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Choosing the right wood finish for your project can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and they all look amazing. If you’re not careful, you could end up settling on a finish that isn’t the best match for your design aesthetic. To help make this process easier, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of some of the most popular and beautiful finishes available today to get you started on finding the perfect one for you.
Summary of The Top Best Finishes on Amazon
What Is A Wood Finish?
A wood finish is a coating that provides protection and aesthetic beauty to the surface of a piece of furniture or home decor item. Wood finishes can be applied with brushes, sprayers, or by wiping on using rags. The most common types are polyurethane, lacquer, waxes (natural & synthetic), oil-based products, water-based products, and shellacs.
Why Do You Need A Wood Finish?
Although unfinished wood is a popular choice for furniture and home decor because of its rustic charm, it does require some treatment to protect the surface from spills and stains. Not all finishes are created equal – different types will offer varying degrees of protection against water, heat, alcohol-based products (perfumes & colognes), oily products (cooking & body oils), and other liquids that could damage or discolor your wood.
Effect of Finish on Wood
The finish you choose will greatly impact how your wood looks, both aesthetically and practically. Some finishes have more sheen or depth than others – for example, lacquer tends to be shiny while oil-based products tend to make wood look much darker. Additionally, some types of finishes are easier to maintain because they can withstand heat and water.
What Are Some Different Types Of Wood Finishes?
There are just too many types of wood finishes to list here. However, some of the most common include oil-based polyurethane varnish, lacquer, waxes (natural & synthetic), shellac, chalk paint, milk paint, and water-based polyurethane.
1. Oil-Based Wood Finish
Oil-based wood finishes are some of the most popular choices among DIY enthusiasts and professional furniture refinishers. They offer superior protection against water, heat, alcohol-based products (perfumes & colognes), oily products (cooking & body oils), and other liquids that could damage or discolor your wood.
There are many different types of oil-based finishes, including varnishes (polyurethane and spar varnish), lacquers, gels, waxes & polishes. All types can be easily applied by wiping them on with a rag or brush and then buffed to produce a beautiful matte sheen that will protect and enhance the color and beauty of your wood.
Oil-based finishes are easy to apply and can be used on both finished and unfinished wood surfaces; however, they require some care when used as their fumes can irritate the eyes and nose if not properly ventilated during application (use a mask). Also, oil-based products must cure for several days before being able to move furniture back into the room.
Oil-based finishes are not advised for use on floors as they can be slippery when wet. If you’re looking to protect your hardwood flooring, an oil-based finish is probably not right for you.
2. Water-Based Wood Finish
Water-based finishes are an excellent choice for those who prefer the convenience and ease of application without some of the drawbacks associated with oil-based products. They’re non-toxic and have low odor, making them safe for use around children and pets (although we always recommend testing first.). Because they don’t emit harmful fumes into your living space, they’re great for use in indoor spaces.
Water-based finishes are available as a gloss or semi-gloss sheen and come in many different colors to perfectly match your design aesthetic. They provide excellent resistance against water, alcohol-based products (perfumes & colognes), oily products (cooking & body oils), and other liquids that could damage or discolor your wood.
Water-based finishes can be applied with a brush, rag, or sprayer; however, spraying is the most efficient method of application because it requires less clean-up time later on.
3. Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the female lac bug, found primarily in India and Thailand. It’s been used as a wood finish for centuries due to its durability and resistance to heat (it won’t melt under hot plates), alcohol-based products (perfumes & colognes), or water damage! The beauty of shellac is that it can be mixed with other products to create different colors and textures.
Shellac provides a durable, protective finish for your wood surface but should be cured (dried) before use to ensure proper adhesion; curing times will vary depending on your product.
There are many brands of shellacs available at your local home improvement store. All shellacs (except for dewaxed shellac) should be mixed with denatured alcohol or another non-toxic solvent before use to ensure proper adhesion and ease of application; you can find these solvents at your local hardware store as well.
