Whether it’s a family heirloom dresser or the first thing you bought for your house with your hard-earned money, it’s hard to disagree that some pieces of furniture awaken nostalgic emotions and fond memories. A good coat of new wood polish now and then, therefore, preserves not only your furniture but also your memories.
However, finding the best types of wood furniture polish that fit your needs and budget might seem challenging. We have got you covered through this detailed guide that will help you find the best wood polish types to meet your needs-
Types of Wood Furniture Polish
Wood polish not only increases the durability of wooden items but also protects them against daily wear and tear. Luckily, we have several different types of wood polish suiting all kinds of wood, including teak and veneer polish types.
Broadly, wood polishes can be divided into two main categories. These are Surface Polish and Penetrating Wood Polish:
Surface Wood Polish
As the name suggests, Surface Polish is used for wooden surfaces and does not penetrate the wood. It creates a thick buffering layer on the wood, thus protecting it against moisture or other environmental factors. Examples of surface wood polish types are wax, lacquer, varnish, shellac, polyurethane, etc.
Penetrating Wood Polish
Penetrating Wood Polish is oil-based, which allows it to penetrate the interiors of the wood. As such, oil-based, penetrating polish is often used for teak wood furniture and includes several teak wood polish types.
Wood polish can further also be divided into the water-based or oil-based polish. While water-based polish dries off quickly, oil-based polish takes time to dry. Let’s understand the various specific types of wood furniture polish further:
1. The Clear Wood Finish of Water-based Wood Polish
One of the biggest advantages of water-based wood polish types is that it can be applied on all kinds of wood surfaces— bare, stained, or painted surfaces. Water-based polish is preferably used for light-coloured wooden floors as it provides a natural appearance and a clear film. Furthermore, it does not turn yellow or fade as fast with age. This polish is also used for its elegant coating for wooden decor, handicrafts, etc. Water-based polish usually dry out quickly. However, it needs the skill of experienced hands as it tends to leave brush marks, and the end product may look shabby if done improperly.
2. The Luxurious Satin-like Finish of Oil-based Wood Polish
Given its smooth, satin-like finish, these types of wood furniture polish are especially preferred for furniture in living rooms and commercial spaces such as hotels, corporate buildings, etc. Oil-based wood polishes easily cover scratches and other small cuts to the wooden surface. But it takes time to dry, so that might be an inconvenience. Furthermore, the oil-based polish has a harsh smell, and the fumes may irritate the eyes or throat. Protect your eyes while applying oil-based wood polish, as it may harm the eyes.
3. The Resilient Barrier of Wax-based Wood Polish
This falls under the natural types of wood furniture polish as it is obtained from various plants, vegetables, and animal sources. Similar to oil-based wood polish, wax-based polish is also penetrating, thus providing better durability. It is available in both paste and liquid forms. Depending on the polish, this polish may need to be dissolved in oil before application.
4. The Mirror-like Finish of Lacquer Wood Polish
Lacquer is a shiny, hard coating usually applied to wood or metal to create a mirror-like finish. It is regarded as one of the best wood polish types. Given its glossy and rich finish, lacquer wood polish is regarded as one of the best varieties for living room designs. Lacquer polish dries up fast, is easy to remove, and protects the surface against acids and water. One of the best ways to apply such types of wood furniture polish is by spraying it on a wooden surface. This polish is available in various sheens, and even a single coat is highly effective. This makes it a preferred choice for wooden flooring as well as furniture. However, the coating of lacquer wood polish is heat sensitive and may emit fumes. As such, it may not be wise to use it for your furniture if you have babies or young children around the house.
5. The Highly Durable Quality of Melamine Wood Polish
Melamine polish consists of melamine resin and gives a glossy coating to wooden surfaces. It is highly durable, heat-resistant, and offers a thin film coating to the wooden surface, thus protecting it against scratches. Melamine wood polish types take barely 20 minutes to dry and increase the longevity of your furniture. Melamine finish is one of the most common veneer polish types and is a preferred choice for the wood used for wardrobes, cabinets etc.
6. The Pleasant Appearance of Varnish Wood Polish
This is among the most durable varieties of wood polish and comes in several different types of wood polishes and sheens. Varnish creates a protective film over the wood and penetrates it, making it resistant to heat, water, erosion, etc. Different types of wood polish varnish can be used as a top coat over a painted wooden surface. The polish can be applied on stained and bare wooden surfaces as long as the surface is not wet. Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly before applying the polish.
7. The Versatile Nature of Shellac Wood Polish
Shellac is a type of resin dissolved in alcohol to make liquid shellac, also used as a wood finish. Such wood polishes are preferably used as a stain remover and a sealer. A mixture of wax and alcohol, it is available in different types of wood polish colours. When applied, shellac wood polish provides a hard and glossy finish. As such, it is used on cured plaster or dried walls. It is, therefore, used for redesigning projects of old furniture or wooden décor owing to its versatility. However, this wood polish cannot tolerate moisture and is not recommended for outdoor furniture.
