Safety First!
Safety in the workshop is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY alone; I make no warranty
as to the safety of any technique or tool shown or described on this site.
Before beginning any project, you must understand woodshop safety,
know how to safely operate any machinery that is to be used in the project,
and understand the safe use and any potential safety hazards involved in
the use of all materials to be used in the project. See the
general safety disclaimer and the
Chemical Safety Note for additional
information.
Back to Materials Library
Intro Text
Choosing a clear finish for your project can be a bewildering task. It is not unusual for one manufacturer to produce half a dozen different clear finishes, all differing in the amount of protection they provide and in the appearance and feel of the final surface. In order to simplify the process of choosing a specific product, clear finishes are grouped by purpose in the table on the following page.
The two basic categories are interior and exterior, dividing the field into finishes for indoor woodwork and outdoor furniture. These categories are further divided into light, medium, and heavy duty.
Light duty includes items that will not be subject to regular wear or handling, such as art objects, plaques, and such. On exterior projects, light duty finishes do not completely seal the wood. This allows for a slow weathering process, but does not prevent weathering altogether. These finishes tend to be easier to maintain.
Heavy duty items are those that are subjected to denting, abrasion, and heavy use such as floors and countertops. Exterior heavy duty finishes seal the wood, preventing fading and cracking, but also requiring regular sanding and re-coating to maintain full protection.
The next feature to consider is the application method or methods that may be used with the finish. Finishes can be applied by brushing, spraying, with a rag, or by padding. The critical factors here are what equipment you have, and how much time can you spend applying the finish. Spraying is fast and works with almost any product, but not everyone posesses the equipment and skill necessary for this technique. Brushing with brushes or paint applicator pads is fairly fast on some projects, but relatively slow when cleanup time is factored in. Wiping a finish on with a rag is a technique anyone can master in thirty seconds or less, and it saves cleanup time. Padding is a technique used for shellac and lacquer that takes practice, but allows the finish to be built up quickly and in many thin coats.
The final thing to consider is the formulation of the finish. There are four general types of finish, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Wax finishes offer ease and speed of application, but offer almost no protection on their own. Waxes can, however be applied over any other finish as a renewable protective layer. Oil finishes bring out the color and grain patterns of the wood better than any other finish, but take a long time to dry, and offer little protection since the finish is in, rather than on the wood. Evaporative finishes, a group that includes shellac and lacquer, can be applied in thin, quick-drying coats and offer moderate protection. These finishes can be dissolved at any time by the appropriate solvent. Varnishes offer the most protection, but require the most work. They need to be scuff-sanded between coats to allow the finish to adhere properly, and the final coat often needs to be rubbed out with ultra-fine abrasives if a true high gloss sheen is required. Note that dry times listed for finishes are under optimal conditions Low temperatures and high humidity can greatly increase the cure time of reactive finishes such as polyurethane varnish.
For additional information on each type of finish, such as oil finishes, Danish oils, lacquers, etc., see the Dictionary of Finishing Terms.
Types of Finishes:
Wax
Typically a mix of carnauba, beeswax, and/or other waxes, usually mixed with
a solvent to form a paste, hence the name "paste wax". These finishes
can produce from a matte to a high gloss finish, although this depends
on both the product and the surface to which it is applied. They cannot
be topcoated with another finish, but can be applied over any other finish.
Wax finishes do not provide the long term or wear protection of other
finishes, and need to be reapplied periodically; however, they do an excellent
job of providing a replaceable topcoat for other finishes, increasing
their wear resistance.
Penetrating Oil
This category includes tung, danish, and linseed oil products. Some
brands include stains pre-mixed with the finish, and most produce a soft
luster. Oils actually penetrate into the wood, thus not providing the
protective surface layer that other finishes do, but bringing out more of
the wood's grain than other finishes can. They are easily repaired
by simply recoating the scratched surface with more of the same oil. Oils
have a relatively low resistance to water and alcohol. Most oils have
dryers added to them, while others, like butcher block oil, do not dry
out.