Shellac is not advised for floors because it will wear away if it gets wet, but you can use polyurethane over the top of shellac to protect the surface.
Shellac is available in many different colors and can be combined with other products (beeswax, oil-based varnish) for unique finishes.
4. Acrylic Lacquer
Acrylic lacquer is a modern, water-based alternative to traditional oil and shellac-based finishes. It provides excellent protection against scratches from daily use as well as heat (won’t melt under hot plates) or water damage. The beauty of acrylic lacquer is that it’s a low odor with no need for ventilation during application.
Acrylic lacquer is available in gloss or matte sheens and can be applied with a brush, rag, or sprayer. It’s best to apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat for maximum protection and durability throughout the years.
An acrylic lacquer that’s formulated specifically for wood furniture will provide great results without causing any discoloration.
Keep in mind that water-based finishes are not as durable or resistant to heat, which could result in damage over time if your wood furniture is placed near a hot stovetop or other sources of high heat. For this reason, it should be used sparingly on surfaces you want for cooking purposes.
Shellac vs. Acrylic Lacquer
Shellac and acrylic lacquer have a few key differences that you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the right finish for your furniture projects.
First, shellac is available as a natural resin, whereas acrylic lacquer is a synthetic product created with polymers derived from coal tar derivatives. Because of this, shellac has a more natural appearance and provides better resistance to heat (it won’t melt under hot plates) than acrylic lacquer.
On the other hand, acrylic lacquer is available in many different colors whereas shellac comes primarily as an off-white color but can be mixed with products like beeswax or oil-based varnish to create different colors.
Acrylic lacquer is also water-based so it doesn’t require any ventilation during the application, whereas shellac needs proper ventilation because it contains natural compounds that can cause respiratory problems in small areas or rooms without adequate airflow.
5. Wax
Wax is another traditional option that has been used for centuries to protect and enhance the look of wood furniture. Wax can be applied by hand or with an electric polisher, which provides a nice sheen without any film on top (unlike polyurethane).
Keep in mind that different types of wax provide different results. For example, beeswax provides a matte finish whereas carnauba wax creates an ultra-glossy look. Beeswax is also good for reducing the appearance of small scratches and dents in wood furniture while carnauba wax tends to fill these gaps making them less noticeable over time.
6. Varnish
Varnish is another traditional option that’s been used for centuries to protect and enhance the look of wood furniture. Varnish can be applied by hand or with an electric polisher, which provides a nice sheen without any film on top (unlike polyurethane).
What Finishes Are Durable?
Choosing the best finishing method for your wood furniture makes it important to consider just how durable each product is. All of these finishes provide some level of protection from daily use and environmental conditions like water or heat damage.
However, polyurethane provides a more protective finish than the rest because it soaks into the pores of the wood, which makes it more durable and less likely to wear away over time
How to Choose The Best Wood Finish
Now that you know more about the different types of wood finishes, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
There are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind when making your decision:
- The type of wood you’re working with
- The project you’re working on (i.e. a tabletop vs. a dresser)
- The level of protection you need
- The look you’re going for (i.e. matte, glossy, etc.)
- Your budget
By considering all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best wood finish for your next project.
Differences Between Oil- and Water-Based Urethane Finishes
Urethane finishes come in a variety of sheens and can be applied with a brush, rag, or sprayer so it’s the best for DIY projects. However, oil-based urethane is more durable than water-based (which will wear away over time) because it contains natural resins found in wood.
RELATED: 5 Best Wood Finishing Oils 2021: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Top 10 Best Finishes on Amazon
1. General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Topcoat, 1 Gallon, Flat
- Water-based, low VOC
- Formulated for use with General Finishes Milk Paint and all other water-based finishes
- Nonyellowing protection for surfaces exposed to high abrasion or humidity
- For use with water-based finishes, including General Finishes Gel Stains & Water-Based Dyes
- The durable, fast-drying formula provides a tough finish that resists marring and yellowing.
