Wood Finishes
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Factors to Consider for Wood Finishes:
Appearance : flat, matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss
Durability
Water Resistance
Scratch Resistance
Ease or Difficulty of Refinishing
Toxicity / Environmental / Health Concerns
The decision on which wood finish to use will ultimately be determined by your personal preferences. Wood Finishes that we offer include: Water Based Polyurethane, Hardwax Oil, Epoxy Resin, and Varnish.
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WATER BASED POLYURETHANE
Polyurethane is commonly used on a wide variety of wood products that need a high level of protection. Polyurethane is one of the most durable finishes for wood products. Water Based Polyurethane highlights the natural color of the wood grain and does not add an amber tint.
Pros of Polyurethane
High level of water resistance
Long lasting protection
Resistant to solvents and acids
High level of durability
Polyurethanes can last 5-10 years before needing to be refinished.
Cons of Polyurethane
Gives the wood a top layer that you can see and feel.
If the area will be constantly wet like a bathroom or kitchen counter consider a higher level of protection like urethane or epoxy resin.
Refinishing the surface typically requires the piece to be sanded down to wood for the best results.
There are two main types of Polyurethane. Oil based and water based. Historically the oil based formulas were known to be the top performer. Over the years the chemistry of the water based polyurethane has come to equal standing of durability and life span with oil based polyurethane.
We strongly prefer water based polyurethane for these reasons:
Water Based Polyurethanes now has equal durability to oil polyurethane in the newest generations.
Water Based Poly does not impart an amber color to the wood. Wood grain remains its true and actual color.
Low odor and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) during application and curing. No need to wear a mask or breathe harsh chemical odors in the workshop
Water based polyurethane finish contains some of the same ingredients as varnish and lacquer (notably urethane, alkyd and acrylic) but many flammable and polluting ingredients have been replaced with water. The chemistry in this product is complex. Because the resins don’t have a natural affinity for water, they must be chemically modified or forced to combine with water.
There are dozens of manufacturers that produce polyurethane. Our favorite polyurethanes are produced by the manufacturer General Finishes. In numerous reviews, in addition to our own reviews, they are the top rated choice for both oil and water based polyurethanes available on the market.
WATER BASED POLYURETHANE
General Finishes: High Perfomance Water Based Polyurethane
This is one of the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane topcoats. It is non-yellowing over time and contains a UV Stabilizer to protect it from breaking down in sunlight and to protect the underlying stains from fading. Does not impart color to the wood. Available in Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss or Gloss.
OIL BASED POLYURETHANE
General Finishes: Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Polyurethane
Most durable, and highest rated oil based polyurethane available. Deeply penetrates wood and builds up layers to a highly protective finish. Great for kitchen tables and other pieces that need to stand up to heat, moisture, and alcohol. Does impart amber color to the wood. Available in satin, semi-gloss, or gloss.
https://generalfinishes.com/wood-finishes-retail/oil-based-topcoats/arm-r-seal-oil-based-topcoat
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HARDWAX OIL
Hardwax oil is manufactured from a mix of one or more vegetable oils and one or more waxes. Hardwax oils have been steadily gaining popularity in the North American market.
Hardwax oil finishes provide an aesthetically pleasing and very natural looking finish to the wood. You can really feel the wood grain under your fingertip with this finish. Hardwax oils have a matte finish.
Pros of hardwax oil:
High wood grain appeal.
You can really feel the wood.
Ingredients that include plant oils and natural waxes.
Easy to refinish a piece or repair damage to the finish. If your table gets a scratch simply wipe on more product, wait a couple minutes, and wipe off the excess. Its that simple.
Good water resistance
Good durability. Suitable for moderate use.
Pleasant smell
Cons of hardwax oil:
Less protection against scratching and heavy wear.
Odie’s Oil
Food Safe, Solvent Free, Non-toxic Wood Finish and Stabilizer. Waterproof. Lustrous sheen. An industry favorite.
Odie's Oil is great for all species of wood, exotic and domestic. This product will actually get better with age, becoming more durable and more beautiful. Contains natural UV inhibitors.
