(Because Your Masterpiece Deserves More Than Just "Eh, Good Enough")
So, you’ve just spent hours—maybe days—crafting a beautiful wooden creation. You’ve sanded, measured twice (or, let’s be honest, more like five times), and assembled it with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. But now what? Slapping on a finish is the final step that can turn your project from "Nice job, buddy" to "Whoa, did you buy that from a high-end furniture store?"
Let’s dive into the five best finishes and which one will make your project shine—literally or figuratively.
1. General Finishes Water or Oil-Based Stain
Ah, stain—the great wood disguise. If your project calls for a rich, even color, General Finishes is a solid choice. While I personally love the natural look of wood, sometimes you just gotta stain. And when you do, this is the one to grab.
Water-Based Stain:
- Less odor, easier cleanup, and apparently superior in color richness (according to General Finishes, not just me).
- 0 VOCs, meaning you won’t feel like you just inhaled a chemical factory.
Oil-Based Stain:
- Goes on like a dream and gives that deep, classic color we all love.
- More familiar consistency for traditionalists who fear change.
Buy General Finishes Candlelite
🔹 Pro Tip: General Finishes isn’t sold at big-box stores, so if you’ve been stuck using MinWax, Zar, or Varathane, give this a try. It’s a night-and-day difference, especially on hard-to-stain woods like pine.
2. Polyurethane – The Armor of the Woodworking World
If your project is going to see daily abuse (think coffee tables, dining tables, or that shelf your cat WILL jump on), polyurethane is your best friend.
My go-to? General Finishes Semi-Gloss Wipe-On Poly.
- Applies thin and smooth—just wipe it on like you’re polishing a car.
- Dries fast, so you can layer 3-6 coats without spending an eternity waiting.
For a budget-friendly option, Minwax Wipe On Poly does the trick, but fair warning: if you don’t seal the can perfectly, you’ll end up with a lovely film that you didn’t ask for.
🔹 Pro Tip: Wet sand with 2000-grit between coats for a silky finish. Or, if you’re feeling rustic, leave it be and call it "handcrafted charm."
🚀 Bonus Trick: Want a mirror-like finish? Layer, wet sand, and buff. Want less shine? Knock it down with 0000 steel wool.
3. Rubio Monocoat – The One-Coat Wonder (That Costs a Fortune)
If you’re looking for an easy-to-apply finish that gives off a "hand-rubbed" look, Rubio Monocoat is a great choice. It’s a hard wax oil, which is basically a fancy way of saying "natural-looking and soft to the touch." Since I'm not sponsored I'm going to plug the up and coming competition because I tried it and I'm going to say if I didn't know which was which there would be no way of telling.
Why people love it:
✔️ Simple application.
✔️ No fumes that make you question your life choices.
✔️ Natural matte finish.
Why people cry when buying it:
💸 Expensive—like, "Do I really need to eat this month?" expensive.
💦 Not as moisture-resistant as polyurethane (so maybe don’t use it on a bar top).
🚀 Verdict: If you want a modern, European-style finish that’s easy to maintain, go for it. If you spill a lot of drinks, maybe think twice.
4. Shellac – The OG Wood Finish (Made by Bugs, But Still Cool)
Shellac isn’t just for antique furniture and grandpa’s dusty old desk. It’s an alcohol-based finish made from lac bug secretions—yes, bug secretions. But don’t let that freak you out; it’s been used for centuries for a reason.
Pros:
✔️ Dries super fast, so you can get multiple coats done in a day.
✔️ Classic high-gloss finish when applied with the fancy-sounding "French Polish" technique.
✔️ Non-toxic (once dry), making it great for projects like baby cribs or cutting boards.
Cons:
❌ Not great for anything that comes in contact with alcohol (cheers).
❌ Won’t stand up to heavy moisture, so no coffee tables unless you want to cry over rings.
🚀 Fun Fact: In California, you can’t buy denatured alcohol anymore, so mixing your own shellac flakes might be off the table. But don’t worry—Bullseye sells it pre-mixed.
5. Tung Oil – The Classic, No-Fuss Finish
Tung oil is like that easygoing friend who never causes drama. It’s simple, reliable, and makes wood look fantastic.
✔️ Easy to apply—just wipe it on and walk away.
✔️ One coat = matte finish. More coats = glossy goodness.
✔️ Won’t peel, chip, or crack like polyurethane might.
✔️ Low maintenance—just reapply when needed.
Downside? It takes more coats than poly to build up a durable finish. But hey, if you’re patient (or just enjoy rubbing oil into wood while contemplating life), it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a wood finish is like choosing a dessert. Do you want rich and glossy (polyurethane), light and natural (Rubio Monocoat), or old-school elegant (shellac)? Either way, your project deserves more than just a bare-naked look.
Now go forth, finish wisely, and remember—no matter what you choose, it’s all about that final wow factor. Happy woodworking!