Product Description
General Finishes Water-Based Topcoat is a great all-around, tough urethane topcoat. Can be used as a final finish over General Finishes Arm-R-Seal, Enduro Var, and other water-based finishes or applications where easy clean-up is desired. This great final topcoat can be used as an intermediate step when transitioning from water-based finishes to oil.
General Finishes Water-Based Topcoat protects against marring, stains, and yellowing caused by water spills. It also dries quickly, making it the perfect clear coat for projects with multiple steps where drying time between coats is a concern. General Finishes Water-Based Topcoat can be used as an intermediate coat when transitioning from water-based finishes to oil, or it can be used on its own for projects where easy clean-up is desired. Ideal uses include furniture pieces, cabinets, and doors that are exposed to high abrasion or humidity.
Pros
- Water-based, low VOC
- Nonyellowing protection for surfaces exposed to high abrasion or humidity
- The durable.
- The fast-drying formula
- Provides a tough finish that resists marring and yellowing.
Cons
- Not recommended for exterior use.
2. Rust-Oleum 284470 Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane, Gloss, Quart
- Restores the look of old, dull furniture with this high-gloss finish
- Provides a tough coating that resists scratches and stains for up to 12 months
- The triple thick formula goes on in three coats so you can achieve more coverage without too much work or time
- Suitable for use over water-based finishes including paint, wood stain, and some stains
- The thick formula is an easy application for a furniture project with multiple steps or areas that need to be covered quickly.
- Provides a high-gloss finish.
- Three times the thickness of standard polyurethanes for maximum protection and durability
Product Description
This high-gloss finish provides tough protection against scratches and stains while bringing the appeal back to your older pieces of wood furniture. The triple thick formula goes on in three coats so you can achieve more coverage without too much work or time. It’s ideal for covering up water-based finishes, including paint and wood stains.
This thick formula is an easy application for a furniture project with multiple steps or areas that need to be covered quickly. Suitable for use over water-based finishes including paint, wood stain, and some stains.
Pros
- Provides a tough coating that resists scratches and stains for up to 12 months.
- Three times the thickness of standard polyurethanes for maximum protection and durability
- Suitable for use over water-based finishes including paint, wood stain, and some stains.
- The triple thick formula goes on in three coats so you can achieve more coverage without too much work or time.
Cons
- Not recommended for exterior use.
3. Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer – 1 Gallon
- This waterproofer is designed to protect wood surfaces against water, oil, and alcohol
- Waterproofs all types of interior wooden furniture & doors.
- It penetrates deep into the pores of the wood, creating a protective barrier that repels spills
- Non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children
- All-in-one product that protects and restores, while adding depth to the color of your wood
- Provides a tough coating for protection against water damage from spills or humidity
- Environmentally friendly. No solvents or hazardous chemicals in this formula
Product Description
Eco Advanced Waterproofer is an all-in-one product that protects and restores while adding depth to the color of your wood. It penetrates deep into the pores of the wood, creating a protective barrier that repels spills. Its non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children. The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
Waterproofs all types of interior wooden furniture & doors. Provides a tough coating against water damage from spills or humidity. All-in-one product that protects and restores, while adding depth to the color of your wood
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Waterproofs all types of interior wooden furniture & doors.
- Provides a tough coating for protection against water damage from spills or humidity.
- The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children’s
Cons
- No complaints so far.
4. Roxil Wood Protection Cream Instant Waterproofing Clear Treatment, Weatherproofs: Fences, Decking, Furniture, Sheds (1 Quart)
- Use on wood and surfaces that get exposed to water or spills
- Durable, waterproofing treatment.
- Provides a clear finish over stains & finishes like paint, lacquer, and varnish.
- Preserves the natural beauty of your wood.
- Protects from mold and mildew growth
- Protects against salt damage in coastal areas too.
