To ensure the durability of wooden furniture, finishing products such as varnish, wax, oil, or paint are essential in the process of manufacturing or restoring furniture. In fact, regardless of a piece of wooden furniture’s function, it will inevitably be subjected to all kinds of minor damage during use. Whether from bumps, scrapes, spills, or even scratches, furniture is part of family life and is subject to the little accidents of everyday life.
Barniz: Enhanced, Long-Lasting Protection
The varnishes used on wooden furniture are considered film-forming. This means that they provide an additional layer of protection. Varnish is mainly transparent (there are tinted varieties, but they are less common), and it gives the wood a completely different appearance, which can be glossy, satin, or matte.
Along with paint, it is the most durable form of protection. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the main advantage of varnish is that it protects the wood from impacts and water. Therefore, it is especially recommended for furniture that will be in rooms with high humidity or that will be subject to heavy use.
Caring for a varnished piece of furniture is very simple; just dust it off with a cloth.
It is also possible to apply flaxseed oil, once a year, after dusting the furniture.
The benefit of flaxseed oil is that it nourishes and protects the woodand gives it more shine.
Paint: For a Change of Style
A coat of paint on a piece of wooden furniture can give it a completely different look, whether in color or the look. The possibilities are endless. It’s a quick and easy way to transform or refresh a piece of furniture.
Since the painting opaque, it will hide the visible characteristics of the wood (grain, color variations, etc.).
The paint forms a film, so it leaves a coating on the wood. This protects the furniture from everyday wear and tear, such as water or impacts.
Maintaining a painted piece of furniture is very simple: just dust it off with a cloth and, if necessary, clean it with soap and warm water.
Wax: the base of clear nail polish
Wax is one of the most widely used finishing products in the furniture industry. It is the traditional method for achieving a subtle satin finishand is especially recommended for antique furniture to give it a new patina. Furthermore, wax does not form a film and preserves the wood’s authentic appearance.
What does "patina" mean?
It is the process of treating wood to give it an aged, rustic appearance that replicates the effects of the passage of time, highlighting its roughness and grain.
Like varnish, wax can be tinted to enhance the appearance of the wood, but this is not usually done because it is essentially colorless.
The advantage of wax is that it waterproofs the wood and helps it retain its elasticity for greater durability. It’s a good alternative to varnish or paint, but it doesn’t provide as much protection as those two.
Another advantage is its special, pleasant scent, which fills the entire room.
In this case as well, caring for waxed furniture is not complicated. First, dust the furniture with a dry cloth without getting it wet, and then apply flaxseed oil to restore its shine.
Oil: a subtle finish
Much like wax, oil allows you to finish wood while preserving its natural appearance and enhancing its aesthetic qualities. In fact, oil penetrates the wood, nourishes its entire structure, and protects its fibers. It is smooth to the touch but does not form a film. The wood does not retain a visible surface layer. There are different types of oil, some of which are tinted, but the most natural ones are colorless. For even application of the oil, it is recommended to use a brush.
The oil protects the wood from moisture and dust and allows the wood develop a patina over time. It is inexpensive compared to the other finishing products mentioned above, but it also offers the least protection.
Oiled furniture should be cleaned with a soft cloth, avoiding the use of harsh cleaning products. The oil finish on the furniture can be reapplied annually.
Promote what is natural
Of these different wood-finishing solutions, which ones should be chosen to maintain a healthy indoor environment while also taking advantage of their protective and aesthetic properties?
The good news is that every category has its natural counterpart.
For varnish and paint, we recommend using products with simple, water-based formulas, and for varnishes, it’s best to choose colorless ones. As a general rule, manufacturers of finishing products tout the eco-friendly and health-conscious nature of their products. Therefore, a label that says “VOC-free,” “natural,” or “formaldehyde-free” is a good sign.
When it comes to oils and waxes, plant-based options ensure a product that is not harmful. Flaxseed oil, for example, is widely used, but sunflower oil or olive oil can also be used.
As for waxes, there are some of animal origin, such as beeswax, which is the best known, and those of plant-based, such as carnauba wax. It’s important to note that vegetable wax is never used in its pure form, but rather mixed with other waxes (animal or mineral).
Finally, if you're wondering what kind of finish your new piece of furniture has, you can ask the brand for details. At At Kipli , we’re transparent about this. The artisans we work with use only natural finishes to enhance our line of indoor furniture.