Finishes
16 finishes. Oils, films, waxes, stains and dyes compared by look, drying time, application and durability. Click a name for its full record.
16 of 16 finishes
| Finish | Type | Look | Dry / recoat time | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled linseed oil | penetrating oil | low sheen, warm amber | 12-24 h between coats, several days to cure | low |
| Pure tung oil | penetrating oil | low sheen, slight amber | 1-3 days between coats, weeks to fully cure | low |
| Danish oil | oil-varnish blend | satin, warm | 6-12 h between coats | medium |
| Hardwax oil | oil-wax blend | matte to satin, natural | 8-24 h, 1-2 coats | medium |
| Wipe-on polyurethane | film (thinned varnish) | satin or gloss | 2-4 h between coats, 4-6 coats | medium |
| Oil-based polyurethane | film | satin, semi-gloss or gloss, ambers | 4-6 h recoat, 24 h before use, 2-3 coats | high |
| Water-based polyurethane | film | satin to gloss, clear | 2 h recoat, 3-4 coats | high |
| Shellac | film (evaporative) | satin to gloss, amber or clear (dewaxed blonde) | 30-60 min between coats | medium |
| Lacquer | film (evaporative) | satin to gloss, clear or slightly amber | 30 min between coats | medium |
| Paste wax | wax | soft satin | buff after 10-20 min | low |
| Mineral oil | non-drying oil | matte, slight darkening | immediate use, renew monthly | low |
| Oil-based stain | stain (colour only) | adds colour, no sheen | 8-24 h before topcoat | n/a |
| Gel stain | stain (colour only) | adds colour, no sheen | 8-24 h before topcoat | n/a |
| Water-soluble dye | dye (colour only) | adds transparent colour | 1-2 h before topcoat | n/a |
| Milk paint | paint | flat, chalky | 1 h between coats | medium (with topcoat) |
| Aerosol lacquer | film (evaporative) | satin to gloss | 15-30 min between coats | medium |
Updated 2 Oct 2026