How to Choose the Right Finishes for Your Ted’s Woodworking Creations
When you complete a woodworking project — whether it’s a rustic coffee table, a detailed bookshelf, or an outdoor bench using Ted’s Woodworking Plans — the final step makes all the difference: choosing the right finish.
The finish is more than just a protective coat. It defines how your project looks, feels, and holds up over time. A poorly chosen or applied finish can make a piece look cheap or wear out quickly. The right finish, however, elevates your project to professional quality — highlighting the natural grain, providing long-lasting durability, and giving it the style you want.
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Why Finishing Matters in Woodworking
If you’ve ever noticed how some handmade furniture looks elegant while others look unfinished, the secret usually lies in the finishing process. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Protection – Wood is porous. Without a finish, it absorbs moisture, stains, and oils, leading to warping, cracking, or rot.
- Durability – Finishes protect surfaces from scratches, dents, and daily wear.
- Beauty – A good finish enhances natural grain and color, making wood come alive.
- Customization – Want a rustic farmhouse look? Or a sleek modern vibe? The finish determines the style.
- Maintenance – A sealed surface is easier to clean and maintain.
So, while building your project is fun, finishing is what transforms it into a professional piece you’ll be proud of.
The Different Types of Wood Finishes
Not all finishes are created equal. Some soak into the wood, others create a protective surface film. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses.
1. Oil Finishes (Penetrating Finishes)
Oil finishes soak into the wood fibers, giving a warm, natural appearance.
- Examples: Tung oil, boiled linseed oil, Danish oil.
- Pros: Easy to apply, highlights grain, natural look.
- Cons: Less protective than film finishes, requires reapplication.
- Best For: Decorative furniture, small projects, indoor pieces.
2. Film-Forming Finishes (Surface Finishes)
These finishes form a protective layer on top of the wood, offering superior durability.
- Examples: Polyurethane, varnish, lacquer, shellac.
- Pros: Strong protection, resistant to scratches and water.
- Cons: Can look “plastic” if overapplied, requires careful technique.
- Best For: Coffee tables, desks, floors, high-use furniture.
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3. Stains
Stains add color but do not protect on their own — they must be sealed.
- Pros: Huge color variety, can match décor, enhances visual appeal.
- Cons: Can look blotchy without proper prep, needs topcoat.
- Best For: Changing wood tone, rustic or modern looks.
4. Paints
Paint completely covers the wood surface, providing both style and protection.
- Pros: Unlimited colors, great protection, easy to refresh.
- Cons: Hides grain, can chip if not sealed properly.
- Best For: Outdoor furniture, children’s projects, modern styles.
5. Waxes
Waxes are often used as a topcoat or for accent finishes.
- Pros: Soft, natural sheen, easy application.
- Cons: Minimal protection, wears off quickly.
- Best For: Accent pieces, antiques, decorative items.
Matching Finishes to Your Ted’s Woodworking Projects
With 16,000+ project options, Ted’s Woodworking covers everything from birdhouses to garden sheds. Here’s how to match finishes to the right projects:
- Indoor Furniture (coffee tables, shelves, desks): Use polyurethane for durability, optionally layered over an oil base for beauty.
- Outdoor Furniture (patio sets, benches, planters): Choose spar varnish or exterior paint for weather resistance.
- Decorative Items (frames, jewelry boxes, toys): Go for shellac or Danish oil for a quick, attractive finish.
- Kitchen Items (cutting boards, utensils): Only use food-safe options like mineral oil or beeswax.
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply Wood Finishes
No matter what finish you choose, success depends on proper application.
Step 1: Sand Thoroughly
- Begin with 120-grit sandpaper.
- Progress to 220-grit for smoothness.
- Always sand with the grain.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
- Remove all dust with a tack cloth or vacuum.
- Avoid touching with greasy hands.
Step 3: Apply the Finish
- Oils: Wipe on with a cloth, let soak, wipe excess.
- Polyurethane: Brush or wipe thin coats evenly.
- Stains: Brush on, let sit, wipe after 5–15 minutes.
Step 4: Let It Dry
- Oils: 6–12 hours.
- Poly: Overnight.
- Stains: 24 hours before topcoat.
Step 5: Sand Between Coats
- Use 320-grit or finer.
- Wipe off dust before reapplying.
Step 6: Apply Final Coat
- Typically 2–3 coats are sufficient.
- Allow full curing before use.
Common Beginner Mistakes with Finishes
Even with good woodworking plans, beginners often stumble during finishing. Avoid these mistakes:
- Skipping sanding – Rough surfaces cause uneven absorption.
- Applying too thick – Leads to drips, sticky spots, and uneven sheen.
- Rushing drying times – Can trap moisture, leaving cloudy finishes.
- Forgetting a topcoat – Stain alone won’t protect wood.
- Using indoor finishes outside – Results in peeling and failure.
Advanced Finishing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these expert methods to achieve professional-grade results:
- Grain Filling: Smooths open-pore woods (like oak) for a glass-like finish.
- Tinted Topcoats: Adds subtle color depth without hiding grain.
- Wet Sanding with Oil: Produces silky smooth finishes on fine furniture.
- French Polishing: Traditional shellac technique for antique-style gloss.
Many of Ted’s Woodworking Plans include suggestions for advanced finishes, giving you room to grow your skills.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Finishes
One of the biggest decisions is whether your project will live indoors or outdoors.
- Indoor Finishes: Oils, polyurethane, shellac. Focused on beauty and light durability.
- Outdoor Finishes: Spar varnish, exterior poly, or paint. Must resist UV, moisture, and temperature swings.
Rule of thumb: Never use indoor finishes outdoors — they will peel and fail quickly.
The Cost of Finishing
Budgeting for finishing materials is important. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Oils (tung, Danish, linseed): \$10–\$20 per quart.
- Polyurethane: \$15–\$25 per quart.
- Stain: \$10–\$15 per quart.
- Wax: \$8–\$15 per tin.
- Sandpaper, brushes, cloths: \$20–\$30.
Even when factoring in these costs, building and finishing your own project is often far cheaper — and more rewarding — than buying retail.
Why Ted’s Woodworking Helps with Finishing
Most free plans online stop at “assembly complete.” Ted’s Woodworking goes further by:
- Including finishing recommendations tailored to each project.
- Explaining what type of finish works best for indoor vs. outdoor builds.
- Offering step-by-step instructions that guide you from raw wood to polished furniture.
- Giving you confidence to experiment with stains, oils, and protective coats.
Instead of second-guessing, you’ll know exactly what to use and how to apply it.
Final Verdict
The finish is the difference between a project that looks homemade and one that looks handcrafted. Whether you’re aiming for a glossy modern coffee table, a rustic farmhouse bench, or a food-safe cutting board, choosing the right finish is essential.
- Use oils for natural beauty.
- Use polyurethane or varnish for durability.
- Use stains for color, but always seal them.
- Use paint for style and outdoor projects.
- Use waxes for accents and antiques.
With the guidance inside Ted’s Woodworking Plans, you’ll never be left guessing. Every project comes with advice not just on how to build, but how to finish it properly for long-lasting beauty and strength.
👉 Want instant access to 16,000+ step-by-step plans? Get Ted’s Woodworking Plans here.
