You can apply polyurethane with a synthetic or natural brush, rag, roller or with a sprayer. Polyurethane is a good all-around finish that can be used for almost any type of indoor wood projects.
Furniture paste wax, boiled linseed oil, Murphy's Soap, tung oil, all do an excellent job. If your wood already has a skin finish on it, like lacquer, shellac, or varnish, then Johnson's Paste Wax will do a good job. If it dries out in the can, just add a small amount of turpentine to it and stir to mix it in.
To make wood shiny naturally, first clean the surface with a mild soap and water solution. Then, apply a natural oil, like olive oil or walnut oil, using a soft cloth. The oil will nourish the wood and bring out its natural shine. You can also use a beeswax polish for a soft, glossy finish.
Varnish: Varnish is a clear, oil-based finish that is made from a mixture of oil, resin, and solvents. It is a popular choice for wood finishing because it provides a durable, glossy finish and is resistant to water and UV light.
To make wood shine again, clean the surface thoroughly, then apply a wood polish or a beeswax-based product. Buff the surface with a soft cloth to enhance the shine. For more insights, check out my Quora Profile!
The oil in WD-40 helps condition the wood, enhancing its natural shine and color. It's important to use a moderate amount and avoid oversaturating the wood. This technique can revitalize old wooden chairs, tables, picture frames, or any wooden object that needs a pick-me-up.
Oil and lemon juice.
In a spray bottle, mix two tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and two cups of warm water. Shake well and dampen the mop to begin shining the hardwood.
Whilst there are many 'old school' wood oils, the most commonly used are without a doubt Danish oil, Teak oil, Tung oil and to a lesser degree Linseed oil. There is no set formula for Teak or Danish oil meaning that they can vary from brand to brand.
Explanation: VARNISH-it gives the wood a shiny glow.
"Dulux Quick Dry Gloss is a beautiful gloss paint. It is self-undercoating, wipeable, non-yellowing and suitable for use on interior wood and metal (including heated surfaces). Thanks to its Quick Dry, low odour formulation it is both convenient and pleasant to use.
There are couple of ways to do that. First is wood polish which will give a nice shiny surface but will be a very thin layer. If it's a good wood and you just want to give it a shine a polish is the best option. Second is giving it a varnish, which will protect your wood and also give a thicker coating on it.
In summary, polyurethane offers superior durability and protection, making it the better choice for high-use and outdoor applications. Lacquer provides a beautiful, glossy finish and is easier to repair, making it suitable for indoor furniture with lighter use.
One of the most popular ways to make fresh homemade polish is by combining equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Vinegar removes greasy finger prints and grime from wood while lemon juice works as a disinfectant and imparts an appealing fragrance to the wood polish.
Here's a secret: Tea's tannic acid makes for an excellent surface shine, according to HGTV. Boil a couple of teabags in some water and dump the tea into a bucket. Wring out a rag or mop in the solution and use it to mop the floors.
While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin, varnish is older and made from resins, oils, and solvents. Because of the higher ratio of solids, varnish is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. This protection makes varnish an excellent choice for projects such as outside decks and exterior furniture.
Different oils have different properties and are suitable for specific types of wood. Here are some good combinations: Teak oil works well for bamboo, linseed oil for cedar wood, and these two oils (teak and linseed) can also be used for mahogany wood.
The best option is to use a varnish or lacquer to give the wood a high gloss finish. While varnish can be sprayed or brushed on, lacquer is best applied by simple spraying. Spraying makes the surface seem finer than painting as it doesn't leave any strokes behind.
Varnish is translucent, which allows the natural characteristics of a piece of wood shine. Varnish also adds a barrier that protects the wood against damage, including scratches and dents. Apply varnish with a new, natural-bristle brush.
Fungi + rotting wood = light
The fungi inside this wood produce light as a byproduct of growth. It is the mat of growing fungal strands, or mycelium, not the mushroom that usually glows. The most common luminous fungi is a root rot fungus found on many hardwood trees.
Applying wax to wooden garden furniture will provide a beautiful natural, low-sheen finish that enhances the wood's natural beauty. It will offer some protection against moisture and minor scratches but it is not as tough as say varnish. Oils will penetrate the wood, nourishing and protecting it from within.
It is also eco-friendly and cost-effective. Olive oil nourishes the wood. It amazingly brings out its natural shine.
Polish. To preserve the quality of wood, you need to give it a good polish once or twice a year. Take a quarter cup of vegetable or olive oil and mix it with a similar quantity of white vinegar. Moisten a microfiber cloth with the mixture and polish the wood to a shine.
Polyurethane Wood Finish
Water-based polyurethane dries quickly and can be used on bare, stained or painted wood. It provides a clear, natural sheen that does not yellow with age.
Hardwood Floors, Wood Furniture, and Other Wood Surfaces: Due to its acidic nature, vinegar can damage hardwood floor finishes, causing them to look dingy. Use either a cleaner specifically made for hardwood floors or a mix of soap and water.
But every time you look out on your backyard, the dull, faded tones of your deck make you want to close the blinds, and never go outside again. What about bleach? You can use household bleach to brighten wood, for sure. Just like your clothes, it lightens the wood's color and kills some mildew.