Finish Types

Wood furnture top finish is for protecting the surface of the wooden material your furniture is built from. First thing you must do is prepare the wood to accept the finish coatings. This requires sanding the wood smooth.

The types of finish will vary from very good high end to shiny last a day types. The TradUR Company uses the best finish possible with a 13 step process. We use NC "nitrocellulose" lacquers for all of our finishes. NC lacquer based finishes is used exclusively on high quality furniture, it is rarely used by most manufacturers as a furniture finish today.

Wood finishes are clear, protective coatings applied on the surface of wood. Wood finishes contribute to the final look, and durability of your furniture.

Bare wood is highly susceptible to moisture changes, resulting in constant expansion and contraction. Wooden furniture with finishes are less susceptible to the variations in humidity. Wood finishes keep them as durable as they are beautiful.

Types of wood finishes
Wood finishes may be classified into five main categories :

• Varnish
• Polyurethane
  
• Oil
  
• Water-based Finishes
  
• Shellac
  
• Lacquer

Varnish
Varnish is one of the most durable finishes, and the level of protection increases with each additional coat. It acts as a smooth, glossy finish. Varnish is usually combined with polyurethane for extended durability and protectiveness of the finish.

Polyurethane
Polyurethane lends a clear look to the surface, and it is hard and abrasion-resistant. It is a durable, fast-drying finish. It enhances the amber or yellowish color. Though a single coat of polyurethane may be better than a few coats of water-based finish, it is prone to cracking after four to five coats.

Water-based finishes
Water-based finish can be described simply as latex paint without any pigment. They are popular for their non-flammable, and environment-friendly properties. Water-based finishes are easy to use and are fade-resistant.

Oil Finishes
Oil finishes are natural finishes derived from plants. They are used to treat and preserve wood. There are many kinds of oil finishes.

Linseed Oil Finish (Boiled)
Linseed oil is obtained from flax seeds. It which gives a fantastic finish, was more in use in the earlier times. Since raw linseed oil, never dries properly and becomes gummy and sticky, it is advisable to use boiled linseed oil. Metallic drying agents as additives in boiled linseed oil help the finish to dry within a day, which would otherwise take a week.

Danish Oil and Tung Oil
These two are absorbing finishes. They are easy to use and are available in clear, as well as pigmented finishes. Both the oils do not need a sealant before the finish. Though they are not as durable as other finishes, they are fairly easy to repair. Even a slight scratch in the finish can be re-worked by applying another coat of the finish with a piece of cloth.

Lacquer
Lacquer is one of the darker finishes. It is flexible, durable, and easy to maintain. Regular lacquer dries very quickly, and spray guns can be used to finish with lacquer. However, a good deal of caution is to be exercised while doing this, as the fumes are hazardous to health..

Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin. It has an alcohol base, and gives a dark finish. Shellac dries very fast and is less likely to collect dust. It is available in two forms - flaked and liquid. Both should be mixed with alcohol to acquire a thin consistency. Shellac is a fairly durable finish, but not as durable as lacquer or varnish.

Wood Quality
The table finish quality begins with the wood used in construction. Some types of wood will have a negative impact on how the table finish comes out. The best wood tables are made from hardwood. Then with the right table finish produces a smooth lasting surface for a very long time.

The best wood for a table is very hardwood.

The following wood types produce a beautiful final table finish.

Oak - medium difficulty to lose the grainy patterns in the wood. Wood color has little impact of final finish color.

Teak - very difficult to lose the grainy patterns in the wood. Wood color has little impact of final finish color.

Mahogany - Larger older Mahogany trees have very little grain patterns and can easily prodcue a very smooth surface. The reddish color of Mahogany wood does affect your final color options.

Cherry- Very good if color is dark.

Walnut - Very good for dark table finish.

For the easiest and least trouble table tops use a veneer on top of solid wood for the center leaf.