Types of Wood finish
Where Craftsmanship Meets Lasting Luxury
The right finish brings out the natural beauty of wood while protecting it for years to come. Whether you prefer the glossy elegance of lacquer, the warm depth of oil, or the subtle sheen of wax, each finish is carefully applied to enhance the character of the wood.
The types of wood finish below are the 3 main finishes we use for the final requirement needed to produce your perfect piece of furniture. Each finish plays a specific and unique role, providing both protective and aesthetic benefits.
Lacquer Finish
Lacquer is a very popular wood finish with several benefits. It can be applied via brush or spray and is a long lasting choice for protecting all types of wood. It is resistant to most everyday spillages and forms a layer of protection that can withstand moisture, stains and general day to day knocks and prangs!
There are several types of lacquer that can be used, depending on the desired finish. We will of course fully explain which lacquer may be best for your new handmade table of other piece of furniture.
The Advantages of a Lacquer Finish
Enhanced Appearance
Lacquer gives a stunning glossy finish, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Smooth Finish
When lacquer dries it forms a hard and incredibly smooth finish. This produces a silky and polished appearance.
Durability
Lacquer will provide a long lasting and durable protective layer. This helps preserve the natural and original look of the wood and can withstand stains, moisture, scratches and any knocks that may occur to the table.
Fade Resistant
Lacquer provides strong resistant to UV radiation form sunlight. This preserves the colour and appearance of the wood over time.
Ease Of Repair
If scratches to the lacquer occur it is relatively straightforward to repair. Sometimes a fresh coat of lacquer will be enough t
Versatile
Lacquer can be applied to a variety of wood types of all different shapes and sizes. This also includes intricate and unique shapes and styles.
Wax Finish
The application of a wax finish has been traced back to the 14th century. Traditionally, beeswax was used as the final application for floors, musical instruments and of course, furniture. There are now several types of wax that can be used, including beeswax, depending on the finish required.
Unlike Lacquer, wax tends to leave a more matte finish. Furthermore, the protection that wax gives to wood is far less affective than lacquer. However, wax can be buffed to create a slightly glossy effect but will need to be maintained with further application of wax or buffing in the future.
Natural Look
The application of a wax finish produces a warm and soft appearance. The lack of a glossy finish means the natural character of the wood shines through, almost as if no finish has been applied.
Enhanced Contrast
The wax finish can enhance the contrast of the unique character and grain of the wood. This effect gives a rich and appealling appearance.
Easy To Repair
Wax does not protect as well as lacquer, but any scratches or blemishes to the wax can be easily repaired by applying a further layer of wax.
Environmentally Friendly
Most waxes do not contain any harmful chemicals and have as a low toxicity application. The most environmentally friendly option available.
Not For Outdoor Use
Wax offers minimal protection from water or moisture. We wouldn’t recommend it for wooden furniture that is located outdoors.
Extra Protection
Wax can be applied as extra protection over a previous applied finish.
Oil Finish
Several types of oils can be used to enhance and protect wood and due to the varying properties of an oil finish, choosing the right oil is essential. This is something we will of course give guidance on.
Oil will give a more subtle shine than lacquer and is a preferred finish for those looking for a less glossy look to the finished wood.
Grain Enhancement
Oil seeps deep into the wood and enhances both the colour and grain.
Easy To Apply
Apply an oil finish is fairly straightforward and forgiving. Appllication can be made by using a cloth or a brush
Repairability
Oil can be reapplied to an already oil finished surface if scratches or other imperfections are present. The repair can be done by simply reapplying and blending new oil into the previously applied oil finish.
Natural Touch
The application of an oil finish leaves a very natural feel to the touch. This is due to the fact oil does not leave a shiny or plastic like coating.
Moderate Protection
An oil finish does not provide as much moisture protection as lacquer. However, oil will protect wood from moderate spills and moisture.
Matte Finish
Oil will leave a natural and non glossy look when applied to wood. For a matte or very subtle sheen, oil may be a good choice for your requirements.
Comparison of different wood finishes
| Finish | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lacquer | – Very durable and hard-wearing – Resistant to heat, stains, and scratches – Easy to clean | – Harder to repair if damaged – Less “natural” look than oil/wax | |
| Oil | – Enhances the natural grain and colour – Warm, rich appearance – Easy to reapply and refresh | – Less resistant to stains/scratches than lacquer – Needs occasional re-oiling | |
| Wax | – Soft, traditional sheen – Natural feel to the wood – Easy to touch up and reapply | – Least protective finish – Prone to watermarks and scratches – Requires regular upkeep |
frequently asked questions -wood finishes
What is the best finish for an oak table?
There’s no real single “best” finish! it depends on how you use your table and the look you want. Lacquer is the most durable and resistant to scratches and spills. Oil brings out the natural beauty of the wood and can be refreshed easily. Wax gives a soft, traditional feel but requires more regular upkeep.
What are the advantages of a lacquer finish?
Lacquer is tough, highly durable, and very resistant to heat, stains, and everyday wear. It creates a smooth, protective surface that’s easy to clean, making it ideal for busy family dining tables.
Why would I choose an oil finish for my furniture?
Oil penetrates into the wood, enhancing the natural grain and giving a warm, rich look. It’s easy to maintain and you can simply reapply oil when the surface looks dry or dull. The trade off is that oil isn’t as resistant to stains or scratches as lacquer, so it needs a little more care.
What are the pros and cons of a wax finish?
Wax gives a soft, traditional sheen and a natural feel to the wood. It’s the easiest finish to touch up and you can simply reapply wax as needed. However, it offers less protection against spills and scratches than oil or lacquer, so it’s best for lighter use tables.
Which finish is best for a family dining table?
For everyday use, especially in busy households, lacquer is usually the most practical choice because of its durability and ease of cleaning. Oil is also a popular option if you prefer a natural look and don’t mind occasional maintenance. Wax is better suited to occasional use tables.
Is your wood sustainably sourced?
Absolutely. We are committed to sustainability and only use responsibly sourced wood from trusted suppliers, ensuring your furniture is both beautiful and ethical.