A Complete Guide for Common Furniture Finish Types

Have you noticed that different pieces of furniture feel differently when you touch their surface, although they are built of the same kinds of materials? The distinction lies in the furniture finishing.

While Homary is committed to using premium-quality finishings on every piece of furniture, it is still advisable that you learn about the different kinds of finishings for furniture based on surface materials. Here we go!

Finishes of Wood Furniture

When it comes to enhancing the natural beauty of wood furniture, the right finish can make all the difference. Wood finishes not only add aesthetic appeal but also protect the surface from wear and tear. Let's explore some popular wood finishes:

Stain as Wood Furniture Finish

Stains are used to enrich the color and highlight the unique grain patterns of wood. By penetrating the wood fibers, stains provide a translucent effect while preserving natural beauty. Whether it's a light oak stain or a rich mahogany tone, stains offer a versatile option for customizing the appearance of your wooden furniture.

Varnish as Wood Furniture Finish

Varnish is a durable and protective finish that creates a glossy or satin sheen. It forms a hard, transparent film over the wood surface, shielding it from scratches, moisture, and UV damage. Varnishes come in various formulations, such as oil-based, water-based, and polyurethane-based, each offering different levels of durability and application ease.

Lacquer as Wood Furniture Finish

Lacquer finishes are known for their high-gloss, mirror-like appearance, making them a popular choice for achieving a sophisticated look. Typically applied in multiple thin coats, lacquer forms a hard and durable shell over the wood. It requires skilled application techniques and meticulous polishing for a flawless finish.

Oil Finish for Wood Furniture

Oil finishes, such as linseed oil or tung oil, deeply penetrate the wood to enhance its natural beauty while providing a subtle sheen. These finishes nourish and protect the wood fibers, giving the furniture a warm and organic look. Regular reapplication is necessary to maintain the luster and protective properties of oil finishes.

Wax as Wood Furniture Finish

Wax finishes offer a soft and low-sheen appearance while providing a protective layer on the wood surface as well as on other surfaces. Beeswax, carnauba wax, or other natural waxes are applied and buffed to create a smooth and lustrous finish. Wax helps to protect the wood from moisture and minor scratches, although it may require periodic reapplication.

Shellac as Wood Furniture Finish

Shellac is a traditional finish that originates from the resin secreted by lac bugs. It is dissolved in alcohol to create a versatile and fast-drying finish. Shellac offers a warm amber hue and a glossy finish, which adds depth to the wood's appearance. However, it is less resistant to heat and moisture compared to some other finishes.

French Polish as Wood Furniture Finish

French polish is a labor-intensive technique that results in a luxurious and highly glossy finish. It involves applying multiple thin coats of shellac using a pad made of cotton or wool. Each coat is meticulously buffed to create a smooth and reflective surface. French polish enhances the wood's natural beauty and depth while providing moderate protection.

Polyurethane as Wood Furniture Finish

Polyurethane finishes are renowned for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Available in various sheen levels, such as matte, satin, or high gloss, polyurethane forms a tough protective layer on the wood. It offers excellent water and chemical resistance, making it suitable for high-traffic areas or furniture that requires enhanced durability.

Danish Oil Finish for Wooden Furniture

Danish oil is a blend of oils and resins that penetrates the wood, providing a beautiful, low-luster finish. It enhances the natural color and grain of the wood while offering protection against moisture and stains. Danish oil finishes are relatively easy to apply and maintain, making them a popular choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

Tung Oil Finish for Wooden Furniture

Derived from the nuts of the tung tree, tung oil finishes provide a rich, warm appearance to wood furniture. Tung oil penetrates deeply, enhancing the wood's natural beauty while providing a protective barrier against water and mildew. It is known for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and is often used on outdoor furniture.

Finishes of Metal Furniture

Metal is another important material type for furniture, and also a diverse type. From aluminum to stainless steel, from titanium to copper, metal furniture brings a touch of technology and sturdiness to our homes. Let's see what finishes are commonly applied to metal furniture.

