To ensure the longevity of wood furniture, finishing products such as varnish, wax, oil, or paint are essential in the process of manufacturing or restoring furniture. Indeed, regardless of a piece of wood furniture’s purpose, it will inevitably be subjected to all kinds of minor damage during use. Whether it’s bumps, friction, spills, or scratches, furniture is part of family life and is subject to the little accidents of everyday life. Although finishing products are extremely useful, it’s not always clear what sets them apart, which one to choose, and, most importantly, whether they’re harmful to health or the environment. Here’s a brief guide to help you learn more about these different products.
Varnish: Enhanced and Long-Lasting Protection
Varnishes used on wood furniture are considered film-forming. This means they provide an additional layer of protection. Varnish is primarily clear (though tinted varieties exist, they are less common), and gives the wood a completely different appearance—which can be glossy, satin, or matte.Along with paint, it offers the most durable protection over time. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the main advantage of varnish is that it protects the wood from impacts and water. It is therefore particularly recommended for furniture that will be placed in rooms with high humidity or that will be subject to heavy use. Caring for varnished furniture is very simple; just dust it off with a cloth. You can also applylinseed oil once a year after dusting the piece. The benefits of linseed oil are that it nourishes and protects the wood while giving it a more lustrous sheen.
Paint: For a Change of Style
Applying a coat of paint to a piece of wooden furniture gives it a completely different look, both in terms of color and finish. The possibilities are endless. It’s a quick and easy way to transform a piece of furniture or give it a fresh new look. Since the paint is opaque, it will hide the wood’s visible features (grain, color variations, etc.).Paint forms a film, so it leaves a layer of material on the wood. This protects the furniture from everyday wear and tear, whether from water or impacts. Caring for painted furniture couldn’t be simpler: just dust it with a cloth and clean it with soap and warm water, if necessary.
Wax: the basis of colorless encaustic painting
Wax is one of the most widely used finishing products in the furniture industry. As a traditional method for achieving a subtle satin finish, wax is particularly well-suited for antique furniture, as it helps restore its patina. However, wax does not form a film and preserves the wood’s authentic appearance.
Just like varnish, wax can be tinted to enhance the appearance of the wood, but this is rarely done because it is essentially colorless. The advantage of wax is thatit waterproofs the wood and helps it retain its elasticity for greater durability. It is a good alternative to varnish or paint, but it offers less protection than either of those.Another benefit is its distinctive, pleasant scent that fills the room. Again, caring for waxed furniture is straightforward. First, dust the piece with a dry cloth, then apply linseed 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, the oil penetrates the wood, nourishing its entire structure and protecting its fibers. It feels smooth to the touch but does not form a film. The wood does not retain a visible layer on its surface. There are different types of oil—some are tinted, but the most natural ones are colorless. For even application, it is recommended to apply the oil with a brush. Oil protects the wood from moisture and dust and allows it to develop a patina over time. It is economical compared to the other finishing products mentioned above, but it also offers the least protection.To dust oiled furniture, use a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning products. The oil finish can be reapplied annually.
Choose natural products
Of these various solutions and wood finishes, which ones should you choose to maintain a healthy indoor environment while still enjoying the wood’s protective and aesthetic properties? The good news is that every category has a natural alternative.
When it comes to varnishes and paints, we recommend choosing products with simple, water-based formulas— and ideally , colorless varnishes. As a general rule, manufacturers of finishing products highlight the eco-friendly and healthy aspects of their products. So, if a product is labeled “VOC-free,” “natural,” or “formaldehyde-free,” that’s a pretty good sign. As for oils and waxes, plant-based versions guarantee that the product is non-toxic. Linseed oil is widely used, for example, but you can also use sunflower oil or olive oil.
As for waxes, there are those of animal origin, such as beeswax—the best known—and those of plant origin, such as carnauba wax. It should be noted that plant-based wax is never used in its pure form but is always mixed with other waxes (animal or mineral).
Finally, if you’re wondering what finishes were used on your new furniture, you can ask the brand for more details. At Kipli, we’re transparent about this. The artisans we work with use only natural finishes to showcase our line of indoor furniture.