The Different Types of Finishes for Wood: How to Choose

Date: 9th September 2024
Categories: Barrettine, Products

Wood is a beautiful and versatile material used for countless projects, from furniture and flooring to doors and decking. But bare wood is susceptible to damage from moisture, sunlight, and wear and tear. That's where wood finishes come in. They play a crucial role in protecting wood while enhancing its natural beauty or transforming its appearance altogether.

As experts in woodcare, at Barrettine we offer an extensive range of wood finishes for both internal and external applications.

Choosing the right type of wood finish

Choosing the right type of finish for wood depends on several factors. Timber used externally (for example, in outdoor furniture, fences, summerhouses and sheds) will require a different type of finish compared to interior wooden floors, kitchen cabinets, and worktops.

Additionally, wood surfaces in high-traffic areas, such as flooring, demand a protective finish with exceptional durability to resist wear and tear, preventing flaking or deterioration.

Finally, it’s crucial to think about the desired aesthetic of the finish you’re looking for. Do you want to highlight the natural wood grain, add a touch of colour, or achieve a completely opaque finish?

By understanding these factors and exploring the different types of finishes available, you can make an informed decision that ensures your wood project looks its best for years to come.

Interior wood finishes

Interior wood finishes are essential for protecting your woodwork from everyday wear, while enhancing its natural beauty or transforming the appearance of the wood entirely. Let's explore some of the most popular options available.

•  Armourflex® Hardwax Oil: This high-performance, natural oil-based finish is ideal for protecting and enhancing interior timber surfaces.

A premium blend of natural soya oils, linseed oil from flax and carnauba wax, this product creates a durable, microporous finish that resists stains, scratches and water (accredited with Abrasion & Liquid Resistant ISO 7786 & ISO 2812-1). This versatile product can be applied to floors, stairs, kitchen worktops, and wooden furniture, offering a beautiful, long-lasting protective layer while maintaining the wood's natural character. Certified Food & Toy Safe when dry, it can even be used in applications such as wooden children’s toys. Available in both matt and satin finishes, Armourflex® Hardwax Oil is easy to apply, maintain and repair, making it a popular choice for homeowners and professionals alike. 

• Barrettine Danish Oil: Barrettine's Danish Oil is a classic oil-based finish that enhances the natural beauty of timber while offering protection against moisture.

This product is suitable for a wide range of interior applications, including furniture, doors, kitchen surfaces and other woodworking projects. The oil penetrates the surface of the wood, providing a warm, natural look and a water repellent finish. Certified Food & Toy Safe when dry, Barrettine's Danish Oil is a popular choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals seeking a timeless and elegant appearance. This oil is perfect for refreshing and reviving tired-looking furniture or highlighting the natural beauty of lighter woods.

• Barrettine Teak Oil: Barrettine Teak Oil is a versatile wood finish that not only preserves the natural beauty of softwoods and hardwoods like teak, afromosia, iroko, and cedar, but also enhances untreated wood, including hardwoods (Teak Oil is not recommended for Oak). 

It's ideal for both garden furniture and traditional matt finished interior furniture. This natural blend of oils protects against weathering, graying, and surface splitting, while maintaining the wood's natural appearance.

Exterior wood finishes

External timber requires finishes that protect against a variety of threats, including weather, UV rays, fungi and moisture ingress.

• Barrettine Premier Wood Preserver: Barrettine Premier Wood Preserver is a high-quality, oil-based treatment designed to protect exterior timber from rot, fungal decay, and insect attack.

This deep-penetrating formula preserves the wood's natural appearance while providing long-lasting protection. Suitable for various timber types, including pressure-treated and untreated wood, it offers additional water repellence and UV resistance. Ideal for structural timbers and external joinery including summer houses, gates, window and door frames for example, Barrettine Premier Wood Preserver is a reliable choice for maintaining the health and appearance of your outdoor timber. This product is available in both a clear finish as well as a variety of translucent formulas, including Light & Dark Brown, Summer Tan and Golden Brown.

• Barrettine Wood Protective Treatment: Barrettine Wood Protective Treatment is a versatile wood sealer that protects against moisture and weather.

This finish is intended for external wood that has already been pressure treated or preserved. This oil-based product penetrates deeply into the wood, preserving its natural grain while adding a touch of colour. Ideal for outdoor structures like sheds, fences, and pergolas, this protective coating offers excellent water repellence and is beneficial insect friendly when dry. While not suitable for high-traffic areas like decking, this treatment provides a durable and attractive finish for various timber projects. 

• Barrettine Decking Oil All In One Treatment: Barrettine Decking Oil All-In-One Treatment is a comprehensive solution for protecting and enhancing your outdoor decking.

This versatile product combines the benefits of a wood stain, water repellent, and UV protector in a single application. It revitalises decking, prevents cracking and splitting, and provides long-lasting protection against the elements and is also beneficial insect friendly when dry. With its user-friendly formula and range of colours, Barrettine Decking Oil is the ideal choice for restoring the beauty of your outdoor living space.

• Armourflex® Ultimate UV Protection Oil: Armourflex® Ultimate UV Protection Oil is a high-performance, natural oil-based finish designed to shield exterior timber from the harsh effects of the sun and weather.

This innovative formula combines the protective benefits of natural oils and waxes with advanced UV stabilisation technology to prevent fading, cracking, and warping. Ideal for high-end timber such as cedar and oak used with wooden cladding, outdoor office spaces and summer houses as well as other exposed woodwork. Armourflex® Ultimate UV Protection Oil will preserve the natural beauty of your wood for years to come.

Test patching is key

Before applying any type of wood finish to your project, we strongly recommend conducting a test patch in an inconspicuous area. This will allow you to see how the finish interacts with h wood grain, and assess the final appearance and colour. Test patching helps ensure you're completely satisfied with the finished look before committing to the entire project. 

Comprehensive range of wood finishes from Barrettine

Choosing the right wood finish is crucial for the longevity and aesthetics of your project. By considering the factors mentioned above and exploring the various options available, you can make an informed decision and find the best option for you.

Where can I get different types of wood finishes from Barrettine?

At Barrettine, we offer a comprehensive range of wood protective coatings & finishes suitable for a variety of interior and exterior applications. Our products are formulated for both protection and aesthetics, ensuring your timber projects look their best for years to come.

Our products are available in stockists across the UK. You can also get in touch with our expert team about any questions you may have by emailing us at sales@barrettine.co.uk. We'd be happy to discuss your needs and help you find the ideal type of finishes for wood that your project requires.