When you want to revive dull looking wood, you need to first identify what finish is already on the piece; mixing up finishes can be disastrous .
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Published Jul 30, 2014 • Last updated Jul 25, 2016 • 2 minute read
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In my last post we looked at basic maintenance for your wood furniture. Now we are going to dive in and talk about how to identifywood finishes. Finishes not only safeguard wood from spills, stains, surface abrasion and moisture changes, they can also enhance the beauty of the wood. Different finishes offer varying degrees of protection and aesthetic pleasure. Usually a furniture maker selects what finish to apply based on the intended use of the piece but in some instances you get to decide. When you commission work from a furniture maker or you have the option to select a finish, ask to see examples of the finishes available and learn about the specific maintenance needs of each.
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When you want to revive dull looking wood, you need to first identify what finish is already on the piece; mixing up finishes can be disastrous. A general rule is to not use wax products on oil and polyurethane finishes. Also one should not use drying oils on non-oil finishes.
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Care Part 2- How to Identify the Finish and Why this Matters Back to video
To figure out what type of finishing treatment your furniture has, you can test on a discreet area of the wood such as the top inside area of a leg. The mostcommon types of treatments are oil, shellac, lacquer, varnish and polyurethane.
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Polyurethane, Shellac, Varnish and Lacquer – Use a cotton swab with acetone on it and apply to the wood. If it becomes tacky, than it is shellac or varnish and if it beads, it has a polyurethane finish. If it is lacquer, the lacquer will dissolve completely.
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Shellac and Varnish – To differentiate between shellac and varnish, use a cotton swab to apply denatured alcohol (ethanol). Varnish will react slowly, but shellac will dissolve rightaway.
Oil – Wood with an oil finish will absorb linseed oil. If the oil beads on the surface then the piece is most likely finished with shellac, lacquer, varnish or polyurethane.
Wax – You can tell if wax has been applied by lightly scraping your finger nail in a inconspicuous area to see if a scratch mark is left.
Next Post: Care Part III –How to Wax Furniture
xoxo Meredith Nicole
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As an expert in woodworking and furniture restoration, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the intricate world of wood finishes. With a passion for preserving the beauty of wooden pieces, I've delved deep into the nuances of identifying and revitalizing dull-looking wood. The article you provided touches upon crucial aspects of wood care, particularly the significance of understanding the existing finish on a piece before attempting any restoration.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Importance of Identifying Wood Finishes: The author emphasizes the need to identify the existing finish on wood before attempting any restoration. Mixing up finishes can lead to disastrous outcomes, as different finishes have distinct properties and interactions.
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Functions of Wood Finishes: Wood finishes serve multiple purposes, including safeguarding wood from spills, stains, surface abrasion, and moisture changes. Additionally, they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wood. The choice of finish is often based on the intended use of the furniture piece.
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Types of Finishes: The article mentions several common types of wood finishes:
- Oil
- Shellac
- Lacquer
- Varnish
- Polyurethane
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Testing Finishes: To determine the type of finish on a piece, the author recommends conducting simple tests:
- Polyurethane, Shellac, Varnish, and Lacquer: Apply acetone using a cotton swab. Results indicate the type of finish based on the reaction (tacky, beading, or dissolution).
- Shellac and Varnish: Differentiate between them by applying denatured alcohol. Varnish reacts slowly, while shellac dissolves quickly.
- Oil: Wood with an oil finish will absorb linseed oil. Beading on the surface suggests other finishes like shellac, lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane.
- Wax: Presence of wax can be checked by lightly scraping a fingernail in an inconspicuous area.
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Maintenance Tips: The caution against using wax products on oil and polyurethane finishes is highlighted. Understanding the specific maintenance needs of each finish is crucial for preserving the longevity and beauty of wooden furniture.
By following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions when reviving and maintaining wooden furniture, ensuring a successful restoration without compromising the integrity of the piece.
