Finishes

Finishes

1. Clear Coat Varnish

   • A varnish is a transparent, hard protective finish or film. Varnish is traditionally a combination of a drying oil, a resin and a thinner or solvent
   • Positives
     • Wood varnish doesn't cover the grain of the wood furniture. In fact varnish soaks into the wood finish to enhance the natural wood color in furniture and also protect it from dirt, sunlight and water. Varnish offers one of the most natural looks of any product available. Varnish is also easy to apply and can be more forgiving in that brushstrokes are not nearly as visible as they are with paint or shellac.
   • Negatives
     • Although varnish provides a deep and natural wood grain finish, it can also dull or yellow over time. This is especially true if the furniture is placed beside a window or an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight. You must also take great care when mixing varnish; if you shake it instead of stirring, bubbles will be present when you apply the finish. Finally, cleanup of varnish will require lacquer thinner or mineral spirits. Some other types of finishes can be cleaned up with water.

2. Wood Stain

   • Definition- A stain is defined as any transparent or translucent agent used to colour wood. Unlike paint, which has a pigment suspended in a binder, the colouring agent in stain is a dye that is dissolved in liquid. Thus, the colour penetrates into the wood fibres, rather than resting on the surface like paint does.
   • Positives
     • A wood stain protects against all weather and ensures the wood doesn't spoil. It also is easy to apply and can be more forgiving in that brushstrokes are not nearly as visible as they are with paints or acrylic. There is no need to apply any sort of primer beforehand. It allows for customization as paint does with different colours and tints available.
   • Negatives
     • When applied, it hides the natural colour of the wood, which for an expensive and beautiful wood such as ash, this is a drawback. although wood stain gives a nice finish while preserving the natural grain of the wood, it can dull or yellow over time

3. Natural

   • Definition- This process is simply leaving the wood in its natural state.
   • Positives
     • It requires no more cost in additional materials unlike all the other choices. But the main positive of this finish is that it gives a unique look which has gotten very popular in recent years. The fashion of having reclaimed, unfinished wood in a household is flourishing at the moment so makes a good selling point to a widening market.
   • Negatives
     • If something is spilt on the natural wood such as coffee, it will stain the wood and cannot be recovered. This is also true of the natural oils that our body produces on human skin, this will stain the wood yellow over time.

4. Painted

   • Definition- A paint is not just used for protection of the wood but it is also used for its aesthetic value, sometimes used as a way of matching other product in the house or garden
   • Positives
     • When painted, the surface is very easy to clean. It also is protected from all types of weather and is very durable against ultraviolet light which is present in the sunlight. Available in container, ready to use. Tough durable and stain resistant and can withstand frequent cleaning without losing brightness. Washable and washing capability is more than that of polished surface. Flows well and provides a durable finish that lasts for years. Used for both interior and exterior applications. Provides smoothness and brightness to the surface.
   • Negatives
     • Paints face the problems like peeling, cracking and flaking. It takes much time to dry.