Furniture Finishes 

Furniture finishes are essential for protecting and enhancing the appearance of wood surfaces. Each finish offers unique characteristics, and the choice of finish depends on the desired look, durability, and level of maintenance required.  Essentially you have two types: Topcoat or Film finishes, and penetrating finishes. 

Below, we’ll explore seven common types of both options: Lacquer, Shellac, Polyurethane, Urethane, Osmo, Rubio Monocoat, and Odie's Oil.

Lacquer Finish

Description:

Lacquer is a fast-drying, clear or colored finish that is applied in thin layers. It is made from a combination of resins, solvents, and alcohol. When applied, it dries quickly, creating a hard, durable surface that is both smooth and shiny.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Glossy, high-shine finish.
• Durability: Highly durable and resistant to scratches, water, and UV damage.
• Application: Typically sprayed on in thin coats, as brushing lacquer can leave marks. Requires multiple coats.
• Drying Time: Very fast drying, often within minutes.
• Maintenance: Easy to clean but can be susceptible to damage from extreme heat or solvents.

Best Used For:

• High-end furniture pieces and cabinetry, where a glossy, smooth finish is desired. It’s also commonly used on musical instruments.

Shellac Finish

Description:

Shellac is a natural resin derived from the secretions of the lac bug. When dissolved in alcohol, it creates a clear liquid finish. Shellac has been used as a furniture finish for centuries.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Provides a warm, amber tone, which darkens with age.
• Durability: Moderately durable but susceptible to heat, water, and alcohol damage.
• Application: Can be applied with a brush or a pad (French polishing). It dries quickly but requires multiple coats for durability.
• Drying Time: Dries relatively fast, within 30 minutes to an hour.
• Maintenance: Can be easily repaired by applying additional shellac without the need for sanding.

Best Used For:

• Antique or traditional furniture pieces, or for those looking for a natural finish with rich color and warmth. Ideal for decorative pieces and items not exposed to heavy wear.

Polyurethane Finish

Description:

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that is one of the most popular wood finishes, known for its hard-wearing and protective qualities. It is available in both oil-based and water-based formulas.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes.
• Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to water, chemicals, and scratches. Oil-based polyurethanes offer a warmer tone, while water-based polyurethanes remain clear.
• Application: Can be brushed or sprayed. Requires multiple coats, with sanding between coats for smoothness.
• Drying Time: Oil-based formulas take longer to dry (6-8 hours), while water-based formulas dry faster (2-4 hours).
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; however, it can be difficult to repair once damaged without completely refinishing.

Best Used For:

• High-traffic furniture and surfaces exposed to heavy use, such as tables, floors, and kitchen cabinets. Perfect for modern, durable finishes.

Urethane Finish

Description:

Urethane is a type of finish that is chemically similar to polyurethane but is more flexible. Urethane finishes are usually used for their resistance to wear and tear, providing a strong barrier between the wood and environmental elements.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Generally comes in a satin or semi-gloss finish, though high-gloss options are available.
• Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and water, although it is more prone to yellowing compared to polyurethane.
• Application: Applied with a brush or spray. It requires multiple coats, and proper ventilation is essential due to strong fumes.
• Drying Time: Takes about 2-6 hours to dry, with a cure time of up to 24 hours before heavy use.
• Maintenance: Repairing urethane finishes typically requires sanding and reapplication.

Best Used For:

• Furniture that requires durability and flexibility, such as dining tables and high-use surfaces.

Osmo Finish

Description:

Osmo is a natural oil-based finish made from waxes and oils, designed for treating wood surfaces. It penetrates deeply into the wood to enhance its natural beauty while providing a protective finish.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Matte or satin finish that enhances the wood’s natural grain and color.
• Durability: Highly resistant to water, dirt, and stains while remaining breathable, which helps prevent cracking and peeling.
• Application: Applied with a brush or cloth. Requires minimal sanding and doesn’t leave a film on the surface.
• Drying Time: Dries quickly, often within 8-12 hours.
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to reapply. Can be cleaned with a damp cloth and requires no frequent stripping or sanding.

Best Used For:

• High-end furniture where a natural, earthy aesthetic is desired. It is especially useful for wooden floors and kitchen countertops where natural oil finishes are preferable.

Rubio Monocoat Finish

Description:

Rubio Monocoat is an environmentally friendly, one-coat oil finish that provides exceptional protection to wood surfaces. It uses natural plant oils to penetrate the wood and offer a hard-wearing finish.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Matte, satin, and gloss finishes available. It enhances the wood's natural color without covering up the grain.
• Durability: Highly durable and water-resistant, offering long-lasting protection with just one coat. However, it is more prone to abrasion compared to polyurethane.
• Application: Very easy to apply and can be done with a cloth or a brush. It requires a single coat and does not require sanding between applications.
• Drying Time: Dries in about 6-8 hours, with a full cure time of 1-2 days.
• Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance; periodic reapplication is usually all that’s needed for upkeep.

Best Used For:

• Those who prefer a natural wood appearance with minimal maintenance. It’s ideal for furniture, floors, and other surfaces that need protection but still maintain the wood’s aesthetic integrity.

Odie's Oil Finish

Description:

Odie’s Oil is a unique blend of natural oils and waxes, offering an eco-friendly, non-toxic, and versatile finish that nourishes the wood while forming a molecular bond with whatever its applied to.

Characteristics:

• Finish Type: Satin to matte finish that enhances the wood’s color and grain.
• Durability: Provides excellent water resistance and protection from stains. It also offers a durable surface that is safe for both food-contact areas and high-traffic furniture.
• Application: Applied with a rag, brush, spray or applicator pad and does not require multiple coats. It’s easy to apply and maintain.
• Drying Time: Dries relatively quickly, with the initial coat drying within a few hours--full cure varies by product but is around 3-5 days.  
• Maintenance: Extremely low-maintenance, and can be easily repaired by reapplying oil to damaged spots.

Best Used For:

• Those seeking an eco-friendly and non-toxic solution for furniture, countertops, and cutting boards. It’s ideal for achieving a low-gloss finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood.

Film finishes like lacquer and polyurethane, while providing greater levels of protection, are not without their cons. Things like repairs, application, moisture and causing pieces to feel more "plastic" than wood are among some of the negatives of these types of finishes.  

At Fat Cat we've applied and used all of these finishes---settling on Odie's Oil as our preferred finish.  It allows wood to still feel like "wood" while allowing the natural beauty to shine--all while offering fantastic water and scratch resistance.  Oh yeah and its non-toxic.  

Hope this write up helps you with your next project---or to better understand the finish that may be on your Fat Cat Table!