Product Description
Roxie Wood Protection Cream is an easy-to-use, waterproofing treatment that offers protection against water and spills. Its durable formula creates a weatherproof barrier on wood surfaces like fences, decks & furniture. It works great over stains & finishes like paint, lacquer, or varnish too. Roxie protects from mold and mildew growth. Ideal for use in coastal areas as it protects from salt damage too.
Pros
- Provides a clear finish over stains & finishes like paint, lacquer, or varnish.
- Preserves the natural beauty of your wood
- Protects against mold and mildew growth
Cons
- No complaints so far.
5. Varathane 200141H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, Quart (2 Pack), Crystal Clear
- Fast-drying, one-coat formula
- Maximum Durability and abrasion resistance for high-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, kitchens & bathrooms.
- Crystal clear finish that will not yellow or cloud over time; ideal for wood floors.
- Ideal For interior furniture surfaces including cabinets, doors, and trim work.
- Provides a crystal-clear finish to enhance the natural look of wood
- Dries in just one hour so you can immediately walk on your floors or furniture after applying it.
- Used over bare or stained interior and exterior projects.
Product Description
This water-based polyurethane enhances the natural beauty of all types of wood. It will not yellow or cloud over time, which makes it a great choice for wood floors and cabinetry that you want to keep looking new. Maximum Durability provides abrasion resistance for high-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, kitchens & bathrooms while Crystal Clear Finish enhances the natural look of your projects with an easy-to-apply, one-coat formula. It is ideal for interior furniture surfaces including cabinets, doors, and trim work. Varathane’s water-based polyurethane dries in just one hour so you can walk on your floors or furniture immediately after applying it.
Pros
- Provides a crystal-clear finish to enhance the natural look of wood
- Fast-drying, one-coat formula
- Dries in just one hour so you can immediately walk on your floors or furniture after applying it.
- Ideal For interior furniture surfaces including cabinets, doors, and trim work.
Cons
- It isn’t very durable.
6. Rust-Oleum 284486 Woodcare Triple Thick Polyurethane, Quart, Satin Oak
- All-in-one product that protects and restores, while adding depth to the color of your wood.
- Protects against water damage from spills or humidity.
- The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
- Provides a tough coating for protection against scratches and stains.
- A durable, high-gloss finish is ideal for countertops and floors that experience heavy foot traffic.
- Creates a beautiful amber glow that enhances the natural beauty of the wood while adding depth to color with each additional coat applied over time.
Product Description
Rust-Oleum Triple Thick creates an all-in-one product that protects and restores while adding depth to the color of your wood. The durable, high-gloss finish is ideal for countertops and floors in areas with heavy foot traffic. Three coats are recommended when restoring bare or dull surfaces that have been stripped down to their original wood grain. Triple thick water-based formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
Pros
- A durable, high-gloss finish is ideal for countertops and floors that experience heavy foot traffic.
- Non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children
- Creates a beautiful amber glow that enhances the natural beauty of the wood
- Adds depth to color with each additional coat applied over time.
Cons
- Doesn’t protect against water damage.
- It isn’t very durable if applied to floors.
7.TotalBoat Halcyon Marine Varnish – Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish for Interior and Exterior Use – Clear Gloss and Satin
- Cures to a hard, durable finish when dry.
- Contains UV absorbers and stabilizers for protection against harmful environmental effects such as moisture and sunlight.
- For use on interior or exterior wood surfaces in both fresh-water and salt-water environments.
- Non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children
- Protect against water damage from spills or humidity.
- Produces a crystal clear finish to enhance the natural look of wood.
Product Description
This water-based polyurethane enhances the natural beauty of all types of wood. It will not yellow or cloud over time, which makes it a great choice for your interior and exterior projects that you want to keep looking new. Maximum Durability provides abrasion resistance for high-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, kitchens & bathrooms while Crystal Clear Finish enhances the natural look of your projects with an easy-to-apply, one-coat formula. It is ideal for interior furniture surfaces including cabinets, doors, and trim work Varathane’s water-based polyurethane dries in just one hour so you can walk on your floors or furniture immediately after applying it.
