Who this guide is for
- Homeowners finishing wood surfaces
- People choosing a finish for furniture or floors
- Anyone weighing look against upkeep
- Those comparing clear finish options
Film-forming finishes
Some clear finishes form a film on the surface, giving a protective layer over the wood. Within this group, finishes vary in sheen and how they handle wear, and the film sits on top of the grain.
Film finishes can offer robust protection, with the look and repairability depending on the specific finish.
- Form a protective film
- Vary in sheen
- Sit over the grain
- Look and repairability differ
Penetrating oil finishes
Oil-based finishes such as hardwax oils penetrate into the wood, giving a more natural feel and a surface that can often be maintained in patches. They tend to look and feel close to the bare wood.
Penetrating finishes favour a natural look and ease of touch-up over a thick protective film.
Traditional finishes
Finishes like shellac have a long history and a distinctive look, suiting certain pieces and styles. They behave differently from modern film or oil finishes in feel and upkeep.
Consider whether a traditional finish suits the piece and the look you want.
- Long-established options
- Distinctive look and feel
- Differ from modern finishes
- Suit certain pieces and styles
Matching finish to use
The right finish depends on how the surface is used, the look you want and how much upkeep you will accept. A hard-wearing surface has different needs from a decorative one.
Weigh these factors per piece, and consult a professional or supplier for application specifics; this guide names no single best finish.
Clear finish planning checklist
- 1Decide the look you want from the wood
- 2Consider how the surface will be used
- 3Weigh film versus penetrating finishes
- 4Think about feel and sheen
- 5Consider ease of touch-up and repair
- 6Account for the upkeep you will accept
- 7Match the finish to the piece
- 8Consult a supplier for application specifics
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming one finish suits every piece
- Ignoring how the surface will be used
- Overlooking touch-up and repair differences
- Choosing by look while ignoring upkeep
- Confusing film and penetrating finishes
- Skipping supplier guidance on application
When to involve a professional
- Finish suitability varies by piece and use
- A supplier or professional can advise on application
- Look, feel and upkeep differ across finishes
- Costs vary with the finish chosen
- This guide names no single best finish
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What is the difference between film and oil finishes?
Film-forming finishes create a protective layer over the wood, while penetrating oil finishes soak into the wood for a more natural feel. Film finishes can offer robust protection, while oils favour a natural look and easier patch maintenance.
Which clear wood finish is best?
There is no universal best; polyurethane, lacquer, hardwax oil and shellac each have trade-offs in look, feel, wear and upkeep. The right one depends on the piece and how it is used, so weigh these factors per surface.
How do I choose a finish for a hard-wearing surface?
Consider how the surface is used, the look you want and the upkeep you will accept, since a hard-wearing surface has different needs from a decorative one. Compare film and penetrating options and consult a supplier on application specifics.
Can oil finishes be touched up?
Penetrating oil finishes such as hardwax oils can often be maintained in patches, which is part of their appeal, whereas film finishes may repair differently. Factor in touch-up and repair behaviour when choosing a finish.
Keep reading