are considered the go-to option for finishing an item with water- or oil-based polyurethane.

During the planning stage, consider the space you’ll be administering the wood finish because these products give off odors that can result in headaches and nausea. Oil-based products give off the harshest smells, and they can have a significant impact on your health. That’s why it is critical to ensure the space is adequately ventilated to accommodate the type of wood finish you plan to employ.

Drying Considerations

How long a product takes to dry has a significant impact on wood finishing projects. Drying times affect how long an item must be stored in a dust-free environment. They also determine how soon second and third coats can be added. Of equal importance, drying times are linked to intense and lingering wood finish odors. These are approximate wood finish drying times to consider.

• Oil-Based Wood Finishes: This finish class typically requires a full 48 hours for a single coat to dry. Users also find that oil fumes can linger for at least 72 hours. If you plan to apply oil-based polyurethane or paint on walls or floors, plan to stay out of the home for a few days.
• Water-Based Wood Finishes: The expediency of water-based products makes them a favorite for DIYers. Taking only a few hours to dry, second and even third coats can be added in a single day, depending on environmental conditions. Water-based products typically come with a minimal smell that doesn’t linger long after they dry.
• Oil Wood Finishes: Products such as tung oil dry very quickly, usually within an hour. You can simply wipe away any excess oil, and the project will appear ready for use. Truth be told, this class of wood finishing products can take two weeks to a month to fully cure.

Although wax is not a popular wood finish option, some furniture makers value its aesthetic qualities. Clear finishing wax takes only a few hours to dry, depending on temperature and humidity. A grace period of at least eight hours is advisable before adding a second coat. Hard wax products generally need 48 hours to dry. However, hard wax usually requires two weeks to cure fully.

Different Types of Wood Finishes to Consider

If you have walked the wood finish aisle at your local home center, you may have noticed the head-spinning number of available options. Deciding without foreknowledge about the different types of wood finishes is virtually impossible. Either you will need to bend the ear of the associate working in the paint and stain aisle, or get a quick education on the subject. Knowing these are fundamental aspects of wood finishes can help you make an informed decision.

Stain Wood Finish

Ranking among the most versatile wood finishes, stains are effective for use indoors and out. They are widely employed on backyard decks, fencing, wood clapboard siding, and the majority of natural-wood furniture. Stain offers protection from water, UV rays, and help prevent cracking, dry rot, warping, and signs of aging. Considered a cost-effective option, stains come in a wide range of colors. Some are integrated with polyurethane to simplify the wood finishing process.

Paint Wood Finish

Today’s paint products far outpace the color palette of stains. Although this class of wood finishes does not penetrate as deeply as stains, paints cover the wood with a highly protective coat. Often used to transform items such as decks, fences, house siding, furniture, and floors, paint offers users a rare creative opportunity. In terms of finishing wood, paints change the surface to preferred colors, hues, and tints that reflect personal taste.

Oil Wood Finish

Oil wood finishes remain the preferred choice among people who gravitate to the most natural-looking appearance possible. Deep-penetrating oils protect against warping, cracking, and swelling due to humidity. Commonly used products include Tung, linseed oil, Danish oil, and cedar oil. Each of these wood finishes offers slightly different benefits, ranging from the type of sheen to the natural aroma.

Polyurethane Wood Finish

Polyurethane ranks among the most popular wood finishing products on the market today. Consumers can choose from water- or oil-based products and an expansive color palette. Like stains and paints, polyurethane offers flat, semi-gloss, and gloss options for indoor and outdoor projection. Tradespeople and DIYers employ clear coats of polyurethane in conjunction with favorite stains. And when a valued piece of furniture or hardwood floor starts to lose its luster, a light sanding and a quick coat of polyurethane can bring it back to life.

Shellac Wood Finish

This naturally occurring resin is secreted from a tiny bug primarily found in Thailand and India. It is comprised of aleuritic, jalaric, and shellac acids and possesses natural waxing abilities. Popular during the 1800s and 1900s, it has lost some of its appeal due to rising cost and the emergence of innovative wood finishing products. Keep in mind that shellac is not very heat- or water-resistant. However, it provides a serene glow that enhances the naturally attractive grain found in walnut and mahogany.

Lacquer Wood Finish

Combining wood finishing products such as shellac, urushiol, or nitrocellulose, lacquer offers an intense sheen and excellent protection against water damage, staining, and other common problems. This wood finishing option tends to be underused because it can prove difficult to apply and comes with a level of toxicity. Lacquer is best applied with a sprayer. However, it continues to find a place coating doors and shelves, among others.