Pros
- For use on interior or exterior wood surfaces in both fresh-water and salt-water environments
- Non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children
- Cures to a hard, durable finish when dry
- Produces a crystal clear finish to enhance the natural look of wood.
Cons
- Not good for open floor plan homes.
- Doesn’t protect against water damage from spills or humidity.
- It isn’t very durable if applied to floors.
8. Cabot 140.0019202.007 Wood Toned Deck & Siding Low VOC Exterior Stain, Gallon, Cedar
- Non-flammable & non-toxic for safe use around kids and pets.
- For best results, apply to wood that is clean of dirt, grease, or other contaminants.
- Dries in just 30 minutes so you can walk on your treated surfaces almost immediately after application; no need to wait overnight before staining
- Advanced low VOC formula resists water and UV damage while still allowing the natural beauty of wood to show through.
- Thoroughly covers large areas in just one coat; suitable for decks, siding, fences, and more.
- The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children’s
Product Description
Cabot Low VOC Deck & Siding Stain is an advanced low-VOC formula that resists water and UV damage while allowing your wood’s natural beauty to show through. It’s suitable for decks, siding, fences, and more – just be sure to apply it with Cabot’s CedarPro Brush to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Pros
- Advanced low VOC formula resists water and UV damage
- Allows the natural beauty of wood to show through
- Thoroughly covers large areas in just one coat; suitable for decks, siding, fences, and more
- The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children’s
Cons
- The ingredients are flammable.
- Not good for open floor plan homes.
9. General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain, 1 Quart, Walnut
- Water-based formula cleans up easily with soap and water for less mess.
- Contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
- A thick, high-quality finish resists peeling & cracking while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain.
- Formulated to protect against moisture damage from spills or humidity
- Use on interior or exterior wood surfaces in both fresh-water and salt-water environments.
- The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
Product Description
This water-based stain is designed specifically for wood, providing a rich color that enhances the natural look of all types of wood. It contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), making it safe for you and your family to use around children or pets. The thick formula resists peeling and cracking while enhancing the beauty of your project’s surface.
Pros
- Water-based formula cleans up easily with soap and water
- Formulated to protect against moisture damage from spills or humidity
- Non-toxic formula contains no VOCs
- Consistently beautiful results every time
Cons
- Not good for open floor plan homes.
10. Rust-Oleum Zinsser 304H 1-Quart Bulls Eye Clear Shellac Interior Wood Stain and Sealer
- Water-based formula cleans up easily with soap and water for less mess.
- Contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
- A thick, high-quality finish resists peeling & cracking while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain.
- Formulated to protect against moisture damage from spills or humidity
- Use on interior or exterior wood surfaces in both fresh-water and salt-water environments.
- The non-toxic formula contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals; safe for use around children.
Product Description
Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Clear Shellac Interior Wood Stain Sealer is a water-based formula that cleans up easily with soap and water. It contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), making it safe for you, your family, and your pets to use around the home. The thick formula resists peeling and cracking while enhancing the beauty of your project’s surface. This interior wood stain is formulated to protect against moisture damage from spills or humidity. It can be used on interior wood surfaces in both fresh-water and salt-water environments, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms.
Pros
- Water-based formula cleans up easily with soap and water for less mess
- Formulated to protect against moisture damage from spills or humidity
- Non-toxic formula contains no VOCs
- Consistently beautiful results every time
Cons
- The ingredients are flammable.
- Not good for open floor plan homes.
Conclusion On The Wood Finish Comparison
This wood finish comparison has taught us that there is no single product for all projects and environments. Instead, we should consider the intended purpose of each project when choosing a sealant to use on it. We can also take into account any features – such as low odor or water resistance – which may be important if our home is particularly open or if we plan to do a lot of outdoor projects.
# Wood Finish Comparison