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EPOXY RESIN
Epoxy Resin is the most durable finish for protecting wood. Epoxy resin is commonly seen on restaurant tables and commercial bar tops. Epoxy Resin looks and feels like a thick clear coating on top of the wood. This thick layer provides the highest level of proetection for any hardwood or softwood species. We only use epoxy resins that are deemed safe for contact with food when cured.
All of our products finished in Epoxy Resin have a “top coat” product that is applied. The top coat gives the Epoxy an absolutely incredible level of durability against scratches and general wear and tear.
Pros of Epoxy Resin
HIghest level of protection for wood surfaces.
Highest level of stain resistance and water resistance.
Magnifies the wood grain a bit. Makes the wood grain stand out a bit more than other finishes.
Incredibly Hard. Softwood species coated in Epoxy Resin can be used for table tops or any high use, high impact application.
Cons of Epoxy Resin
Considerably more expensive than other finishes due to cost of materials and time needed for application.
Does not leave you feeling close to the surface of the wood, or to the feel of the wood.
Stonecoat Countertops: Platinum
You have discovered the ultimate non-yellowing epoxy resin coating! This product is even safe to install outdoors in direct sunlight. 100% Food Safe - FDA approved for food contact.
https://www.stonecoatcountertops.com/platinum-coat/
ETI: EX-88
EX-88 is an extremely clear, tough, high gloss surface coating formulated to produce a deep glass like appearance. EX-88 is waterproof, heat & alcohol resistant.
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VARNISH
Varnish has a high level of resistance to water, heat, solvents and other chemicals. Varnish is made of tough and durable synthetic resins that have been modified with drying oils. Commonly used oils are tung oil and linseed oil, as well as other semi-drying oils such as soybean oil and safflower oil. Varnish will also contain resins such as alkyd, phenolic and urethane resins. Varnish cures by the same process as true oils (polymerization) but the resins in varnish make this finish more durable than oil alone.
Varnishes that contain a high percentage of oil are called long-oil varnishes. These include marine, spar or exterior varnishes. Long-oil varnishes are more elastic and softer than medium- and short-oil varnishes that contain a lower percentage of oil. Medium-oil varnishes comprise most interior varnishes on the market.
Pros of Varnish
Natural looking finish
High level of protection against water and wear
Soaks into the wood grain
Most minor damage can be repaired without having to sand the piece back to wood.
Cons of Varnish
Can be susceptible to yellowing over time, especially in sunny areas.
Slow Cure time
High VOC during application process (non-water based).
Chemical hardeners
Enduro Var II Water Based Urethane
A reformulation of our original oil-modified water-based topcoat. It replaces original Endurovar and is made with more than 70% RENEWABLE RESOURCES formulated from sustainable materials that decrease the carbon footprint and is compatible with ALL GF products. The newer environment-friendly formula dries to a lighter amber than the previous formula, is highly water-resistant. Available in Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss or Gloss.
Mohawk Rockhard Table Top Urethane Varnish
When you want a hard finish that delivers maximum resistance to abrasion, water, alcohol, food stains, chemicals, detergents, and other damaging liquids, reach for Mohawk Rockhard™ Table Top Urethane Varnish. This durable finish is ideal for use on table tops and other surfaces that see daily use. Its toughness also makes it suitable for other items that take a lot of knocks like tables, wooden chairs, benches, desks, dressers, chests of drawers, vanities, bookcases, and many more. Available in Satin and Gloss.
Rustoleum Spar Varnish
Bring out the natural beauty of wooden surfaces with this crystal-clear varnish that performs even in the harshest conditions. Rust-Oleum® Marine Coatings Spar Varnish provides a stunning finish and maximum protection against sun, weather, sea spray and mildew.
Expands and contracts with changing weather conditions. Tough, flexible, long-lasting coating. UV, salt and mildew resistant coating.
https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/marine-coatings/spar-varnish/
AFM Safecoat EXT Exterior Polyureseal
If you're looking for a tough topical finish for outdoors, this is the best in the non-toxic variety we have seen. This is similar to most spar varnishes, but it's much safer. It can withstand abuse from Mother Nature by repelling moisture, freeze/thaw and the sun, as well as human nature, by repelling oil, grease, light chemicals and abrasion. Available in Satin or Gloss.