Polyurethane, varnish, lacquer and shellac topcoats: choosing, applying and recoating.
What makes a good base for a dark chocolate finish A smooth, dark chocolate finish depends as much on the wood as on the stain or topcoat. The easiest boards to color evenly have a fine, consistent texture and no strong contrast between earlywood and latewood. Open pores can look Read more
A clear-finished pantry door is a good place to show attractive wood, but the door also has to stay flat, resist dents, and tolerate fingerprints and occasional moisture. The best all-around choice is usually quarter-sawn white oak. It is stable, hard enough for daily use, widely available, and looks good Read more
For a coffee table with a clear, natural-looking finish, the wood itself does most of the visual work. Grain, color, hardness and the way a species reacts to finish all affect the result. The best choice depends on whether you want a pale, quiet surface, pronounced grain or a darker Read more
A bathroom mirror frame needs more than attractive grain. It must tolerate humid air, occasional splashes, temperature changes, and repeated cleaning without turning gray, swelling at the joints, or developing a cloudy finish. For a clear-finished frame, the best wood is usually a stable, straight-grained species with low movement and Read more
A transparent red finish shows the wood beneath it, so species choice matters as much as stain choice. The same red dye can look warm and even on cherry, muddy on oak, or blotchy on maple. For furniture and interior trim, cherry is usually the easiest route to a rich, Read more
A pale writing desk looks simple, but light-colored finishes are less forgiving than dark stains. They expose blotches, sanding scratches, glue spots, dents, and uneven sheen. The best wood species depends on whether you want a nearly white surface, visible grain, or the lowest-cost top that will be painted or Read more
A warm amber finish can come from the wood itself, a clear finish, or both. The easiest route is usually a species with a naturally golden or reddish cast, finished with a clear coat that adds depth without hiding the grain. If you need a particular shade, a light stain Read more
Clear finish makes window trim less forgiving than painted trim. A thin coat of clear varnish shows the wood’s color and grain, but it also leaves knots, mineral streaks, glue residue, and sanding scratches in view. For most homes, poplar is a poor choice for this job: it is affordable Read more
A clear-finished range hood puts the wood close to heat, steam, cooking grease and strong light. The best choice is usually a stable, straight-grained hardwood that suits the kitchen—not simply the hardest or most expensive species. The hood’s design and finish matter just as much: wood should be kept clear Read more
A clear finish lets the grain show, but a crib is not ordinary furniture: rails, slats, and joints get handled, chewed, cleaned, and exposed to spills. Choose wood for stable construction and a smooth, durable surface—not just for color or a “natural” label. The finished crib must also meet applicable Read more