How to Protect Unfinished Wood

Many people are unsure how to protect unfinished wood. Perhaps you've bought a used piece of furniture, sanded it down, and revealed its beautiful wood grain. Now, you want to preserve its natural beauty without painting it. What should you use? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through your options to help protect and showcase your wood piece.

Why Protect Wood?

Why do we even need to protect wood? Well, the wood will dry out, it could crack, it could rot if it's outside, and it'll discolor. Protecting wood is essential for both its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Unfinished wood is particularly vulnerable to various environmental factors. Without proper protection, wood can dry out, leading to cracks and splits that compromise its structural integrity. Exposure to moisture can cause wood to swell, warp, and eventually rot, especially in outdoor environments. Furthermore, UV rays from the sun can discolor wood, making it look aged and worn. Applying a protective finish not only prevents these issues but also enhances the wood’s natural beauty. Finishes like oil, shellac, lacquer, and varnish penetrate the wood fibers, highlighting the grain and adding richness to its color. These finishes create a barrier against dirt, stains, and everyday wear and tear, ensuring that your wood piece remains beautiful and durable for years to come. By investing time in protecting your wood, you’re preserving its natural charm and extending its lifespan, whether it’s a piece of furniture, a cutting board, or an outdoor structure.

In this video, we’ve broken these finishes down into four different categories: oil, shellac, lacquer, and varnish. 

Oil 

When it comes to oil finishes, you've got a few great options. Danish oil, for example, is a blend of oil and varnish, giving your wood a bit of extra protection. Then there's the classic tung oil, perfect for most projects. Applying oil is easy—just grab a rag and rub it in, going with the grain of the wood. This will give your piece a nice hand-rubbed look. The wood will soak it up, especially if it's dry, and you'll end up with a beautiful matte finish. One of the best parts is that once the oil finish is fully cured, which takes a few weeks, it's food-safe. That means you can use it on things like cutting boards and butcher block tables. Plus, it's eco-friendly!

Danish Oil: A blend of oil and varnish, offering slightly more protection than standard oils.

Tung Oil: A popular choice for most projects, known for its ease of application and food-safe properties.

Application: Apply with a rag, rubbing it into the wood. Dries to a matte finish.

Pros: Easy to apply, food-safe (once cured), eco-friendly.

Cons: Long curing time (weeks)

Shellac

Shellac is a natural resin used for centuries as a wood finish. Made from the secretions of the lac bug and dissolved in alcohol, it is all-natural and non-toxic, making it safe for use on items that come into contact with food. It is easy to apply with a brush, cloth, or spray, and it dries quickly, usually within 15 minutes. Shellac provides a protective layer that enhances the wood’s natural grain and color. Available in various shades from clear to amber, it adds warmth to the wood. Historically, shellac has been a traditional finish for fine furniture and musical instruments, loved by woodworkers for its ease of use and beautiful results.

Pros: Fast drying (15 minutes), offers good protection, easy to apply.

Cons: Can be more sensitive to moisture than some other finishes.

Lacquer

Widely used in furniture manufacturing, lacquer is a versatile finish that provides a protective and glossy coating to wood and other materials. Derived from either the sap of lacquer trees or created synthetically, it is known for its quick-drying properties, often drying within 30 minutes. This allows for multiple coats to be applied in a short period, resulting in a hard, durable, and high-gloss finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Lacquer is highly resistant to water, alcohol, and household chemicals, making it a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry. It can be applied using a brush, cloth, or spray gun, with spraying being the most common method for an even and smooth finish. There are different types of lacquer, including nitrocellulose, acrylic, and water-based, each with its unique properties and uses. Lacquer has been used for centuries, especially in Asian cultures, for decorative arts and high-quality furniture finishes. It remains a favorite among woodworkers and manufacturers for its stunning, durable finish and fast-drying nature.

Pros: Dries incredibly fast (30 minutes), very clear, shows wood grain beautifully.

Cons: Highly flammable and has strong fumes (requires good ventilation and a respirator).

Varnish

Varnish is a transparent, hard protective finish used primarily for wood. Traditional varnish can be hard to work with, so we really want to focus on polyurethane which is readily available, super strong, and goes on easily. It dries in about four hours. You do have to sand in between coats. Typically, varnish is applied using a brush, roller, or spray, and multiple coats are required with sanding in between to achieve a smooth and even finish. Varnish can produce various finishes, from glossy to satin to matte, depending on the desired look and level of shine for the wood piece. Water-based looks white and goes on milky but will dry clear. This will take about an hour to dry. Now, let's check out the oil-based version. Look how beautifully this goes on. This takes longer—about four hours to dry—but wow, look how it goes on. When it dries and cures, it will warm up the wood and make everything pop.

Pros: Strong protection, easy to apply, widely available.

Cons: Oil-based versions have strong fumes and longer drying times.

Choosing the Right Finish:

Choosing the right finish for your wood project involves considering several important factors. First, think about the purpose of the wood—whether it's for furniture, a cutting board, or something that will be used outdoors. Each application will have different requirements for protection and durability. Next, evaluate the level of protection you need. Consider how much wear and tear the wood will be exposed to, as this will determine the type of finish that can best withstand those conditions. Finally, consider the appearance you want to achieve. Decide if you prefer a high-gloss finish that provides a sleek, polished look or a more natural finish that highlights the wood's inherent beauty. 

Important Notes:

Safety First: All finishes are flammable and have fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area and use a respirator if necessary.

Proper Application: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for the best results.

Testing: Always test a small, inconspicuous area before applying the finish to the entire piece. 

This information is for general guidance only. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions for specific products.