A Complete Guide to Furniture Finishes

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Different Types of Finishes

How to Apply Varnish on Furniture

Varieties of Varnish FinishesSpecific Requirements for ApplicationTechniques for Applying FinishesClick Here for More Information

Apply the varnish in smooth, even strokes following the wood’s natural grain.

Begin by applying the varnish along the grain in even, flowing strips. Once the surface is covered, go across the grain to smooth and level it out.

Use a nearly dry brush to lightly smooth the surface, following the grain of the wood for a flawless finish.

After smoothing the varnish across the grain, gently brush along the wood's natural grain with an almost dry brush to perfect the surface. Remove any dust and lint as you go.Curing and Reapplying

How to Apply a Penetrating Resin Finish

Different Types of Penetrating Resin FinishesSpecific Application RequirementsTechniques for ApplicationCuring and Recoating Process

How to Apply Shellac on Furniture

Shellac is one of the simplest classic finishes to apply. It gives a delicate, rich finish that highlights the wood’s natural grain. Especially suited for walnut, mahogany, and fine veneer woods, it provides a beautiful shine and serves as the base for traditional French polishing on premium furniture. Shellac is applied in several thin layers and dries quickly, allowing for recoating after just four hours. While it may require multiple coats, any application errors can be easily corrected.The main downside of shellac is its lack of durability. It is susceptible to damage and can dissolve in water and alcohol. White rings are a common issue. Shellac cannot be applied in high humidity, as it causes the finish to turn white. Over time, shellac absorbs moisture and may become cloudy or whitish. While repairs are simple, frequent touch-ups are necessary. Due to its softness after drying, waxing is highly recommended for protection. Shellac is best suited for decorative pieces that won't face heavy wear. The choice of shellac color and cut depends on the type of wood used in your furniture.Shellac Colors and Variants Shellac comes in two primary colors: white and orange. White shellac is typically used for light woods and is thinned with denatured alcohol for sealing purposes. It can be tinted with alcohol-soluble aniline dyes and may also be available in various colors. Orange shellac imparts a warm amber hue, often preferred for dark woods like walnut, mahogany, and teak.Shellac is available in various cuts or concentrations, with the 4-pound cut being the most common. Generally, shellac needs to be thinned or ‘cut’ with denatured alcohol before applying, as instructed by the manufacturer. For sealing, thin 1 part of 3- or 4-pound cut white shellac with 4 parts denatured alcohol. For finishing coats, thin 1 part of 4-pound shellac with 2 parts alcohol.

Shellac Thinning Proportions for 4-pound Base

Cut	Shellac	Alcohol
1/2 pound	1 part	5 parts
1 pound	1 part	2 parts
2 pound	4 parts	3 parts
21/2 pound	2 parts	1 part
3 pound	4 parts	1 part

Specific Application Requirements Shellac can be applied over most stains, except those with alcohol bases, and over any filler. Thin shellac is recommended for sealing coats. Denatured alcohol should be used to thin shellac, while alcohol or ammonia is used for cleaning up. Shellac has a very limited shelf life—old shellac will not dry properly. It’s advisable to purchase only the amount needed for the project and discard any leftover shellac. Some manufacturers may indicate a shelf date on the product.Essential Application Techniques Wood that is to be finished with shellac must be properly prepared, sanded, and sealed beforehand. (For instructions on sealing furniture,click here.) Before applying shellac, ensure each surface is thoroughly cleaned with a tack cloth. Use a new, clean, high-quality brush, and apply only fresh shellac, thinned to a 1-pound cut. Focus on one section at a time.To apply shellac, generously apply it to the surface, working in long, smooth strokes that follow the wood grain. Keep the surface well-wet with shellac, and work from dry to wet edges. Once the surface is fully coated, gently tip off the shellac along the grain using an almost dry brush. Hold the brush at a slight angle and lightly stroke the surface to smooth out any brush marks and even the coating. Continue smoothing across the entire shellacked area, working in strips that follow the grain.The French Polish Technique This method results in a much more durable finish compared to the regular shellac technique. French-polished surfaces boast a unique, velvety sheen, with the wood's grain and color being beautifully highlighted. It is most suitable for fine veneers and woods with a tight grain. Under French polish, only water-based or spirit-based non-grain-raising (NGR) stains should be used, as other stains may cause bleeding or lifting.For a French polish finish, mix 2 tablespoons of boiled linseed oil into 1 pint of 1-pound-cut shellac. Create a palm-sized pad using cheesecloth, wrapping it in a clean, lint-free linen or cotton cloth. The pad should fit comfortably in your hand. Dip the pad into the shellac/oil mixture without soaking it. Ensure the surface of the pad remains smooth and wrinkle-free.Apply the shellac/oil mixture to the prepared wood, evenly distributing it along the grain to cover the surface completely. Use quick, padding strokes and blend your movements carefully. Next, rub the wet surface with the pad, using firm circular or figure-eight motions over the wood. Continue rubbing for about 45 minutes, applying consistent downward pressure and adding more shellac as needed. The surface should become evenly glossy, free from dark spots or visible strokes.Allow the shellac/oil mixture to dry for 24 hours. Then, apply a second coat of the mixture following the same technique. Rub in the second coat for 45 minutes and let it dry for two to three days. Apply a third coat in the same manner.Let the wood dry for at least a week but no more than 10 days after the final coat. Once dry, clean the surface, apply a high-quality paste wax, and buff it to a polished sheen..

Apply the shellac/oil mixture and rub it in with circular or figure-eight motions to work the mixture into the surface.

The French Polish Finish is applied by hand-rubbing. Apply the shellac/oil mixture and rub it in using circular or figure-eight motions. Continue rubbing for about 45 minutes, adding more finish as needed.Drying and Recoating Shellac typically dries in about 30 minutes and can be recoated after four hours. Allow the new coat to set for a full four hours. It’s important that the drying time is sufficient, as shellac is soft and can trap sandpaper particles or steel wool fibers if not completely dry, creating a hassle when smoothing the surface. Once dry, lightly sand the surface with 7/0 grade open-coat sandpaper on a padded sanding block. Clean the surface with a tack cloth and apply a second coat of shellac. Allow it to dry for four hours, then repeat the process—sanding, cleaning, and applying a third coat. Additional coats can be applied for a smoother finish, but ensure each coat dries fully before applying the next. Between coats, buff the finish using fine steel wool. Let the final coat harden for 48 hours. To remove the gloss, use grade No. 0000 steel wool, rubbing carefully along the wood grain. Avoid rubbing across the grain. Once the gloss is gone, let the piece sit for another 48 hours. Then apply a good-quality paste wax to the wood and buff the surface to a shine with a soft cloth or an electric drill’s buffing attachment. Alternatively, a lacquer finish can be considered, which dries quickly but may present challenges in application. Learn more about lacquering furniture in the next section.

How to Lacquer Furniture

Special RequirementsApplication Techniques

A diagram showing how to spray lacquer in strips on wooden furniture.

Hold the can about 18 inches from the surface and spray the lacquer in even strips, moving side to side and top to bottom. Slightly overlap each strip to ensure the lacquer film thickness remains consistent.Drying and Recoating

How to Wax and Seal Furniture

Special RequirementsHow to Apply Paste WaxHow to Apply a Sealer Stain Finish

How to Apply Oil Finish on Furniture

Different Types of Oil FinishesSpecial RequirementsApplication Techniques

Illustration showing oil being applied by hand to wooden furniture.

Generously apply oil until the wood can no longer absorb it; work along the grain and press the oil into the wood using the palms of your hands. Wipe off any excess oil once the wood has absorbed enough.Drying and Recoating

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