Shellac
Derived from a resinous substance secreted by the lac insect of India. it
is one of the oldest wood finishes, and is a key ingredient in french polishing.
Also, it is sometimes applied as a topcoat over one or two coats of
tung oil. Shellac can produce a "wet look" finish relatively quickly,
but is less durable than other finishes. Low resistance to heat and
alcohol, some water resistance. Can come ready mixed, or in flakes
which are mixed with alcohol. The flake form has an indefinite shelf
life.
Lacquer
Produces a hard, abrasion resistant clear finish, and dries quickly.
Lacquer is highly resistant to heat and moisture. Disadvantages
include stong fumes, and blushing in humid weather.
Varnish
Produces a glossy shine that highlights the wood's grain. Available
in three formulations: long, medium, and short oil, which differ in durability
and gloss. Long oil is the most durable, but takes the longest time
to dry, allowing more dust to settle onto the finish.
Polyurethane
Available in flat to glossy, extremely durable and highly resistant to water
and alcohol. Easy to apply, but difficult to strip off. Can come
in oil or water based formulations, and with or without UV inhibitors, to
keep colorful woods from fading. Although they sometimes have decreased
wear and water resistance, water based urethanes lack the strong solvent
smells of their oil based counterparts, so are good for use in enclosed or
less ventilated spaces.
Oil/Urethane
A popular mix combining the penetration and grain-enhancing properties of
an oil with the durability and surface finish of polyurethane. Also
takes longer than regular polyurethane finishes to dry.
Oil/Beeswax
Another popular combination made by melting the wax, then stirring in tung
oil. Can be buffed to a satiny smooth finish, and works well on tool
handles.
French Polish
Basically thinned shellac, sometimes mixed with pumice and/or oil, and rubbed
on to produce an almost instant shine, with subsequent coats buffing and
rubbing out previous ones.
Epoxy
A rock-hard and extremely durable finish, as much as fifty times thicker
than a coat of varnish. A two-part epoxy adhesive or a specially formulated
epoxy may be used. When combined with fiberglass cloth, epoxy can produce
a protective finish which will outlast any other in such strenuous applications
as high traffic wood floors, small boat bottoms, etc.
Water Based Acrylic
A finish with good moisture and wear resistance. Available with UV
inhibitors and lacks any strong solvent smells.
Sun Tan Lotion (really!)
Not normally thought of as something you might use on wood, suntan lotion
(eg. Bullfrog) can be applied under oil and oil-compatible finishes to protect
brightly colored woods from fading, such as pink ivory, chaktakoke, and
purpleheart. Since tanning lotions are of an oily consistency, I would not
reccommend their application under non-oil compatible finishes such as many
lacquers. Another good UV inhibiting undercoat is Armor All Protectant,
commonly used on car dash boards and such.
Purpose |
Brand / Maker |
Product |
Type |
Application Method |
Dry Time |
Exterior Heavy Duty |
Mc Closkey |
Marine Spar Varnish |
Varnish |
Brush-on |
24hrs |
Exterior Med. Duty |
General Finishes |
Outdoor Oil |
Oil / Varnish |
Wipe-on |
12-34hr |
Interior Heavy Duty |
Behlen |
Rock Hard Table Top
Varnish |
Varnish |
Brush-on |
12hr |
Interior Heavy Duty |
General Finishes |
High Performance
Polyurethane |
Waterborne Varnish |
Brush-on |
2-4hr |
Interior Heavy Duty |
Mc Closkey |
Clear Polyurethane |
Varnish |
Brush-on |
4-8hr |
Interior Light Duty |
Behlen |
Teak Oil |
Oil |
Wipe-on |
24hr |
Interior Light Duty |
Briwax |
Briwax |
Wax |
Wipe-on |
1-2min |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Prelude Oil &
Wax |
Oil / Wax |
Wipe-on |
30min |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Salad Bowl Oil |
Danish Oil |
Wipe-on, water thin |
6-12hr |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Nordic Oil |
Danish Oil |
Wipe-on |
6-12hr |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Satin Finishing Wax |
Wax |
Wipe-on |
~10min |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Prelude Butcher Block
