1. Project Type
The first factor you need to consider is the type of your project. The type of project will involve considering the type of wood and its intended look. For example, if you are looking for an extremely high-glossy surface, you may want to consider using a wood varnish finish.
2. Exposure to Sunlight and Humidity
Environmental impact is also an important factor. While some finishes show environmental weaknesses, others offer better resistance. Varnishes, for example, offerexcellent protection against ultraviolet light, heat, andeven daily wear and tear. They are also good water-resistant wood finishes, making them suitable for outdoor furniture.
3. Skill Level
You can apply wood finishes using a brush, a cloth or a spray equipment. You may also need to apply multiple layers and add a binder or stain as well in the process. In other words, if you are a novice, going with easy-to-apply wood protective finishes is a better idea.
4. Ease of Use
Again, using a wipe-on and wipe-off protective coating for wood is much easier than choosing a complicated process like French polish. For example, you can use Danish oil to add a protective layer to your wooden furniture with ease.
5. Color
Shellacs and lacquers can render a yellowish or yellowish-orange coloring, especially on dark woods like mahogany. The coloring can darken over time, offering a deep and rich look to your furniture. Most water-based wood finishes, however, keep the natural look of the wood intact. You can choose a finish depending on your desired color effect.
6. Tools Required
Depending on the wood finishing method you choose, you will need a variety of tools, including thick and thin stripper, sandpaper, power sander, good quality rag cloth, natural bristle brush, and spraying equipment. Before choosing the method, make sure you have all the tools and you can use them.
7. Durability
A durable wood finish should not only offer protection from sunlight and heat, but also from physical damage like scratches chemical abrasions, and solvent damage. Different wood finishes offer different levels of durability. For example, wax offers excellent resistance against acids and alkali, but it is prone to damage from water, heat, and sunlight. Lacquer, on the other hand, offers overall good durability.
8. Safety
Wood finishes often have a variety of organic solvents that may be harmful to your health and the environment. Some of them can also be flammable. Lacquer is one of the most toxic finishes. Oil-based wood finishes are free of solvents. However, after curing, none of the finishes are harmful.
9. Sustainability
Solvent-based wood finishes also pose a threat to the environment. Varnishes with paint thinners may release toxic fumes. Oil-based wood finishes come from renewable resources and are the most sustainable option.
10. Appearance
Varnishes and oils offer a natural-looking wood finish. Varnish, shellac, and lacquerare not easy to apply, but they do offer a deep and rich look. They will also deepen and darken over time. Varnishes are the best choice for high-gloss surfaces.
11. Drying Time
Drying and curing period varies from finish to finish. Varnishes require a 24-hour drying time and a week at least for curing. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries pretty quickly, say in a couple of hours as the solvents evaporate.