Varnish Wood Finish

Due to its resistance to moisture and UV radiation, varnish enjoys strong consideration for outdoor use. Popular varnish products are usually transparent, with some possessing yellow or orange tints. It’s also a darling for woodworkers and artisans when crafting durable tabletops and softwoods prone to scratching.

Wax Wood Finish

Easy to apply, wax enjoys prominence when finishing fine wooden furniture. It can be used with a specialized cloth, brush, or spray gun to improve its resilience to environmental conditions. It also provides a respectable level of resistance to stains, abrasions, and the harmful effects of humidity. It’s essential to consider the long-term implications of applying wax to a piece of fine furniture or other items. It can be tough to remove if you want to strip and repurpose the item later.

Dye Wood Finishes

Wood dyes are not necessarily a mainstream way to change the complexion of an item. Dyes allow DIYers and craftspeople to infuse vibrant colors into wood to dazzle the senses. Some can curb the differences in wood grain pigments on a single board or cross-cut timber slab. If you are considering a dye to complete a project, keep in mind that it'll likely require a clear sealant to protect the integrity of the wood.

How to Prepare Wood for Finishing or Refinishing

The surface of a newly-minted or previously finished item must be ready to accept the new wood finish. If the surface has specks of paint, stains, or impurities, it cannot properly bond with the finish. That means your project may not attain the aesthetic beauty and durability it deserves. These are steps to prepare new lumber and refurbish others.

• Remove Surface Matter: Preparing new lumber usually requires light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. The idea is to remove the patina and allow stains, paints, polyurethane, or other wood finishing products to be fully absorbed. Repurposed items may require coarser grits to reach bare wood. In some cases, thinners, solvents or chemical strippers may be necessary to clear away hard-to-attack areas.
• Clean the Surface: If solvents or strippers were used, you'll need to thoroughly cleanse the surface to extricate the chemicals. That’s because they can negatively affect the wood finishes, leading to an inconsistent appearance. Otherwise, wipe down the surface with a moist cloth and wait for it to dry.
• Test Your Wood Finish Product: Paints, stains, lacquers, and other wood finishing products are likely to undergo settling while they sit idle. Unless they are thoroughly mixed, you will struggle to get a consistent and accurate coating. Have the product professionally mixed and stir it before and while applying it. Then, test the color and consistency on a piece of scrap before using it.
• Apply the Wood Finish: Apply the finish as directed by the product instructions. Let it dry until it meets or exceeds the recommended time, and you are satisfied it’s ready for another coat. Note that most finishes take longer to dry during days with high humidity. And some products require a light sanding between applications.

Once you have applied the number of coats needed to produce a quality, durable finish, consider the curing time. In other words, don’t walk on a hardwood floor or use a refinished table until the particular wood finish has fully cured.

Unique Wood Finishing Techniques

Straightforward finishing and refinishing approaches leave diligent people with elegant furniture, floors, decks and fences that are the envy of friends and family. Simply prepare the surface and follow the fundamental wood finishing steps. If you want to take your skills to the next level, consider these advanced wood finishing techniques.

• Distressed Wood Finishes: Consumers pay extra to purchase distressed lumber. You may be surprised to learn the technique is not overly elaborate. Stab or scour the material with a wire brush. Hit it with chains, punch in dimples with a nail set. Use steel wool pads soaked in vinegar for 10 hours to rub the item down. Clean away the vinegar and sand it down to eliminate any rough points. The lumber will take on a chemically stained appearance that you can cover with clear polyurethane or light paint.
• Whitewashing: This economical practice involves mixing latex paint with an equal amount of water. After prepping and sanding the wood surface, apply a light coat using a brush, sponge, or clean white rag. Clear away the white wash with a fresh rag or paper towel and repeat. Once it achieves the look you desire, let it dry. It may be prudent to apply a clear polyurethane coat later to protect the whitewash. This wood finishing strategy can also be carried out using water-based, solid-color stains.
• Antique Finishes: Making new furniture look old can be a fun and rewarding project. One tried-and-true technique is the “crackle finish.” Purchase a standard crackle product from your hardware store or home building materials outlet. The labeling will speak to how much of the product to apply. Then, you paint directly onto the crackle product application. The paint overlay will show signs that look like the cracks in antique furniture. Again, it may be a good idea to complete the wood finishing project with a protective clear coat.
• Burned Wood Finishes: This strategy requires significant tool skills and safety knowledge to perform. It involves using a propane torch to scorch the wood surface. Once charred, the surface is lightly sanded or wiped down sufficiently to apply a product such as a stain, polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, or other option. The burned area serves as a foil that offsets the natural or colored finish areas. It’s a unique way to create an eye-catching finish.

It’s crucial to follow proper safety precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing. If you feel that a wood finishing project exceeds your ability to complete it safely, contact a professional.