How to Choose the Right Wood Finish for Your Home

Key Takeaways:

  • For wood surface finish, choose a coloured wood finish (paint/lacquer) for a gleaming look or a colourless finish (oil/polyurethane) to preserve natural wood beauty.
  • Pick your sheen level: matte/satin for less shine, high-gloss for a gleaming finish (lacquer).
  • Consider durability needs: high-traffic areas (floors) require strong finishes (polyurethane).
  • Think about application: multiple coats (oil) vs. single coat (lacquer), brushing vs. spraying.
  • Factor in drying time: some finishes dry in hours, others take days.

Those who are building a new home are concerned with creating a home with long-term worth. For the majority of us, our home is our most valuable investment, therefore we naturally want our money to be safe. Homeowners who are creating a modern home desire an inventive design that will not look antiquated in just a few years. Wood finishes in this regard are a great option to consider, especially when you want your property to appear elegant and timeless.

If you want the wooden elements of your home’s interior to look great for years to come and resist the inevitable wear and tear that occurs due to regular use, you need to give them a good coat of a high-quality wooden surface finish.

The blog post mentions some important factors that can help you decide on the right wooden finish for your home. Let’s take a glance at them:

Colour Vs Colourless Wooden Finish

There are different types of wood finishes and thus, the first step in selecting a wood treatment is deciding whether you want a coloured or colourless finish. If you prefer your wooden piece to have a gleaming appearance, consider using paint or lacquer as a finish.

However, other people choose to preserve the original beauty of the wood. In this scenario, a colourless finish, like oil or polyurethane, is the answer. Most treatments not only protect the wood’s surface but also improve its colour and character.

What Level of Sheen Do You Prefer?

After deciding whether to use a colourant or a colourless finish, you must decide how much gloss you want. In a nutshell, sheen refers to the amount of light reflected by a surface treated with a wood finish. Most finishing products vary in sheen from matte or satin to semi- and high-gloss. While oils, for example, have a matte or satin sheen, lacquer has a glossy finish.

For a more rustic look, consider water-based surface finish on your wood furniture to enhance the wood’s grain patterns.

Resilience and Durability

Different applications of wood necessitate varying degrees of durability and resistance. Exterior wood and floors are susceptible to a great deal of wear and tear. Polyurethane, varnish, paint, and lacquer are excellent surface protectors, and some are even water-resistant.

Generally, artistic pieces or ornamental furniture do not require a high level of protection. Appearance and enhancing the natural beauty of the wood may be more important. Oil and stain (while not strictly being a finish) provide basic protection and pleasing colour.

Application and Drying Time

Various finishes have distinct application methods. Some are painted with a cloth or brush, which requires some expertise but can be learned easily. Spraying can be used to apply lacquer and some types of polyurethane. While this is quick and convenient, it does necessitate some training.

When selecting your finish, keep the drying time in mind. Some types dry in a matter of hours, while others take several days. Therefore, it is important to ensure the product’s requirements are in line with your available time for application.

When it comes to wood coating and finishes, ICA Pidilite is a renowned name that offers a wide range of products for aesthetic and high-performance wood finishes. To learn more, get in touch with us.

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