Woodworkers have plenty of choices when it comes to finishing a project. That's good news—until you're standing in front of a shelf full of cans trying to decide which one to use.
The key to choosing the best wood finish isn't finding one finish that's superior to everything else. It's matching the characteristics of the finish to the needs of your project.
A decorative box doesn't require the same protection as a kitchen table. A finish that's easy to wipe onto a small project may not be the best choice for a large tabletop. And the warm amber color that's beautiful on one species of wood might not be what you want on another.
Once you understand what the major types of wood finish bring to the table, the choice becomes much easier.
What Should You Look for in a Wood Finish?
I like to evaluate a finish using three basic criteria: appearance, application, and protection.
Appearance. A finish can dramatically change the look of wood. Some add a warm amber tone and emphasize the grain, while others leave the wood much closer to its natural color.
Sheen matters, too. Depending on the finish and formulation, the final surface can range from matte to a high gloss.
Ease of Application. Consider how you want to apply the finish.
Some finishes are nearly foolproof when wiped on with a cloth. Others are normally brushed or sprayed and require more practice to apply successfully.
Drying time also matters. A fast-drying finish can allow several coats in a relatively short period, while a slower finish gives you more working time but extends the finishing schedule.
Protection and Durability. Finally, think about how the project will be used.
Does it need to resist moisture? Will it be handled frequently? Does it need to withstand scratches and abrasion?
The more demanding the project, the more important the protective qualities of the finish become.
Pure Oil Finish
A pure oil finish, such as linseed oil or tung oil, is one of the simplest finishes to apply.
The basic process is straightforward: Apply the oil, allow it to penetrate the wood, and wipe away the excess according to the product directions.
What an Oil Finish Looks Like
Oil adds a warm, amber color that can bring out the grain and figure of many woods.
It doesn't build much of a film on the surface, however, so don't expect a thick or highly polished appearance. The resulting sheen is generally subdued and natural looking.
How Much Protection Does Oil Provide?
Protection is the tradeoff.
A pure oil finish doesn't build the same protective film as varnish, regardless of how many coats are applied. As a result, its resistance to moisture and abrasion is limited.
That makes oil better suited to lighter-duty projects where easy application and appearance are more important than maximum protection.
Best For: Decorative projects and other woodworking that won't receive a lot of wear.
Oil/Varnish Blend
An oil/varnish blend combines oil and varnish, traditionally along with a solvent.
The result retains many of the characteristics that make an oil finish appealing while adding some of the protection of varnish.
Application is still straightforward, and the finish produces a warm appearance similar to a pure oil.
The varnish component adds some additional protection and allows the finish to form a thin film. But it's still a relatively soft, thin finish compared with a full film-building varnish.
Best For: Projects that benefit from easy application and a warm appearance but only need moderate protection.
Wiping Varnish
A wiping varnish takes the ease-of-application idea another step toward a traditional varnish.
The method we recommend for wiping varnish is a varnish thinned approximately 1:1 with mineral spirits, creating a fluid finish that can be applied with a rag rather than a brush.
Because wiping varnish dries faster than an oil finish, you'll need to work efficiently when applying it and removing the excess.
The payoff is more film build and protection than you'd typically get from oil alone.
Wiping varnish also adds amber color and can build a noticeable sheen as additional coats are applied.
Best For: General woodworking projects where you want a combination of relatively easy application, warm color, and moderate protection.
Shellac
Shellac is a traditional finish made from natural resin dissolved in alcohol.
One of its biggest advantages is fast drying time. A coat can dry quickly enough that you're able to sand and recoat without the long wait associated with some other finishes.
That characteristic also makes shellac useful as a sealer beneath other finishes.
Shellac is available in different tones, ranging from relatively clear to distinctly amber. It can add warmth to the wood and build to a high sheen.
Its resistance to moisture and scratches isn't as high as more durable film finishes, however.
Best For: Classic furniture, decorative projects, and projects that won't be subjected to heavy wear.
Lacquer
Lacquer combines synthetic resins with fast-evaporating solvents. Its fast drying time is one of lacquer's defining characteristics, but it also means that lacquer is commonly associated with spray application.
A lacquer finish builds a smooth film with only a slight amber tone. It's available in a range of sheens from matte through high gloss.
The finished film provides useful moisture protection and good overall durability.
The tradeoff is the application process. Lacquer's strong odor and powerful solvents, make the finishing environment and appropriate safety precautions especially important.
Best For: Furniture and other woodworking projects where spray equipment and an appropriate finishing environment are available.
Water-Based Wood Finish
Water-based finishes use water as the primary carrier for the finish resins.
One of their biggest advantages is fast drying time. They can be sprayed, brushed, or padded onto the surface.
One consideration for water-based finishes is brushing successfully requires some practice because the quick drying time gives you less opportunity to work the finish.
Another consideration is grain raising. Because you're putting a water-based product on the wood, the surface fibers can swell and stand up.
How Water-Based Finish Affects Wood Color
One of the most noticeable differences between water-based and oil-based finishes is color.
A water-based finish generally adds much less amber coloration. That can be an advantage when you want to preserve the natural appearance of the wood.
On woods where you want more warmth or color, we suggest using a stain or sealer first.
We rate water-based finishes highly for their ability to withstand everyday use.
Best For: Projects where you want fast drying, good durability, and minimal amber coloration.
Varnish and Polyurethane
If durability and protection are at the top of the list, a film-building varnish is an important option.
Polyurethane varnish forms a tough protective film that provides strong resistance to moisture, heat, scratches, and everyday wear.
The finish can also add a light amber tone that warms the appearance of the wood.
There are tradeoffs. A heavily built polyurethane finish can start to take on a thicker, more plastic-like appearance. And because varnish dries more slowly than some other finishes, dust control becomes more important.
But for a project that needs substantial protection, those disadvantages may be worthwhile.
Best For: High-use furniture such as kitchen tables, dining tables, coffee tables, and other surfaces that need greater resistance to moisture and abrasion.
Wood Finish Comparison Chart
For a quick reference, here's how the finishes in this article compare:
What's the Best Wood Finish?
There's no single best wood finish for every project. Instead, start by deciding which characteristics matter most:
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If you want easy application and rich color, an oil or oil/varnish finish may fit the project.
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If fast drying is important, shellac, lacquer, or a water-based finish offers advantages.
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If you want to maintain a lighter, more natural wood color, consider a water-based finish.
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If maximum durability and protection are your priorities, a film-building varnish such as polyurethane is a strong candidate.
Choosing a finish becomes much simpler once you stop asking, “Which finish is best?” and instead ask, “What does this project need from its finish?”
Match the appearance, application method, and level of protection to the project, and you'll have a much better starting point for choosing the right finish.
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