Whether you own wooden furniture or installations or you’re a hobby woodworker, you’ll have to finish or refinish wood throughout the house at some point. The weather will affect floors, doors, window frames, and outside wood fixtures. As a result, you should treat them regularly—usually once a year. Furniture, cabinets, and decorative things may not experience as much wear and tear as other items. Still, they do require some protection. Furthermore, most finishes improve the beauty of the wood. Here are some of the most vital tips for selecting the perfect wood finish!

Choose Between Color vs. Colorless Wood Finish

The first step in selecting a wood treatment is determining whether you want a colored or colorless finish. Paint or lacquer are the finishes of choice if you want your wooden piece to have a gleaming appearance. However, some people prefer to keep the wood's inherent beauty. A colorless finish, such as oil or polyurethane, might be the best option in this scenario. Most treatments protect the wood's surface and enhance its color and character.

Consider How Much Sheen You Like

After you've determined whether to use a color or a colorless finish, you'll need to figure out how much sheen you want it to have. In a nutshell, sheen refers to how much light a treated surface reflects. Most finishing compounds come in various sheen options, from matte to satin to semi-gloss to high-gloss. For example, oils frequently have a matte or satin finish, whereas lacquer has a glossy finish.

Think About Application and Drying Time

Different finishes require different application methods. Some materials require multiple coatings (such as oils), whereas others just require one (such as lacquer and paint). Some need the use of a cloth or brush, which requires some expertise. But these tools are easy to acquire. Spraying lacquer and some types of polyurethane is also an option. While this is a quick and convenient method, it does necessitate some training. If you’re an untrained sprayer, though, then the extra time required for cleanup could eat up the time saved during application. Make sure you consider the drying time when selecting a finish as well. Some types dry in a matter of hours, while others take a few days. You should also consider whether the product's use criteria align with your available time.

Know That Oil and Stains Enhance the Natural Appearance

Oil is definitely an excellent choice if you love the natural look of wood and the surface in question doesn’t require lots of protection. Furniture and cabinet finishes like Danish oil and Teak oil are popular. They're usually a mix of natural and synthetic components because these combinations improve durability and application. However, Tung oil and Hemp oil are entirely natural alternatives.

We hope you have enjoyed our tips for selecting the perfect wood finish. If you’re seeking wooden furniture legs for sale, be sure to reach out to Bear Hollow Supply today!