Oil |
Oil |
Wipe-on |
N/A |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Danish Oil |
Oil |
Wipe-on |
24hr |
Interior Light Duty |
General Finishes |
Toy Makers Finish |
Danish Oil |
Wipe-on, water thin |
6-12hr |
Interior Light Duty |
Gillespie |
Low Gloss Tung Oil |
Oil |
Wipe-on |
12hr |
Interior Light Duty |
Liberon |
Black Bison Fine Paste
Wax |
Wax |
Wipe-on |
3-5min |
Interior Light Duty |
Minwax |
Paste Wax |
Wax |
Wipe-on |
3-5min |
Interior Light Duty |
Rockler |
Tung Oil |
Oil |
Wipe-on |
24hr |
Interior Light Duty |
Woodburst |
Chinawood Oil |
Oil |
Wipe-on |
24hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
Bartley |
Gel Varnish |
Varnish |
Wipe-on |
6hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
Behlen |
Violin Varnish |
Shellac |
Brush-on / Padding |
1-2hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
Behlen |
Brushing Lacquer |
Lacquer |
Brush-on |
1-2hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
Behlen |
Shellac Flakes |
Shellac |
Brush-on / Padding |
Varies |
Interior Med. Duty |
Behlen |
Qualasole |
Shellac |
Padding |
30-60min |
Interior Med. Duty |
Deft |
Clear Wood Finish |
Lacquer |
Brush-on or Spray |
30min |
Interior Med. Duty |
General Finishes |
Polyacrylic |
Waterborne Varnish |
Brush-on |
2-4hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
General Finishes |
Arm R Seal |
Oil / Varnish |
Wipe-on |
6-8 hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
Mc Closkey |
Heirloom Varnish |
Varnish |
Brush-on |
4-6hr |
Interior Med. Duty |
Rockler |
Shellac |
Shellac |
Brush-on / Padding |
Varies |
Interior Med. Duty |
Rockler |
Sam Maloof Oil / Wax |
Oil / Wax |
Wipe-on |
24hrs |
Interior Med. Duty |
Rockler |
Sam Maloof Oil /
Poly |
Oil / Varnish |
Wipe-on |
24hrs |
Interior Med. Duty /
Sealer |
Zinsser |
Bulls Eye Shellac |
Shellac |
Brush-on / Padding or
Spray |
15-30min |
Sealer |
General Finishes |
Sealacell |
Oil / Varnish |
Wipe-on |
6-8hr |
|
Ease of
Application |
Abrasion |
Toughness |
Moisture |
Chemicals /
Alcohol |
Stains |
Heat |
Yellowing |
Clarity |
Repairability |
Wax Alone |
Very Easy |
None |
Excellent |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
None |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Very Easy |
Oil
Finish |
Very Easy |
Poor |
Excellent |
Poor |
Good |
Poor |
Fair |
Fair |
Excellent |
Very Easy |
Danish Oil / Poly &
Oil |
Very Easy |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Poor |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Easy |
Shellac |
Easy |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Poor to
None |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
Easy |
Lacquer |
Difficult |
Excellent |
Fair |
Fair |
Poor |
Excellent |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
Easy |
Phenolic
Varnish |
Easy |
Excellent |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Poor |
Excellent |
Difficult |
Alkyd
Varnish |
Easy |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Difficult |
Polyurethane
Varnish |
Easy |
Good |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent |
Fair |
Poor |
Very
Difficult |
Spar
Varnish |
Easy |
Fair |
Excellent |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Excellent |
Difficult |
Catalyzed / Conversion
Finishes |
Very
Difficult |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
Good |
Very
Difficult |
Crosslinked Waterborne
Finishes |
Very
Difficult |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Very
Difficult |
Waterborne
Polyurethane |
Difficult |
Good |
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Fair |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Difficult |
Waterborne Acrylic /
Lacquer |
Difficult |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Difficult |
Comparison of Clear Wood Finishes
Bartley Gel Varnish
Finish type: Varnish
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 6hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Alkyd / Urethane w/ thickeners
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 200
Comments: Gel varnish is easier and less messy to apply than traditional
polyurethane finishes, and has greater resistance to wear and moisture than
danish oils.