8. The Tough Finish of Polyurethane or PU Wood Polish
Given its water and moisture-resistant qualities, wood polish types are an ideal choice for wooden doors or flooring, including Modular Kitchen cabinets, cupboards, windows, etc. It provides a sturdy coat, offering maximum wood protection against abrasion, degradation, wreathing, or corrosion. The tough finishing of PU polishing further increases the longevity of wooden furniture items, making them heat and scratch-resistant. PU types of wood furniture polish are available in both water-based and oil-based finishes, including satin, matt, glossy, sheen, etc.
9. The Lustrous Finish of Lamination Polish
Lamination polish provides a glossy coating, creating a natural or coloured finish. This belongs to different types of wood polish and requires multiple coats. It, therefore, creates a thick layer on the wooden surface which further adds to the durability of the wood. Also known as PolyResin Polish, this type consists of many chemicals, making it one of the most expensive types of polish.
10. The Glass-Smooth Finish of French Polish
French Polish is a traditional method of applying wood polish types. It provides wooden furniture with a highly glossy and glass-smooth finish. French polish enhances the appearance of your furniture with a rich depth of colour and a chatoyancy effect. Among other advantages, it is non-toxic and dries quickly. Besides, it is also durable and resists scratches and cracking. However, French polish may burn or develop rings if exposed to high heat or extreme humidity. It is, therefore, not advisable to use French polish on a coffee table or any other piece of outdoor furniture that may capture moisture.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Wood Polish
The following factors will help you choose the best wood polish types for your furniture:
1. Take the Furniture Type into Account
This is one of the first things to consider, i.e. understanding the wood type and its intended appearance. For instance, a white wood wall panel complements a camel-coloured room divider and a walnut-coloured coffee table. Glossy finish furniture looks beautiful in living rooms or other areas for entertaining guests. Still, you might want to use a matte finish for your Bedroom Designs, as your bedroom is usually a comforting space and requires a more subdued aura.
2. Consider the Furniture’s Exposure to Humidity and Sun
Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and rains adversely affect outdoor furniture. While some wooden finishes offer better resistance, others may decay or rust through ecological impact. Polyurethane polish, for instance, resists ultraviolet rays in addition to water and moisture.
3. Take Care of Your Safety
Most wood polish types may contain toxic ingredients like hydrocarbons and other organic solvents that harm your health and the environment. Excessive exposure to types of wood furniture polish may irritate the eyes and cause dizziness, headaches, skin burning, etc.
Important Things to Note
As they say, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Since wood polishing is a niche business, a layperson may get confused about the technicalities. In India, the price of wood polish is calculated per square feet or litre, in addition to the application and labour charges. There may also be contractors who calculate the cost in running feet. Make sure you ask for a quotation from the contractor before you seal the deal.
Depending on the method you choose for polishing, you will also need various tools. In addition to sandpaper, chemical stripper, bristle brush, spraying equipment, etc., you also need a special mask and the right eye gear to protect yourself from toxic fumes.
In Closing
We don’t want to discourage you, but wood polishing needs the hands of an expert. Wood polishing may sometimes involve a pre-process where you must scrape the existing wood finish from the crevices. Besides, it would be best if you take proper safety precautions. You may find it difficult to differentiate the different types of wood polish and create an easy and hassle-free application. It is therefore recommended to hire a professional.
HomeLane can help you to make the right choice in selecting the best polish and achieving the best wood finish for your precious furniture.
FAQs
Which Polish Is Best for Wood?
Lacquer wood polish is considered one of the best varieties of polish, mainly because it dries up faster, provides solid surface protection, adds richness, and is easy to remove. However, choosing types of wood furniture polish is wise based on your furniture item, its use, and the appearance you desire.
What Are the Three Types of Wood Finishes?
Wood finishes can be divided into three main types: Evaporative, Reactive and Coalescing. While evaporative finishes contain alcohol, acetone, and nitro-cellulose lacquer thinners, reactive finishes use naphtha and white spirits as solvents, and coalescing finishes use water-based finishes.
What Are the Different Types of Polish?
Wood Polish is broadly divided into surface wood and penetrating wood polish. Popular examples of surface wood polishing include polyurethane wood polish, varnish polish, shellac polish, lacquer, wax, melamine polish, etc. Penetrating wood polish types include oil-based polish types that penetrate the deeper compositions of wood.
What Is the Most Durable Wood Finish?
Polyurethane or PU Wood Polish is the most durable variety of wood polish. It provides a synthetic and tough coating which protects the furniture from abrasion, wreathing, or corrosion. It is also water- heat- and UV-resistant, thus increasing the longevity of the furniture.
