Wood Finishes

Question 1

What are the two main types of wood finishes?

Answer 1

Water and oil based

Question 2

What are the advantages of water based finishes?

Answer 2

• Less toxic (lower in VOCs), better for the environment
• Dries quicker
• Spray paints are safer to use and easier

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of water based finishes?

Answer 3

• First layer will cause wood to swell and it will raise the grain
• Needs lots of layers to look nice
• Usually not as durable than oil based finishes

Question 4

What are the advantages of oil based finishes?

Answer 4

• More durable than water based finishes
• Lasts a long time
• high coverage

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of oil based finishes?

Answer 5

Stains wood in layers and fades over time
Can turn a yellowy brown when exposed to sunlight
high in VOCs

Question 6

What are alternative finishes for wood (3 options)?

Answer 6

• Easy to apply when damaged (spot repairs) - Not heatproof, waterproof
• Not that durable

Question 7

Describe the process of applying a varnish?

Answer 7

• Sand wood before and clean or dust off surface
• Apply with the direction of the grain
• Brush, roller, rag, spray
• Leave to dry
• For water based, sand down with fine grade sand paper then repeat
• With sprays, can change to pressure depending on viscosity and material being sprayed on
• Thickness is measured in microns (μ)

Question 8

Bonus card: what is french polishing?

Answer 8

• Shellac (resin)
• Gives crystal clear finish, very glossy
• Not that heatproof or water resistant
• Easy to repair
• Time consuming process
• Not durable
• Apply through flakes dissolved in methylate spirit
• Amber colour finish