Choosing the Right Finish

Your furniture may be exactly what you need but it may not have the look that you were going for. There are so many different types of finishes to choose from that you are sure to find at least one that will create a look that you are proud of. In this post, we will look at some of the different types of finishes and the pros and cons of each. Before we do, let’s go over what to take into consideration before you choose the finish that is right for you.

Before you decide how you would like to finish your furniture, carefully think of how often this piece of furniture will be used, the appearance you would like it to have and how valuable the piece of furniture is. For example, you may not want to paint a piece of furniture that is made of a gorgeous wood. Perhaps you would rather use a varnish to protect and show off the wood. In addition, some finishes do not hold up as well as others. So, it is important to take how often the furniture is used into careful consideration. After you have thought about the type of look you are looking for and the type of protection you need, it is time to assess your options.

1. Lacquer

Lacquer is easy to paint or spray on. It is a great finish if you are looking to show off the natural grain of your wood furniture. You can choose from a variety of finishes from high gloss to flat. The main problem with lacquer is that, though it can protect your furniture from wear and tear, it does not do well against spills and it can be scratched easily. If you use it on furniture that is used often, you may need to keep a little extra on hand and reapply more often than other finishes.

2. Varnish

Varnish provides a clear finish to show off your furniture’s natural look. It is more resilient than lacquer, but it does take longer to apply. You have to be careful when applying varnish to your furniture. It is common for people to over brush the varnish, which can actually leave brush marks in the finish. Lastly, varnish does not completely cure until about one month after the application date – so it is important to keep that in mind.

3. Polyurethane

Polyurethane is another clear finish, for showing off your wood. It is even more durable than both varnish and lacquer. The biggest issue that you may come across with polyurethane that you will not come across with lacquer or varnish is the need to strip it and start over if you have applied it improperly. Because of its strength, it can be very difficult to repair scratches and chips in the finish – and even stripping it can be difficult.

4. Shellac

Shellac is mostly used as a top coat to restore time-period pieces. It is a clear finish and it leaves a beautiful shine. Though it is beautiful, it does not stand up to almost any liquids. Because of its susceptibility to damage, it is used most often as a base coat or sealer under finishes like lacquer or varnish.

5. Tung/Danish Oil

Another great choice for showing off natural wood, it is easy to apply, water-resistant and durable. However, it does take a while to apply. To get a smooth finish, you may need to apply several, slow-drying coats. But, it is a great option.

6. Latex Paint

Latex paint is very easy to apply. It is recommended for furniture that will not be used and abused on a daily basis due to the fact that is not the strongest finish. If you are planning on painting your furniture, it is not a bad option. Though, one of the most common issues is the presence of color match problems when trying to repair older pieces.

7. Oil Based Paint

Oil based paint may not be as easy to apply and clean up as latex paint but it is still fairly simple. It is very durable and will withstand the daily use and abuse that latex paint will not. For example, it is a great option for use on children’s furniture. However, it does have the same problems as the latex paint.

As you can see, there are a number of great options to choose from when you are thinking about finishing or refinishing your furniture. Whether you know what you want or not, it is important to decide based on what you need. For example, the easiest finish to apply may not be the most practical for you and your family’s lifestyle. In the same way, the piece of furniture you are finishing may rarely be touched again and it will not need as strong of a finish. No matter the finish you choose, have fun customizing your furniture!