Your Guide to Choosing the Best Timber Finish

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Timber Finish

One of the most important discoveries of man is the use of timber for architectural and aesthetic purposes.

Over the years timber has gained wide popularity in architecture and objects and is used in furniture making, construction (such as in houses, timber decking, balconies, and terraces), electric poles, sculptural carvings, and a host of other applications.

As with all materials, timber needs maintenance to stay in good shape and last longer. There are quite a few ways timber can be maintained, but one effective method is with a timber finish.

Timber finishing refers to the process of safeguarding or polishing the surface of a wooden material.  This prevents it from deteriorating and ensures that its beauty is not lost.

There are various types of timber finishing and the suitability of each depends on the use of the material. Therefore, in deciding the most appropriate method of finishing, there are a few pointers you may want to consider.

This article provides information on the types of timber finishes on the market and factors to consider when choosing a timber finish.

Types of Timber Finishes

Timber finishes and coatings can be difficult to remove once applied, which is why it’s a clever idea to take your time before deciding on the right product.

One major factor to consider is whether your material will be used indoors or outdoors. Special considerations are required if the timber will be exposed to outdoor elements, such as a decking, which would need a finish that can withstand the harsh sun and humid weather conditions 

demanded by changing seasons.

On the other hand, interior timber finishes are not exposed to outside elements and are mainly for their aesthetic and visual attributes. In this case, the finish should provide adequate protection for the design elements.

Other factors include visibility of the finish, colour, and texture. The following are some of the types of timber finishes and their characteristics:

Oil

Oiling offers good protection from dirt and permeates timber to bring out its natural characteristics and colours.

Timber oil is resistant to water and alcohol and can be used for interior and exterior purposes. It is particularly good for exterior fittings such as timber cladding, due to its ability to prevent damage from moisture. It contains little to zero quantities of pigments which works to preserve the colours. It also provides a natural finish and is easier to fix than many other methods, if necessary.

However, oil is not particularly durable as it needs to be reapplied periodically. First-time application is also quite difficult because coating needs to be done multiple times before full absorption.

The surface of your timber material needs to be thoroughly sanded before oil can be applied. You would also need to clean the surface properly with a piece of cloth.

Some items you will need for oiling include:

  •     Timber oil (most common are Danish oil, Tung oil, and traditional linseed)
  •     Brush/cheesecloth pad
  •     Oil tray
  •     Cleaning rag (to clean spills)

Wax

Wax is a translucent decorative finish often used for protection of timber and has the added advantage of dual uses: it can be used on its own or over the top of another finish.

It is easy to apply and provides a great aesthetic look. One major attribute of wax is heat-resistance, and it can be combined with oil to give formidable protection, which is especially useful for hot or sunny regions. Wax is ideal for indoor use when used alone.

On the other hand, wax offers short-term protection and needs frequent reapplication to maintain its true finish.

To apply wax, timber surfaces must be properly sanded. Items needed for a wax finish include paste wax (most commonly Beeswaxis used) and a cloth pad.

Varnish

Varnish is a hard, protective finish that doesn’t cover the grain of the wood surface.

It offers good protection against heat, water, alcohol, etc. and is resistant to impact. Varnish is a highly durable wood finishing option. Varnish is transparent on timber (though not as transparentas lacquer) and can be reversed easily with the use of paint removers. It is suitable for both interiors and exteriors.

Except for the polyurethane type, varnish can become dull and yellow overtime. Also, varnish dries slowly, and this means there is greater potential for dust to settle into the finish.

Application of varnish is similar to dye and requires the use of a brush.

Stain

Staining is a finishing method primarily used to enhance the natural colour of the wood.

It soaks into the wood to give a decorative finish. It is used to darken or colourwood and is available in different types such as gloss, matte, etc. It is most suitable for interior use but can be usedexternally when combined with another finish for extra durability.

Negatives: it is not water resistant and requires frequent recoating.

The application should be on clean, bare wood to reflect the truecolour. Apply with a brush for the finest finish. It can be a particularly good choice if you wish to match something to an existing timber piece.

Lacquer

Lacquer is a thin, highly durable finish that provides terrific protection against dirt, water, and many other substances. It dries very fast, meaning a shorter coating time. It is most usually sprayed, which means you will have to hire or buy a spray system. It’s easy to repair when damaged.

Downsides are that it is not very durable compared to other timber finishes. It can also be toxic and does give up flammable fumes, so you need a proper spraying environment – either a spray booth or an open space outside the home.

Timber should be appropriately sanded and cleaned immediately before lacquer application. You will need to apply the lacquer slowly and evenly on the timber surface and more importantly, keep the required distance (of about 18 inches) for best results. Items needed for a lacquer finish include:

  •     Lacquer
  •     Spray can/gun or spray machine (for wide surfaces)
  •     Tack cloth (for cleaning)

Shellac

Shellac is a resin made from lac bugs and is one of the easiest finishes to apply. Just like lacquer, it dries quickly and can be applied by brushing or spraying. It polishes well and is quite durable. Shellac is also easy to fix when damaged.

Unfortunately, shellac offers no protection from water and alcohol (and other chemicals) as they can blemish the surface. Additionally, it absorbs moisture and is therefore not suitable for outdoor usage.

When exposed to heat, shellac softens, so it’s advisable not to put anything hot on the surface. Due to these drawbacks, it is most suitable for decorative items which are not susceptible to rigorous use.

Shellac has application techniques similar to that of lacquer.

Conclusion

Finishing offers long-lasting beautification and protection for your timber material. While there are numerous types of finishes available, selecting the most suitable option shouldn’t be difficult with the information provided in this guide.

Have questions or want to learn more? Get in touch with Austim today to discuss your timber finishing needs!

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Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.
daniel wright
daniel wright
06:31 18 Jun 19
Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.
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Anni Lilford
00:51 16 Nov 18
Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.
Holger Butenschon
Holger Butenschon
05:14 22 May 18
Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue
susan smith
susan smith
06:27 08 Oct 18
I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson
09:06 25 Oct 18
I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!
Art of Timber
Art of Timber
07:55 05 Mar 20
I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.
mark alderson
mark alderson
02:03 08 Apr 17
I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.
Robert Heppenstall
Robert Heppenstall
10:05 12 Oct 18
Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.
M F
M F
00:18 07 May 20
Good service with fair prices.
Colin Della Bosca
Colin Della Bosca
08:14 04 Jun 20
Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
06:29 08 May 23
Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through
Dirk Wachter
Dirk Wachter
03:59 12 May 23
Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.
Martyn Lethbridge
Martyn Lethbridge
06:42 05 May 23
We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!
Mark Warren
Mark Warren
06:53 20 Aug 21
Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again
Galaxie Galaxie
Galaxie Galaxie
05:25 29 Nov 23
Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.
Craig Bussanich
Craig Bussanich
01:25 06 Oct 23
Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!
sophie sherlock
sophie sherlock
07:24 06 Oct 23

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