Paint Finishes on Metal Furniture

In addition to wood, paints can be applied to various surfaces, including metal and other materials. Due to its strong adherence and color performance, it is essential to create a diverse furniture style to combine paints with various materials.

It's also the reason why paint offers endless possibilities for transforming furniture with color and style. Whether it's a vibrant pop of color or a neutral tone, paint can completely change the look and feel of a piece. From glossy to matte, paint finishes are versatile and can be customized to suit any aesthetic preference or design theme.

Powder Coating Finish on Metal Furniture

Powder coating involves applying a dry powder to the metal surface, which is then cured through heat to create a durable and attractive finish. It offers excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and fading, making it a preferred choice for metal furniture exposed to outdoor elements.

Electroplatings Finish on Metal Furniture

Electroplating is a process that involves depositing a layer of metal onto the surface of another metal through an electric current. Chrome, nickel, and brass finishes are commonly achieved through electroplating, providing a lustrous and decorative look while offering corrosion resistance.

Patina as a Metal Furniture Finish

Patina is a surface treatment that gives metal furniture an aged or weathered appearance. Through controlled oxidation or chemical application, the metal develops a unique patina that adds character and charm. This finish is particularly popular in vintage or rustic furniture designs.

Clear Coat Finish on Metal Furniture

Clear coats are transparent finishes applied to metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion, oxidation, and wear. These finishes provide a protective barrier while allowing the natural beauty and shine of the metal to shine through.

Upholstery Finishes

Not just the furniture, but the upholsteries that cover the furniture need finishes for protection and beauty too. Upholstery finishes play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the fabric or leather used in furniture.

Fabric treatments as a Finish for Upholstery

Fabric treatments, such as Scotchgard, are designed to repel liquid and resist stains on upholstered furniture. These treatments create a protective barrier that helps to prevent spills from seeping into the fabric, making it easier to clean and maintain the furniture's appearance.

Leather finishes for Leather Furniture

Leather finishes encompass a range of treatments applied to leather furniture. Dyes and pigments are used to color the leather, while protective coatings, such as topcoats or waxes, provide durability and resistance to stains and scratches. These finishes enhance the richness and longevity of leather furniture.

Finishes for Glass Furniture

Unlike other furniture materials, glasses can take more kinds of finishing, such as etching and frosting. Glass finishes add visual interest and functionality to furniture pieces that incorporate glass elements.

Etching as a Finishing on Glass Furniture

Etching involves using acid or sandblasting techniques to create decorative patterns, textures, or designs on glass surfaces. It adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to furniture, allowing for privacy, diffusion of light, or artistic expression.

It is noticeable that etching requires professionals to implement. Do not attempt to do it yourself at home if you are not familiar with the approaches or the chemicals. If you want to decorate your home with stylish etched glass furniture, you can always find a perfect piece at Homary.

Tinting or Stained Glass

Tinting involves applying a colored film to glass surfaces, offering privacy, UV protection, and aesthetic appeal. Stained glass, on the other hand, involves assembling colored glass pieces to form intricate patterns or images, creating stunning visual effects and a focal point in furniture design.

Both finishes are made to offer vibrant coloring for glass furniture. With your own color codes, you can create your unique glass furniture style.

Frosted or Satin Finish

Frosted or satin finishes on glass provide a translucent and diffused appearance, offering privacy while allowing light to pass through. These finishes are achieved through acid etching or sandblasting techniques, resulting in a smooth and elegant frosted surface.

The world of furniture finishes is diverse and exciting. By understanding the different finishes available, you can make informed decisions about which ones best suit your preferences, design goals, and furniture material.

Whether you're looking to showcase the natural beauty of wood, add a pop of color with paint, protect metal surfaces from corrosion, or enhance the elegance of glass, choosing the right finish can transform your furniture into stunning pieces that reflect your personal style and withstand the test of time.

Remember, before applying any finish, it's essential to prepare the surface properly and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific finish you choose. Subscribe to the Homary newsletter to receive information and idea about the beauty and functionality of furniture in your living spaces.