Understanding the Different Types of Wood Finishes
When it comes to finishing wood furniture, there’s no shortage of options — and if you’re not familiar with the industry, it can be downright confusing. The wrong choice can lead to a piece that doesn’t last, and for a customer who’s invested time and money into something beautiful, that can be heartbreaking.
Before getting into the specifics, it’s important to understand that nearly all wood finishes fall into two main categories: film finishes and penetrating finishes.
Film Finishes: Durable and Protective
Film finishes are the most durable and protective type of finish. They sit on top of the wood and create a barrier between the wood and the outside world. This protective layer helps guard against:
-
Water rings and spills
-
Stains from acidic substances (like wine, coffee, or ketchup)
-
Damage from cleaning products
These finishes are what you’ll find on most fine furniture and cabinetry because they provide long-term protection and a consistent, easy-to-clean surface. Common examples include polyurethane, lacquer, and varnish.
Penetrating Finishes: Beautiful but Vulnerable
Penetrating finishes, on the other hand, soak into the wood rather than forming a film on top. These are easier to apply and often more affordable, which can make them appealing for hobbyists or quick projects. But for daily-use furniture, they’re not nearly as durable.
Examples include tung oil, boiled linseed oil, and hard wax oils.
While these finishes bring out the natural grain, depth, and warmth of the wood — making it absolutely beautiful — they offer little protection against stains and moisture. Spilling a cup of coffee or red wine on a table finished this way can leave a permanent mark.
That doesn’t mean these finishes don’t have their place — they’re excellent for decorative pieces, low-traffic furniture, or projects where a natural, “bare wood” feel is desired.
💡 M2’s Pro Tip:
Oil finishes are stunning, but they don’t hold up well to daily life. They’re best used on pieces like mantles, shelves, or bookcases — anywhere that’s unlikely to see spills, scratches, or cleaning products.
Stain vs. Finish
It’s also important to clarify that stain and finish are not the same thing.
-
Stain changes the color of the wood.
-
Finish adds protection and sometimes a little sheen.
You can apply stain first to get the tone you like — from deep walnut to light oak — and then seal it with a protective finish on top. We’ll dive deeper into stains and wood color choices in a separate post.
Sheen: Gloss, Satin, or Flat?
Once you’ve chosen your finish type, the next question is how shiny you want the surface to be — that’s called the sheen.
At M2 Furniture, we typically prefer a satin or flat finish. Satin finishes have a soft, low-reflective look that complements solid wood furniture beautifully. Glossy finishes, while eye-catching, tend to show every little scratch, smudge, or imperfection, which can make maintenance a headache.
If you’ve never owned a high-gloss table before — trust us — satin is the way to go for a timeless, elegant look that’s easier to live with.
Professional Finishing Makes All the Difference
Last but not least, not all finishes are applied equally. At M2 Furniture, we use professional-grade spray equipment for nearly all of our finishes. This allows us to achieve an incredibly smooth, flawless surface that’s impossible to replicate with a wipe-on or roll-on finish.
Many of the industrial-grade finishes we use are designed to dry quickly, build thickness evenly, and offer exceptional hardness and clarity — but they must be applied with spray equipment. These finishes simply can’t be brushed or rolled on, which is one reason they’re not commonly used outside of professional shops.
If you prefer a more natural, hand-rubbed look, we’re always happy to apply an oil-based finish upon request. Just note that oil finishes, while beautiful, can’t be warranted against stains or moisture damage — they’re best suited for pieces like mantles, shelves, bookcases, or side tables, where they won’t be exposed to food, liquids, or heavy daily wear. In those cases, an oil finish is the perfect way to showcase the wood’s natural warmth and character.
The Takeaway
Choosing the right finish isn’t just about looks — it’s about longevity, use, and environment. Whether you’re after a natural hand-rubbed appearance or a durable, family-proof coating, understanding the difference between finish types helps ensure your furniture stays beautiful for years to come.
At M2 Furniture, we carefully select the right finish for each piece to strike the perfect balance between beauty and protection — so your furniture not only looks great but lasts a lifetime.
