Find Your Perfect Wood Finish

What are Wood Finishes?

Wood finishes are protective and decorative coatings applied to wooden surfaces whose purpose is to improve their beauty and durability. Wood finish can vary from a simple penetrating oil that enters into wooden surface, to much more complex varnishes and lacquers that are formulated to dry quickly to form a hard shell. Not only do these finishes provide protection from moisture, UV rays, and wear but they also allow the natural beauty and character of wood to shine through making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Types of Wood Finishes

There are two types of wood finishes, finishes that penetrate the wood surface and the just acts as finish for the top surface. Both of them have different benefits and uses, which we'll learn about below -

1. Penetrating Surfaces

   Penetrating wood finish paint get absorbed into the wooden surface, which helped to create a protective layer internally and also maintain the natural look of the wood. These finishes help tp make the wood's grain and texture standout and usually have low sheen level. The different types of penetrating wood finishes are Linseed Oil, Tung Oil, Teak Oil and Wax.

   • Linseed Oil

   Derived from flax seeds, linseed oil penetrates deeply, providing a warm, amber tone and improves the wood grain.

   • Tung Oil

   It is a natural oil finish that hardens upon drying, which helps make it water resistance and a durable, matte finish. 

   • Teak Oil

   It is a penetrating oil which is specifically rich oily woods (like teak),  which provides water resistance and UV protection.

   • Wax

   Often applied over oil finishes, wax gives a soft, low-sheen look, protecting against moisture but not as durable as other finishes.

 

2. Surface Finishes

   Surface wood finish paint for wall frames and other wooden surfaces, are usually used to form a layer of protection for the wood surface, and makes it more durable. The different types  of Surface wood finishes are Lacquer, Polyurethane, Varnish, and Shellac.

   • Lacquer

   It is a durable, quick-drying finish that offers a high-gloss or satin sheen and is resistant to water and heat.

   • Polyurethane

   It is a popular, highly durable finish that provides excellent protection against moisture, scratches, and wear, available in glossy or matte.

   • Varnish

   It is a clear, hard finish that provides strong protection, with varying levels of gloss; used often for outdoor furniture.

   • Shellac

   It is a natural finish that dries quickly, giving a warm tone and medium gloss, but is less resistant to heat and moisture.

Difference Between a Wood Finish & Wood Stain

Factors to Consider while Choosing the Right Finish

When selecting from different wood finishes, consider factors like the type of wood, the project's purpose, desired appearance, and budget

Type of Wood

The type of wood you are working with significantly impacts the choice of finish. Hardwoods like oak and walnut are dense and may require finishes that penetrate deeply, such as oils or stains. Softer woods, such as pine, absorb finishes more readily and might benefit from a sealant or varnish to protect them from wear. Matching the finish to the wood type ensures the best protection and visual appeal.

Project Type

The nature of the project influences the appropriate wood finish. For indoor furniture, finishes like varnish or lacquer provide a smooth, durable surface. Outdoor projects require finishes with added UV protection and water resistance, such as marine varnish or specialized outdoor oils. Craft projects may benefit from a simple wax or oil finish to highlight the wood's natural characteristics.

Desired Finish Look

The desired aesthetic impacts the choice of wood finish types. For a rich, dark appearance, a walnut finish is ideal. A lacquer finish offers a durable, glossy finish, while gloss paint for wood provides a vibrant, high-shine look. Clear varnish for wood enhances the natural grain, offering a glossy wood finish. For a subtle effect, a wood finish matte or satin wood finish provides a low-sheen look. A wood oil finish or natural wood finish brings out the wood's innate beauty. A burned wood finish gives a rustic, distressed wood finish feel. You can take a look at our Wood Finish Visualizer  to get a better understanding of the final look. 

Budget

Budget constraints influence the wood finishes types you choose. High-end finishes like lacquer or speciality varnishes can be more costly but offer superior durability and appearance. More affordable options include oils and waxes, which provide good protection and enhance wood's natural beauty. Balancing cost with quality ensures you get a durable and attractive finish within your budget

Wood Finish Application Tips

1. Get all your workplace supplies

Before you get started make sure you have have all the supplies you require brushes, wood finish paint, sandpaper and everything you might require to create the perfect, smooth wood finish.

2. Use the right brush

Brushes while painting the wooden surface can seem like an intermediary thing, however selecting the right brush is essential. Based on the type of wood finish paint being used, the type of surface being painted you can determine the type of brush , the size, the quality and more.

3. Safety Always Comes First

Make sure you take all the precautions and safety tips given to you by the company while using wood paint finish and any other product required for the process.

4. Things to Keep in Mind for Better Results

Make sure you follow all the pre-painting steps such as cleaning and removing all the dust from the surface, make sure you sand off any loose dust particles and any other steps that are required. 

How to tell which type of finish is on the Furniture?

Each wood finishes types have a different type of finish and look, here are a few hints to understand which type of finish is applied on your furniture:

Shiny or Glossy Surface: Often indicates a polyurethane or lacquer finish.

Soft, Warm Feel: Shellac and varnish tend to have a warm, softer feel.

Hard, Cool Feel: Polyurethane and lacquer finishes are usually harder and cooler to the touch.

Matte or Satin Finish: May indicate an oil finish (e.g., linseed or tung oil) or wax, as these often have a less shiny appearance.

How can the Asian Paints Wood Finish Selection Tool Help you?

The Asian Paints Wood Finish Selection Tool simplifies the process of choosing the perfect finish by providing detailed information on various wood finish types for specific types of wood surfaces. Whether you're looking for a gloss paint for wood for a sleek, shiny look, or a matt finish, this tool helps you make an informed decision. By considering your specific needs and preferences, the tool ensures you select the most suitable finish for your project, saving time and enhancing results.