You have finally managed to complete a wooden birdhouse. The problem is what kind of finish should you give that wooden project? Finish refers to a chemical, which when applied to the wooden project, will give it a protective coating.
Finish is just one of the three kinds of treatments for wood that serves as the wood’s final coating. The final coating primarily aims to give the wood protection but more often, the protective coating also gives the wood its final touch or that desired look. Other woodworkers treat wooden projects by staining or tinting the wood. Others use paint, a chemical that contains a colored substance. However, other woodworkers prefer to use a wood finishing without any pigment at all.
The type of wood finish will give it that final look you desire. Thus, choosing the right finish for your wooden project is a very important decision you have to make. There are many choices of wood finishes but the most common are lacquer, shellac, oil, water-based finishes and varnish.
Since the finish is just the final touch in a woodworking project, the application of a finish doesn't require complicated tools except perhaps a spray gun, brushes and rags for wiping. Other woodworkers just use a brush to apply the finish but professional woodworkers prefer using spray guns as it creates a more even coat.
Remember that the finish is intentionally applied to the wood for protection and not for anything else. Thus, whatever finish you choose to apply on your project, it must be able to offer a protective coating to the wood, it must be able to stay onto where it will be applied and the application is easy.
There are several finishing types to choose from like varnish, oil, polyurethane or water based finished. Varnish is commonly used by woodworkers because of the ease in application. Shellac is another favorite finish because it is alcohol based and dries fast, thereby eliminating the chances of dust attaching to the wood. Lacquer is the practical choice for furniture makers because it dries fast although its fumes can pose a health hazard to unprotected workers.
The growing concern for the environment has however discouraged people from using alcohol based finishes. They have turned to water-based finishes despite the fact that they are less sturdy than the other types. Some manufacturers claim varnish or polyurethane finishes are water based but this isn't true because these are solvents.
It is important to note that a finish should have a high resistance to humidity or vapor changes. This can be made possible by applying a finish thickly although it isn't advisable when using polyurethane as it can crack when applying more than three coats. Varnish would be more ideal for several coatings while a polyurethane single coating should be preferred over several coats of a finish that is water based.
The ease with which the finish is applied should also be a basis when choosing the type finish for a wooden project. Varnish is easy to apply and it can be done by using a brush. However, it is slow dying which allows dust to stick to the wood and leave unsightly spots. Using one that is quick drying would be difficult when applied with a brush but it would be easy when done with a spray gun. An oil finish like Tung Oil or even Linseed Oil is easier to handle and can cover up minor damages in the wood.
No matter what type of finish you choose for your wooden project, it is advisable to sand between coatings of finish to make the surface smooth and free of bumps. To make sure your finish is appropriate for your project, try it on a scrap of wood before applying it to your project.
A wooden chair or a birdhouse will definitely look more attractive and pleasant to the eyes when it is varnished or applied with any kind of finish. However, bear in mind that you must always examine the type of finish you are using and make sure that it can provide the necessary protection for your wooden project.
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