Wood Finishing Basics: An Introduction to Finishing for Wood Furniture

Wooden furniture features natural elements, gorgeous grainy patterns and rich colors that can make a great addition to any home’s style. To add even more value and beauty to the pieces in your residence, consider adding our dark tung oil for a natural wood stain look. When it comes to finishing for wood furniture, there are several factors to consider. 

Using an appropriate stain and our finish as a part of periodic preventive maintenance can be a smart strategy that results in furniture pieces that maintain their beauty through the years. Staining wood and adding our unique finish products can be beneficial in so many different ways.

By using the right stain, a homeowner can restore prized furniture and maintain its original beauty. Not only that, it is possible to change the color of existing furniture for a room makeover. While there are many aesthetic benefits to the process, it is important to look at the other advantages as well.

Protect For Long Lasting Beauty

Adding wood stain to a natural grain or a piece with an amber tone adds color and enhances the beauty, be it on bare wood or painted wood. Clear coating protects the wood and enhances its beauty. If the wood is painted, it’s vital that the wood is protected with the best finish.

Most clear finishes have gloss, semi-gloss and satin finishes. Choose the sheen depending on individual tastes. The gloss level affects the appearance of the item but not its durability. Clear surfaces are also known as topcoats and they can help protect your projects against water damage, chemical usage, and daily use. A beautiful finish is going to give your furniture some life

How to Apply a Protective Finish

Almost all finish is applied by brush working along wood grain. Once the water evaporates, you can lightly sand. Remove the dirt and apply another coat of paint. To add durability consider adding another coat.

Types of Wood Finishes

Most common hardwood finishes have three primary varieties: surface finishes, penetration finishes, and surface finishes. Each type has a unique look, so choosing the correct finish is important for this purpose.

The wood finishing process will depend on the quality of the surface, how much sanding or steel wool work is involved, and the look you’re going for. Thick coats of finish applied with a good quality brush is often a good approach.

Waterproof Your Wooden Items

Wood is constantly exposed to moisture. Outdoor furniture can get heavily distressed due to harsh weather conditions. Indoor furniture is often damaged by accidental spills. Staining combined with our finish products can provide a safe, protective barrier to wood by repelling water and moisture from its surface.

Our products can help you extend the life of your wooden furniture, whether it’s used indoors or outdoors. By waterproofing your furniture, you can protect it from damage caused by water and moisture.

Finishing Protects From Damage

Wood can be vulnerable to termites and other pests. Moreover, aging wood is prone to rotting and cracking. Rotten wood can pose structural problems and is irreparable. Furniture can also be exposed to mold and mildew infestation. Discoloration from sunlight is another common concern. Staining wood at an appropriate time can prevent all of these conditions. A high-quality stain combined with our dark tung oil or other finishes can seal cracks and thoroughly coat furniture.

Prepping and Finishing

For many projects it’s essential to sand the wood before applying a finish. A smooth surface will allow for even stain absorption and will give the final product a more polished look. To sand the wood, use a medium-grit sandpaper for large surfaces and a high-grit sandpaper for smaller details and trim. After sanding, use a clean cloth to wipe away any dust.

Once the wood is prepared, it is time to apply the finish. For best results, use a natural bristle brush and work in the direction of the grain. Be sure to apply an even coat and pay special attention to any cracks or crevices. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat, if desired.

Finish can be applied by wiping, or dipping the wood. The method you choose will depend on the type of finish and the piece of furniture. For example, wiping is a good choice for intricate details and small pieces. Dipping is typically used for larger objects like chairs and benches.

A final coat of wood stain applied evenly will bring out the natural appearance of a wood finish. Some people choose to add mineral spirits or sand with a fine steel wool across the entire surface of the furniture, but these steps are optional.

After the finish has been applied, allow it to dry completely before using the furniture. If you are using an oil-based finish, it is best to wait 24 hours before use.

Photo Credit: @figandferniture

Change Your Décor

Whether glossy or matte is the desired finish, the proper oil or milk paint can help achieve exactly that. Moreover, we can point you in the direction of an array of beautiful colors; our varied options give you the flexibility to match any existing furniture to a color scheme or decor. In fact, you can also use a clear finish to preserve furniture in its natural condition.

When it comes to prolonging the life of your furniture and enhancing its value, our finishes can help.