Finishing
When a project is completed, a finish is applied to protect the timber and to enance the aesthetic appeal. There are several different types of finishes. Read through the information below to extend your understanding of Timber Finishing.
Varnish
Varnish is a chemical based liquid which is applied to timber to give a hard, glossy finsih which enhances the natural colours and appearance of the timber. Varnish generally consits of a drying oil, a resin and a thinner or solvent. Varnish is applied on in a liquid state and hardens once the solvent has evaported from the mix after application.
Wax
Wax is a cheap way to finish a timber project. It needs to be frequently re-applied to maintain a decent finish. It leaves a dull finish which makes it less desirable unless a "bare" finish is desired. Wax can be used on things like cutting boards as it has no harmful chemicals.
Shellac
Shellac gives a shiny, durable finish and is acheived by mixing Shellac "flakes" with an ethanol product (Metholayted Spirits) to acheive a syrupy liquid. This is then applied to the timber to seal it and enhance/change the colour. Shellac provides a decent protection against water damage.
Stain
A Stain finish will give the same result as a Varnish or Shellac, although a colourant is present in the mixture which acts as an almost see through paint to change the colour of the timber. This works best on light timbers (e.g. Pine) to make them look like darker timbers (e.g. Jarrah). The composition is genrally mostly Pigment (colour), solvent (Metholayted Spirits) and a small portion of a Binder.
