Wood finishes do more than just make your project look good—they protect it from the wear and tear of daily life.
Whether it’s moisture, scratches, or the occasional spill, a proper finish adds durability, while also bringing out the natural beauty of the wood grain. Without a good finish, even the toughest wood can wear down over time.
There are many types of finishes, but they can all be grouped into two main categories: those that penetrate the wood and those that stay on the surface.
Both types have their perks, so knowing the difference will help you choose the right one for your project.
Let’s break down the most common options and what makes each unique.
Penetrating Finishes
Penetrating finishes soak into the wood fibers, offering protection from within rather than just sitting on the surface. These finishes enhance the natural beauty of the wood, while also providing durability.
They’re often favored by woodworkers who want a natural look and feel, and they’re a great option for projects that need flexibility and long-lasting protection.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is one of the most widely used penetrating finishes due to its ability to deeply nourish the wood. It seeps into the fibers, creating a soft, matte finish that highlights the grain while providing moisture resistance.
While it takes time to cure, the result is a classic look that’s perfect for traditional furniture or vintage pieces. Linseed oil also darkens the wood slightly, giving it a rich, warm tone over time.
Tung Oil
For a finish that offers more protection, especially against water, tung oil is the go-to choice. It’s a bit more durable than linseed oil and provides a flexible yet hard finish. Tung oil is ideal for outdoor furniture or any piece that may encounter water or humidity.
It cures to a satin sheen, enhancing the wood’s natural character while offering long-lasting resilience.
Eco-Friendliness of Natural Oils
Both linseed and tung oil are popular among environmentally conscious woodworkers. Extracted from natural sources—flaxseed for linseed oil and the tung tree for tung oil—these finishes are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
They’re biodegradable and safe for indoor use, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to minimize their environmental footprint while still achieving professional-quality results.
Surface Finishes
Surface finishes are designed to create a protective layer on top of the wood, rather than soaking into it. These finishes are ideal when you need a durable barrier to protect the wood from moisture, scratches, and daily wear and tear.
Surface finishes are commonly used in high-traffic areas or on furniture that needs a polished, refined look. Let’s explore two of the most popular options: lacquer and varnish.
Lacquer
Lacquer is known for its fast-drying properties and its ability to create a high-gloss finish. This makes it a favorite for fine furniture and cabinetry. The application of lacquer usually requires a spray gun, as it’s formulated for thin, even coats.
Multiple coats can be applied in a short time, allowing for a smooth, polished surface. Because of its glossy finish, lacquer is great for modern furniture designs where a sleek, reflective look is desired. However, it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong.
Varnish
For projects that need more protection, especially in outdoor or high-traffic areas, varnish is a great choice. It’s durable and offers excellent resistance to water, heat, and UV light, which makes it perfect for outdoor furniture, decks, or any wood that will be exposed to the elements.
Varnish typically dries slower than lacquer, and it’s applied with a brush rather than a sprayer, giving you more control over the process. The result is a thick, hard coating that can last for years with proper maintenance.
Application Flexibility
One of the key differences between lacquer and varnish is how they’re applied. Lacquer works best when sprayed, which gives a flawless, even coat but requires specialized equipment.
Varnish, on the other hand, can be applied with a brush, making it a more accessible option for DIY projects or woodworkers without a spray setup. The flexibility in application allows you to choose the best method based on the tools at hand and the type of project.
Specialty and Hybrid Finishes
Specialty and hybrid finishes offer a blend of unique characteristics, combining elements from both penetrating and surface finishes. These finishes are often chosen for their ease of application, environmental benefits, or specific aesthetic qualities.
Whether you're looking for a clear, protective coat or a finish that’s easy to maintain, specialty finishes provide excellent alternatives to traditional methods.
Water-Based Finishes
Water-based finishes are increasingly popular due to their low environmental impact and ease of use. They dry quickly and have low odor, making them suitable for indoor applications.
One of the key benefits of water-based finishes is their clear coat, which doesn’t alter the natural color of the wood. This makes them perfect for light-colored woods where you want to maintain the original tone without yellowing over time.
In addition, they’re easy to clean up with just soap and water, making them a favorite for quick and efficient woodworking projects.
Wax Finishes
Wax finishes provide a soft, natural sheen and are often used to enhance the wood’s texture rather than cover it. Waxes, such as beeswax or carnauba wax, can be applied easily with a cloth, and they buff out to a beautiful, subtle luster.
Unlike other finishes, wax doesn’t form a hard shell but offers enough protection for low-traffic items like decorative pieces or rustic furniture.
One of the biggest advantages of wax is how easy it is to reapply—over time, if the finish dulls, you can simply add another coat of wax without the need for sanding or stripping.
Eco-Friendly Solutions
For woodworkers concerned about health and the environment, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) options like water-based and wax finishes are a breath of fresh air—literally.
These products emit fewer harmful fumes during application, making them safer to work with indoors and in enclosed spaces.
They also have a lower environmental impact, which is important for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint while still achieving a high-quality finish.
Choosing low-VOC finishes doesn’t mean sacrificing durability or appearance; in fact, these finishes often rival their traditional counterparts in both performance and longevity.
... and of course with all of your woodworking projects and valuable furniture, if you are looking to add an extra layer of protection, we always recommend The Wood Pro Kit from N3 Nano Finishing:
Choosing the Perfect Wood Finish for Your Project
When it comes to picking the right wood finish, think about where and how your project will be used. If you’re working on outdoor furniture, a durable finish like varnish or tung oil is a smart choice since it’ll stand up to the elements.
For indoor pieces, you might lean towards a lacquer for its high-gloss finish or linseed oil for a natural, matte look.
Balancing the aesthetic with the practical side is key. A shiny lacquer might look great on a dining room table but may not be the best for a rustic coffee table where you want to showcase the wood’s raw beauty.
And don’t forget to always test the finish on a small, inconspicuous area before committing—it’s the best way to make sure the finish meets your expectations both in terms of looks and protection.
No matter which finish you choose, it’s all about finding the balance between protecting your wood and letting its natural beauty shine through.
So whether you’re restoring a family heirloom or working on your latest DIY project, picking the right finish will ensure your work looks great for years to come.