In our last blog post, “A Complete Guide to Historic Wood Finishes for Mission Furniture,” we discussed the traditional wood finishing techniques outlined in a Popular Mechanics handbook from 1909 called “Mission Furniture: How to Make It.”
While some traditional wood finishing techniques, like the use of natural oil, have stood the test of time, others have not. In the century-plus since mission furniture’s genesis, we have developed countless innovative wood finishing techniques, providing greater durability and versatility than ever before.
If you’re looking to invest in mission furniture, it’s essential to understand common wood finishing methods to find high-quality products that will stick around for generations. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular wood finishing techniques you’ll see in the mission furniture industry today.
Why is Wood Finishing Necessary?
Before we get into specific wood finishing techniques, let’s talk about why wood finishing is necessary. The main reason to apply a finish is to protect the wood. Wood is porous, which means that it will absorb moisture, oils, and dirt. By finishing the wood, you make it more resistant to stains and water damage. This also makes the wood less likely to expand and contract with changing temperatures and humidity levels.
In addition to its functional benefits, wood finishing provides aesthetic advantages, as well. Finished wood is easier to keep clean — rather than getting embedded in all the grooves and pores, dirt and dust can be easily wiped off. Plus, applying a finish enhances the wood grain by increasing the contrast between light and dark shades.
Depending on the type of finish used for your mission furniture, it may have to be refinished every once in a while to keep the wood in top condition. This can either be done at home or by a professional craftsman. If you have questions about refinishing, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.
Common Wood Finishing Products
Quality wood furniture, whether crafted in the mission style or not, will likely have one of the following finishes. Each of these wood finishing products has its own strengths and is suitable for diverse applications, so it’s important to understand these differences to determine whether a furniture piece will meet your needs before buying.
Natural Oil
Natural oil finishes, including tung or linseed oil, are excellent for highlighting the grain and texture of the woods, making them a popular choice for mission furniture. They penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing its rustic natural beauty and providing a low sheen. These finishes may require occasional reapplication to maintain their appearance.
Shellac
Shellac, a type of resin, is a traditional wood finish. It gives mission furniture a warm amber hue while offering a moderate level of protection against wear and moisture. Shellac is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it perfect for DIY furniture restoration projects.
Lacquer
Lacquer is available in both clear and tinted varieties, offering a durable, glossy coating and providing excellent protection against spills, scratches, and UV damage. While lacquer products require careful application, they create a smooth finish that complements mission-style furniture.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a unique type of polymer that can provide varying levels of sheen. It’s elastic like rubber but can be repeatedly reformed like plastic, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to abrasions. Oil-based polyurethane finishes offer outstanding protection and depth, but water-based options dry faster and emit fewer fumes.
Varnish
Varnish is made of a blend of solvent, resin, and drying oil. It forms a hard, transparent film over wood surfaces, protecting them from moisture and heat. Whether you prefer a matte or glossy finish, varnish allows you to customize the look of your furniture while ensuring its longevity. Applying varnish requires meticulous surface preparation and proper ventilation, but to many artisans, the beautiful and durable results justify the extra effort.
Wax
Wax finishes like beeswax or carnauba wax provide a soft, lustrous sheen, enhance the wood’s natural color, and create a smooth surface. However, wax offers limited protection against spills and scratches when compared to other wood finishing options. For those who prefer a traditional, hands-on approach to maintenance, regular waxing is a great way to maintain wood furniture’s beauty and integrity.
Stain
Stains are specially formulated to add color to wood while allowing the natural grain to shine through. Because they’re available in an array of hues, wood stains enable you to customize your furniture’s appearance to suit your aesthetic preferences.
Explore the Possibilities of Mission Furniture
At Sugar House Furniture, we aim to provide high-quality furniture that will endure the trials of time. Whether you prefer an eye-catching stain or a more natural oil-based finish, we have a wide range of options to choose from. Come visit us in Salt Lake City, Utah, to see for yourself the difference that expert wood finishing can make.
