Finishing Touches: How to Choose the Right Wood Finish for Your Project

Lauren Twitchell
Jul 14
5 min read

You measured. You cut. You sanded. You assembled. Your project is almost complete—and you can already picture it in its final glory.

But wait. There's one last step.

And it's a big one.

Finishing.

It's the part that can transform your project from "weekend DIY" to "wow, did you really make that?"—but it's also the step that can feel the most confusing. Do you stain? Oil? Brush on polyurethane? What even is Danish Oil?

Take a breath. We've all been there.

The world of wood finishes can feel overwhelming at first, but we're going to break it down clearly and with plenty of practical tips so you can walk into your next project feeling confident—not confused.

Let's talk about the final (and most underrated) step of woodworking: the finish.

Why Does a Finish Matter, Anyway?

You're probably wondering: "Can't I just leave it as is? It looks nice already."

Technically? Sure. But skipping a finish is like walking out the door in the morning without shoes—you can do it, but you're probably not going to like the consequences.

Here's what a good finish does:

Protects your project from water, scratches, and wear
Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain
Improves durability, especially for items that will get heavy use
Adds polish—literally and figuratively—to your hard work
It makes cleaning easier by sealing the pores of the wood

A well-finished piece looks more professional, feels smoother to the touch, and lasts longer. It's not just about beauty—it's about longevity.

The Most Common Wood Finishes (And When to Use Them)

The finish you choose depends on your project's purpose, your style, and how much time you want to spend on application and drying. Let's go over the most popular options for beginner woodworkers and DIYers.

1. Polyurethane (Water-Based or Oil-Based)

Best for: Furniture, coffee tables, trays, cutting boards, kitchen items

Look: Glossy, satin, or matte

Application: Brush or wipe on in thin coats

Polyurethane is one of the most popular finishes—and for good reason. It's durable, protective, and relatively easy to apply. You can choose between water-based and oil-based versions, depending on what you're going for.

Water-based poly dries quickly, has less odor, and won't yellow over time. It's excellent for light-colored woods or indoor projects.
Oil-based poly is more durable and gives a warm, amber tone, but it takes longer to dry and has a more pungent smell.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply in thin, even coats and lightly sand between coats with 220-grit sandpaper for the smoothest finish.

2. Wood Stain

Best for: Changing the wood's color while still showing off the grain

Application: Brush or wipe on, let sit, then wipe off excess

Important: Always follow stain with a protective topcoat!

Stain isn't a finish on its own—it's more like makeup for your wood. It gives color, depth, and richness, but it doesn't offer protection. That's why you'll want to seal it afterward with polyurethane, Oil, or wax.

Want a modern farmhouse vibe? Try gray stain on pine. Craving rich warmth? Look for walnut, cherry, or dark oak tones.

Just remember: wood type, grain, and even humidity can affect how stain looks. Always test on a scrap first!

3. Danish Oil

Best for: Natural-looking finish on furniture, shelves, decor

Look: Soft sheen, not shiny or plasticky

Application: Wipe on, let soak, wipe off excess

Danish Oil is a beginner favorite—and for good reason. It's forgiving, easy to apply, and gives the wood a warm, hand-rubbed finish that looks and feels natural.

Unlike polyurethane, which sits on top of the wood, Danish Oil soaks in and hardens inside the grain. It brings out the natural texture and color without hiding it.

It's an excellent "starter finish" for small projects where you want a natural, not-too-glossy look.

4. Tung Oil or Boiled Linseed Oil

Best for: Cutting boards, butcher blocks, raw wood furniture

Look: Slightly glossy, soft finish

Application: Wipe on multiple coats with drying time in between

Food-Safe: Yes, but check the label!

If you're finishing something that touches food—or want a more organic, old-school method—Tung oil and linseed oil are traditional choices.

They penetrate deep into the wood, harden naturally over time, and bring a lovely depth to the grain. But be warned: they take longer to dry and often require several coats. Patience pays off here.

💡 Quick Note: "Boiled" linseed oil dries faster than raw linseed oil, but make sure it's labeled safe for food surfaces if that matters to your project.

5. Furniture Wax

Best for: Chalk-painted furniture, small decor items, light-use pieces

Look: Soft, velvety matte finish

Application: Rub in with a cloth, buff to shine

Furniture wax adds a delicate finish that's more about style than strength. It's often used over chalk paint or milk paint to seal the surface and add a little glow.

Wax isn't super durable—it won't hold up to heat, water, or daily wear—but it's beautiful for accent pieces, picture frames, and low-contact decor.

Bonus? It smells amazing.

Tools You'll Need for Finishing

Finishing doesn't require a significant tool investment. Most supplies are simple, affordable, and available at any hardware store:

Foam brushes or high-quality bristle brushes (for poly and Oil)
Clean, lint-free cloths (for wiping and buffing)
Tack cloth (removes dust before finishing)
220-grit sandpaper (for smoothing between coats)
Gloves (because finishes are messy!)
Drop cloth or cardboard to protect your work surface

Optional but helpful: a well-ventilated space, a drying rack, and some good music to make the process more fun.

Third Shift Tip: Test First, Always

If you take away one thing from this post, let it be this:

Always test your stain or finish on a scrap piece of the same wood.

Different wood species absorb stain and finish differently—even pieces from the same board can vary! A quick test will save you the heartbreak of applying something you end up hating on your final piece.

Try out the full finish flow on scrap wood: sand, stain (if using), apply a finish, and let dry. You'll see exactly how it'll turn out—before it's too late.

The Simple Finishing Flow

Here's a basic, beginner-friendly finishing process that works for most projects:

Sand your project with 220 grit. Remove any glue residue, scratches, or rough spots.
Clean the surface. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth or damp rag.
Apply stain (optional). If you want to change the color, apply the stain and let it dry fully.
Apply your finish. Use poly, Oil, or wax, depending on your choice.
Let dry completely. Don't rush—check the label for dry times!
Lightly sand (optional). For super smooth finishes, lightly sand between coats.
Apply additional coats. Most finishes need 2–3 coats for best results.
Let cure. Even if it feels dry to the touch, complete curing may take days or weeks. Check the product label!

You're Doing It Right (Even If It's Not Perfect)

If you're standing in your garage or kitchen, brush in one hand and doubt in the other—know this:

You're doing it right.

Finishing is a skill, just like measuring, cutting, and drilling. You don't have to get it perfect the first time. You have to keep trying.

The more you work with finishes, the more you'll get a feel for them—how they behave, how they look, and what works best for your projects. And pretty soon, you'll be the one answering questions like "What's the best finish for pine?" or "Should I wax or poly this?"

Remember: you already did the most challenging part.

You started.

You built something with your own two hands. Now, give it the final touch it deserves.

And when you step back to admire your finished piece—glowing, protected, and ready for life—you'll know it wasn't just about the wood. It was about the care, the courage, and the craftsmanship you put into every step.

Keep building. Keep learning. And keep making things beautiful—inside and out.

✨ Want more beginner-friendly tips like this? Check out other posts on ThirdShiftCrafts.com, or follow along on Instagram @ThirdShiftCrafts for behind-the-scenes builds, tooltips, and empowering how-tos for women who build.