Finishing woods
Performance and Aesthetics
finishes are applied to wood, improves aesthetics and performance
change the colour, enhance the natural grain / add texture
treatments are applied, improving moisture resistance and guarding against insect and fungal attack
finishes seal timber to make them easier to clean and protect.
Applications and Preparation
timber, sanded and smooth along the grain
rubbing down timber with methylated spirit removes surface dust and grease
finishes applied with brush, cloth, roller or spray
User Applied Finishes
Finishes are either water based or solvent based
Polyurethane varnish
Acrylic varnish
Water based paints
Stains
Colour was
Wax finishes
Danish oil
Teak oil
Polyurethane varnish
extremely tough, hardwearing that is resistant to heat, water and chemicals
liquid plastic suspended in a water / solvent. Sold as a matt, statin or gloss
Clear or tinted to highlight, enhance or alter natural wood tones
used on boat and flooring
Polyurethane pros + cons
many are not resistant to UV and will yellow over time
water based, versions better for the environment + safer to use
durable solvent based versions, longer drying time and is greater health risk
Acrylic varnish
milky white appearance but dries clear.
acrylic varnish is faster drying time, doesn't yellow over time
acrylic varnish, often used on top of paint to add durability
hardwearing, less resistant to solvents and heat
non toxic + odur free
Water based paints
applying opaque colour to wood
Available in any colour and watered down for translucent looks
low odour and low volatile organic compunds
used for interior woodwork and furniture
heard-wearing, quick drying + easy to use and clean up
water based paints known as toy safe
Stains
water based stains apply colour to paint, natural grain exposed
Aesthetic finish but no protection against decay and degradation
available in bright colours and natural tones softwoods mimic darker hardwoods.
Colour wash
artstic, distressed look and accentuate detail
applied to paint surface, roughly wiped away with a rag while still wet.
removes most of wash, some finishes behind to add texture and depth.
it doesn't preserve wood in any way
wax finishes
easy to apply, natural wood looking finish, nourishes and protects wood
limited protection against moisture, heat / scratches. must be reapplied
several coats needed for best result
applied with lint free cloth left to sink in
residual was is buffed up
some waxes are food safe and non toxic
Oils
replace natural oils over time revive the natural beauty of wood
offers little protection against scratches, heat or liquid
non toxic and food safe finishing methods
been developed to enhance performance of raw oils
Danish oil
categorised as an oil, mix of oils and varnish
varnish is water resistant , durable, and stain finish
can be used as primer on wood before applying paint or varnish
food safe, once fulled cured
Teak oil
teak oil not make from teak, used on dense hardwoods like teak
blend of oils and varnish
suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, provides UV protection
used for boats and garden furniture
teak ideal if high sheen is required or high traffic areas
Pressure treated timber
treated prior to being sold, antimicrobial copper based preservation
high level protection, where timber is exposed weathering and possible insect/fungal attack
include construction, landscaping, fencing and playgrounds
common pressure treatment and tantalising
Pressure treatment process
treatment uses pressurised treatment vessel to force preserved chemicals deep into the wood