Finishing Comparison Guide

Here are some common finishes with simple guides to their appearance, durability and application.

Wipe-on Finishes

Minwax Wipe-On Poly

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Combines the beauty of a hand rubbed finish with the toughness of polyurethane.

APPEARANCE: Satin sheen with very light amber cast.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Good to excellent durability. Easy application and suitable for interior projects like furniture, molding and trim.

Sam Maloof Poly/Oil Finish

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Gives a very professional looking, handsome finish yet is relatively easy to use.

APPEARANCE: Produces a very even soft sheen.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Good durability. World-renowned furniture maker Sam Maloof uses this in combination with the Sam Maloof Oil/Wax (see below) for his museum-quality tables, rocking chairs, and other furniture.

Sam Maloof's Oil/Wax Finish

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: This oils-and- beeswax formula is made to be used in conjunction with Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish.

APPEARANCE: Use after applying Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish to increase chatoyance and give a rich, semi-gloss appearance.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: See above. Oil/Wax formula is recommended for use on furniture that won't be exposed to excessive heat or moisture.

Butcher Block Oil

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Safe natural penetrating oil finish for butcher blocks, cutting boards, wood utensils, salad bowls and other wood surfaces.

APPEARANCE: Grain-enhancing, flat sheen.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: A completely natural oil that meets all FDA requirements for surfaces that contact food.

Tried and True Original Wood Finish

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Tried and True Original Wood Finish is a premium oil finish made with 100% natural, plant-derived ingredients. It's FDA approved as non-toxic and nonallergenic.

APPEARANCE: Natural sheen finish.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Excellent durability and this finish will become even more hard and durable as it ages. Safe to use on children's toys, cutting boards, etc.

Rockler's 100% Pure Tung Oil

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: A 100% natural oil containing no driers or solvents.

APPEARANCE: Flat to satin-sheen finish.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Good to very good. Very water-resistant. Use on furniture or any wood object where easy maintenance is desired.

Liberon Finishing Oil

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: A quick drying, low odor blend of high quality oils.

APPEARANCE: Produces a very even soft sheen.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Safe for food preparation areas. Resistant to water, heat, alcohol and food acids.

Brush-On Finishes

General Finishes EF High Performance Waterbase Polyurethane

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: "EF" stands for environmentally friendly! Fast-drying. Easy water clean-up.

APPEARANCE: Your choice of satin or gloss. Virtually clear, so it adds almost no color to wood.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Excellent durability. Tough enough for kitchen/dining room tables. Durable enough even for floors!

General finishes ef waterbase polyurethane

Zinsser Bullseye SealCoat

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: A clear, premixed 2 pound cut of de-waxed shellac. Can be applied with either a brush or lint-free cloth.

APPEARANCE: On raw wood, 2 to 3 coats will produce a soft velvety sheen. SealCoat is most often used as an undercoat, however.

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Use to seal raw wood in preparation for a final finish. Makes an excellent sanding sealer and barrier coat. For interior use.

Spray

Zinsser Clear Spray Shellac

CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: The classic finish for furniture and other wood surfaces now in convenient aerosol form. Safe and non-toxic, this natural finish enhances grain pattern and produces a soft, deep glow.

APPEARANCE: Soft, velvety sheen after 2 to 3 coats

DURABILITY AND USAGE: Good durability. Best for small-scale interior projects where a traditional finish is desired. Also has excellent sealing properties and can be used as a barrier coat under latex and oil paint.