How to Select the Right Finish for Your Furniture
Choosing the perfect finish for your furniture is a crucial decision that can enhance its appearance, protect it from damage, and increase its longevity. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider factors such as aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and compatibility with the wood type. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right finish for your furniture, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting result.
Know your options
Before diving into the selection process, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of finishes available. The most common options include oil-based finishes, water-based finishes, lacquers, varnishes, and shellacs. Each type has its own characteristics and application methods, making them suitable for specific furniture pieces and desired outcomes. Oil-based finishes provide a rich, warm appearance and are easy to apply. Water-based finishes are low in odour and dry quickly. Lacquers offer excellent durability and a smooth finish. Varnishes provide a high level of protection and a glossy look. Shellacs are known for their versatility and ability to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Think of aesthetics and wood type
The aesthetics of your furniture play a significant role in selecting the right finish. Determine whether you want a clear or tinted finish and the desired level of sheen. Additionally, consider the type of wood used in your furniture. Some finishes work better on certain wood species than others. For instance, open-grained woods like oak and ash benefit from finishes that penetrate the wood, such as oil-based finishes. Close-grained woods like maple and cherry can be enhanced with lacquers or varnishes that provide a protective layer on the surface.
Keep durability and maintenance in mind
The durability and maintenance requirements of the finish are crucial factors to consider, especially for furniture that will be subjected to heavy use or placed in high-traffic areas. For enhanced durability, consider finishes resistant to scratches, moisture, and heat. Polyurethane-based finishes are known for their durability and are a popular choice for heavily used furniture. On the other hand, oil-based finishes may require periodic reapplication to maintain their protective qualities.
Leave it to the professionals
Before committing to a particular finish, it’s advisable to test samples on a small, inconspicuous area of your furniture to evaluate the colour, sheen, and overall appearance. This lets you see how the finish interacts with the wood and determine if it meets your expectations.
We refurbish and repair your existing pieces
Wild Woodworking is the Lower Mainland’s go-to for furniture repair. Since 1994, we have been enhancing and ensuring that your furniture is exactly as you like it. How our homes and personal spaces look and feel can directly affect our moods. Don’t let dingy or outdated furniture bring you down. We have the knowledge and experience to re-create your existing furniture pieces, ensuring durability and longevity.
No job is too big or too small. We will work with you, providing our professional opinion and expertise to ensure that your finished furniture meets your exact specifications and expectations. If you want to learn more about how our experience with custom furniture finishing can help you with your next furniture project, contact us to learn more about our services, pricing, and availability.