Lumber Finishing Techniques: Staining, Sealing, and Protecting Your Wood Creations

Lumber Finishing Techniques: Staining, Sealing, and Protecting Your Wood Creations

No matter how small or large, every woodworking project benefits from applying a proper finish. Lumber finishing not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also serves a practical purpose by protecting the surface. It ensures that your wood creations maintain their beauty for years to come. In this article, we delve into the topic of lumber finishing techniques, exploring the different stain options and solutions for sealing your workpiece. If you need further assistance, our associates at Tri State Building Center are always ready to help.

Understanding Lumber Finishing

From a practical standpoint, finishing your work will ensure its longevity, protecting it against wear and tear, water, heat, and even UV exposure. Lumber finishing beautifies the project and adds depth, dimension, and a personal touch to the work.

Types of Finishes

There are two main approaches to the finishing process, each with various products available to achieve a predetermined goal. These are penetrating finishes and topcoat finishes. Some products allow complete finishing in one step, while others require more than one.

Penetrating Finishes

Penetrating finishes infiltrate the wood grain and change its properties from the inside. Some examples of penetrating finishes are stains that come in oil and water-based forms, and oils, such as tung, teak, linseed, and mineral, to name a few.

When working with oil or water-based stains, a secondary step of applying a topcoat is necessary. The stain penetrates the wood surface but is prone to damage, fading, and leeching. The topcoat seals the stain, protecting the wood from changes or deterioration to the finish.

Conversely, oils often allow the project to be finished in one step. Many oils penetrate and seal after one or more coats, depending on the lumber used in the project. Softer woods require more coats, as the oil will quickly absorb into the loose grain. Oils typically have a low to medium sheen and don’t cause a drastic color change, and provide a natural-looking finish to any wood creation.

Project requirements determine what product to choose and the application process. For example, if a food-grade finish is needed for a cutting board, then stains and top coats are not the best solution, and a food-safe oil, like mineral oil, should be used.

Top Coat Finishes

As mentioned above, top coat finishes are used with stains to seal and protect the surface of recently stained wood. Various product types are available, and each offers a different degree of thickness, durability, sheen, and skill level to apply.

Some standard top coats are urethane, polyurethane, varnish, epoxy resin, shellac, wax (like beeswax and paraffin wax), and lacquer. The properties and applications of these finishes vary widely, from the food-grade beeswax to the toxic but highly durable epoxy resin and lacquer commonly used in furniture making.

Lumber Finishing Techniques

Despite the variety of products, there are standard techniques to apply them, from brushing and pouring to rubbing and spraying.

Brushing on the Finishes

Often, stains are applied with a bristle or foam brush. Simply dip the brush into the stain and apply parallel to the wood grain. Depending on the product, the penetration time will vary before the excess is wiped off with a rag or sponge.

Urethane and polyurethane can also be brushed on. A foam brush is often best for this application, as standard brushes tend to lose bristles, which get embedded in the finish. The same techniques for applying stain are used to spread these finishes: apply in the direction of the wood grain, and with as long of a brush stroke as possible. Back brush the surface so there isn’t a dimpling or streaking effect when dry. Always keep a wet edge between areas where the finish is applied and areas where it is not. This ensures a seamless surface when the finish dries. The product used will determine the amount of coats needed.

Pouring the Finish

Not many finishes require pouring to apply them besides epoxy resin, one of the more advanced finishing products. Epoxy resin comes in two parts, mixed in proper proportions and then poured over the surface of the workpiece. After adequate coverage, a heat gun is used across the surface to remove air bubbles trapped in the mixture. When cured, the epoxy resin forms a hard, glossy surface.

Rub-On Finish

Alternatively, a stain sponge or even a rag is used to apply stains. The main concern with this procedure is that the pad or rag is lint-free so no fibers adhere to your finish. Rub in a circular motion with the direction of the grain.

Oils are often rubbed into the surface of the wood as well. The rag can be dipped, or some oil can be poured onto the surface of the workpiece and massaged into the wood grain.

Bees and other types of waxes are often rubbed on the surface of the workpiece to protect it and provide an attractive sheen. In the case of paraffin wax, a heat source such as a heat gun, may be needed to soften the wax for proper application.

Finished by Spray

Most penetrating and top-coat finishes can be sprayed on except for epoxy resin and wax. Most spray projects are often done by professionals, due to the high degree of skill and specialized equipment needed.

Ensure Long-lasting Beauty by Protecting Your Wood Creations

As you start your next lumber finishing project, remember that choosing the right finish is crucial for protection and aesthetic appeal. Whether you opt for penetrating finishes like stains or oils, or topcoat finishes like varnish or lacquer, understanding the properties and application techniques will ensure your workpiece stands the test of time. For any questions or additional guidance, the knowledgeable team at Tri State Building Center is here to support you at every step.