Finishing — (Part 1)

Abstract

There are three general classifications of wood finishes: stain, natural and paint or enamel. There are, of course, many variations of each of these types and others are being developed all the time. The type of finish used on a project depends on several factors such as: (a) the type of wood used. Some woods such as walnut, oak and mahogany are better adapted to natural finishes. These woods have an attractive grain formation as well as a distinctive colour. Other woods such as maple, birch and beech have an attractive grain formation but are generally considered too light in colour for natural finishes so are often stained. Still other woods such as bass-wood and pine are generally considered better adapted to a paint finish; (b) the use to which the furniture is to be put.