Wood finishes fall into two groups. Penetrating finishes, such as oil and wax, soak into the wood for a natural look. Film finishes, such as lacquer, polyurethane, varnish and shellac, form a hard protective layer on top. Paint, stain and glaze change the color. This guide explains the types of wood finishes used on furniture, how they look and wear, how to tell what you have and how to care for each.
Types of Wood Finishes at a Glance
| Finish | Type | Look | Protection | Repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil (tung, linseed, Danish) | Penetrating | Natural, low sheen | Low to moderate | Easy; re-oil |
| Hardwax oil | Penetrating | Matte, natural feel | Moderate | Easy spot repair |
| Wax | Surface | Soft glow | Low | Easy; re-wax |
| Shellac | Film | Warm, glossy | Low against water, heat and alcohol | Easy; redissolves |
| Lacquer (including NC lacquer) | Film | Clear, smooth; any sheen | Moderate | Good; new coats melt into old |
| Polyurethane (oil- or water-based) | Film | Tough, plastic-like layer | High | Harder; sand and recoat |
| Varnish | Film | Amber, durable | High; good outdoors | Sand and recoat |
| UV-cured finish | Film | Very hard; often high gloss | Very high | Factory process; hard to match |
| Paint | Film, opaque | Solid color | Moderate to high | Touch up or repaint |
Color Steps: Stain and Glaze
- Stain colors the wood and needs a clear finish over it; see how to stain wood furniture.
- Glaze is a translucent color wiped over a sealed surface so it settles in carvings and corners, adding depth and an aged look.
- Distressing adds deliberate wear before or after finishing.
Open-Grain vs. Filled Finishes
An open-grain or open-pore finish is thin enough that you can see and feel the wood's pores. A filled or closed-grain finish levels the pores for a glass-smooth surface. Open-grain looks natural and hides small scratches; filled finishes look formal and wipe clean more easily.
Finishes Named in Product Specs
The finish line on a listing tells you what you'll touch and clean:
- The Relievo Carved Drawer Chest lists ash veneer, NC lacquer and glaze. NC stands for nitrocellulose, a classic clear furniture lacquer.
- The Relievo Square Coffee Table lists a water-based finish.
- The Large Red Oak Solid Wood Dining Table lists a red brown open-grain finish.
- The Plank Office Desk lists a distressed open-pore finish.
- The Nacre TV Stand with Mother-of-Pearl Fronts and Marble-Style Top lists a high-gloss UV-finished top.
- The Curva 5-Drawer Chest-Black lists a painted and stained wood veneer finish.
How to Tell What Finish You Have
- Look and feel. If you can feel the grain and there's no surface layer, it's likely oil or wax.
- Oil test. A drop of linseed oil soaks into an oil finish and beads on a film finish.
- Alcohol test. In a hidden spot, a dab of denatured alcohol softens shellac within a minute.
- Lacquer thinner test. If alcohol does nothing, a dab of lacquer thinner softens lacquer. If neither works, it's probably polyurethane, varnish or a UV finish.
Which Finish for Which Furniture?
| Use | Suitable finishes |
|---|---|
| Dining tables and desks | Polyurethane, catalyzed lacquer, hardwax oil |
| Dressers, cabinets, bookcases | Lacquer, water-based finishes, paint |
| Decorative and carved pieces | Lacquer with glaze, shellac, wax |
| High-gloss tops | UV-cured or polyester finishes |
| Rustic or hand-rubbed looks | Oil, hardwax oil, wax |
Caring for Each Finish
- Oil and wax: dust dry; re-oil or re-wax when the surface looks dull. Avoid water.
- Lacquer and shellac: dust with a soft cloth; keep alcohol, perfume and heat away. See how to clean lacquer furniture.
- Polyurethane and varnish: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry afterward.
- High gloss: microfiber only; see how to clean high-gloss furniture.
- Paint: mild soap and water; no abrasives. See how to clean painted furniture.
Related: how to refinish wood furniture, how to polish wood furniture, paint finishes, how to clean wood furniture and our furniture materials guide.
FAQ
What is the most durable wood finish?
Polyurethane and factory-applied catalyzed or UV-cured finishes are the most resistant to water, heat and scratches.
What is the difference between lacquer and polyurethane?
Lacquer is thinner, clearer and easier to repair. Polyurethane builds a thicker, tougher layer but is harder to touch up.
What is NC lacquer?
Nitrocellulose lacquer, a traditional clear furniture finish known for a smooth, natural look.
What is an open-grain finish?
A thin finish that leaves the wood's pores visible and textured instead of filling them smooth.