Behlen Brushing Lacquer
Finish type: Lacquer
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Lacquer Thinner
Dry time between coats: 1-2hr
Solids content, %: 26
Key ingredients: Nitrocellulose
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: Brushing lacquer offers the hardness of a lacquer finish without
the cost of a finish sprayer.
Behlen Qualasole
Finish type: Shellac
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Padding
Solvents / thinners: Alcohol
Dry time between coats: 30-60min
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Shellac / PVA
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: This is a ready mixed padding shellac that can be used for French
polishing.
Behlen Rock Hard Table Top Varnish
Finish type: Varnish
Purpose: Interior Heavy Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 12hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Phenolic Resin "Short Oil" blend
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 125
Comments: This phenolic resin varnish offers grater clarity than polyurethane,
which can have a "plastic" look, but with a slightly greater tendency to
yellow over time.
Behlen Shellac Flakes
Finish type: Shellac
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on / Padding
Solvents / thinners: Alcohol
Dry time between coats: Varies
Solids content, %: Varies
Key ingredients: Dry Shellac Flakes
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: Varies
Comments: Flakes have an indefinite shelf life until mixed. The color varies
from dark reddish orange (garnet) to orange to light amber. Super Blonde
is dewaxed, so it can be used as a sealer for other finishes.
Behlen Teak Oil
Finish type: Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: ?
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: An oil finish designed specifically for oily woods such as teak
and rosewood.
Behlen Violin Varnish
Finish type: Spirit Varnish
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on / Padding
Solvents / thinners: Alcohol
Dry time between coats: 1-2hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Shellac w/ Mastic & Saranac Resins
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: An old-fashioned spirit varnish, based on an antique formula.
Briwax
Finish type: Wax
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Toluene / Acetone
Dry time between coats: 1-2min
Solids content, %: 91
Key ingredients: Beeswax / Carnauba
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart:
Comments: . A good general purpose furniture wax and lubricant / rust repellant
for shop use.
Deft Clear Wood Finish
Finish type: Lacquer
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on or Spray
Solvents / thinners: Lacquer Thinner
Dry time between coats: 30min
Solids content, %: 22
Key ingredients: Nitrocellulose / Alkyd / Stearates
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 125
Comments: An easy-to-use brushing lacquer. The stearates soften the
finish, making it easier to sand but reducing durability.
General Finishes Arm R Seal
Finish type: Oil / Varnish
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 6-8 hr
Solids content, %: 37
Key ingredients: Tung Oil / Urethane / Alkyd
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 300-400
Comments:
General Finishes Danish Oil
Finish type: Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Linseed Oil / Bitumen
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 100
Comments:
General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane
Finish type: Waterborne Varnish
Purpose: Interior Heavy Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Water
Dry time between coats: 2-4hr
Solids content, %: 26
Key ingredients: Waterborne Urethane
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 150
Comments: A quick-drying waterborne polyurethane suitable for use on floors.
General Finishes Nordic Oil
Finish type: Danish Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 6-12hr
Solids content, %: 38
Key ingredients: Linseed Oil / Urethane
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 150
Comments:
General Finishes Outdoor Oil
Finish type: Oil / Varnish
Purpose: Exterior Med. Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 12-34hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Linseed Oil + Assorted Additives
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 25-60
Comments: Covers 25 sq.ft. per quart on rough wood, up to 60 on smooth wood.
General Finishes Polyacrylic
Finish type: Waterborne Varnish
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Water
Dry time between coats: 2-4hr
Solids content, %: 20
Key ingredients: Waterborne Acrylic / Polyethylene
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 150
Comments: Basically a waterborne lacquer, this finish dries very quickly.
General Finishes Prelude Butcher Block Oil
Finish type: Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: N/A
Solids content, %: 0
Key ingredients: Mineral (Parafin) Oil
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: A non-toxic, non-drying oil.
General Finishes Prelude Oil & Wax
Finish type: Oil / Wax
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 30min
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Orange Oil / Beeswax
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments:
General Finishes Salad Bowl Oil
Finish type: Danish Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on, water thin
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 6-12hr
Solids content, %: 37
Key ingredients: Urethane and other ingredients
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: A non-toxic when dry, food grade finish.
General Finishes Satin Finishing Wax
Finish type: Wax
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: ~10min
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Wax Blend
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments:
General Finishes Sealacell
Finish type: Oil / Varnish
Purpose: Sealer
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 6-8hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Tung Oil / Urethane
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 200
Comments: Also available in colors.
General Finishes Toy Makers Finish
Finish type: Danish Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on, water thin
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 6-12hr
Solids content, %: 37
Key ingredients: Urethane and other ingredients
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments:
Gillespie Low Gloss Tung Oil
Finish type: Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 12hr
Solids content, %: 22
Key ingredients: "Tung Oil Varnish"
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 100-150
Comments:
Liberon Black Bison Fine Paste Wax
Finish type: Wax
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Toluene / Acetone
Dry time between coats: 3-5min
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Wax
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: Also comes in a variety of colors. Pleasant smell. . A good general
purpose furniture wax and lubricant / rust repellant for shop use.
Mc Closkey Clear Polyurethane
Finish type: Varnish
Purpose: Interior Heavy Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 4-8hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Alkyd / Urethane
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 100-150
Comments:
Mc Closkey Heirloom Varnish
Finish type: Varnish
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 4-6hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Alkyd
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 125-165
Comments: Alkyd resins offer greater clarity than urethane.
Mc Closkey Marine Spar Varnish
Finish type: Varnish
Purpose: Exterior Heavy Duty
Application method: Brush-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hrs
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Alkyd / Phenolic / Tung Oil - "Long Oil" blend
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 75-100
Comments: One of the toughest outdoor finishes available, however it still
needs recoating every year to maintain full protection.
Minwax Paste Wax
Finish type: Wax
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Toluene / Acetone
Dry time between coats: 3-5min
Solids content, %: 21
Key ingredients: Wax
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: Comes in a clear or dark stain variety. A good general purpose
furniture wax and lubricant / rust repellant for shop use.
Rockler Sam Maloof Oil / Poly
Finish type: Oil / Varnish
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hrs
Solids content, %: 68
Key ingredients: Linseed / Tung / Alkyd / Urethane / Aliphatic
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments:
Rockler Sam Maloof Oil / Wax
Finish type: Oil / Wax
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hrs
Solids content, %: 100
Key ingredients: Linsed / Tung / Carnauba / Beeswax
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments:
Rockler Shellac
Finish type: Shellac
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty
Application method: Brush-on / Padding
Solvents / thinners: Alcohol
Dry time between coats: Varies
Solids content, %: Varies
Key ingredients: Dry Shellac Flakes
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: Varies
Comments: Flakes have an indefinite shelf life until mixed. The color varies
from dark reddish orange (garnet) to orange to light amber.
Rockler Tung Oil
Finish type: Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hr
Solids content, %: 100
Key ingredients: Tung Oil
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments: 100% pure Tung oil
Woodburst Chinawood Oil
Finish type: Oil
Purpose: Interior Light Duty
Application method: Wipe-on
Solvents / thinners: Mineral Spirits / VM&P Naptha / Turpentine
Dry time between coats: 24hr
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Tung Oil
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: ?
Comments:
Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac
Finish type: Shellac
Purpose: Interior Med. Duty / Sealer
Application method: Brush-on / Padding or Spray
Solvents / thinners: Alcohol
Dry time between coats: 15-30min
Solids content, %: ?
Key ingredients: Shellac
Coverage, Square Feet per Quart: 100
Comments: Equivalent to a 3lb cut shellac, can be thinned for use as a sealer.
NOT DEWAXED, therefore not compatible with other topcoats.
References:
Title, Author, Publisher, Date