The "best" finish for raw wood depends entirely on your project's use, but Hardwax Oils (like Osmo Polyx Oil) and Water-Based Polyurethane are widely considered top-tier choices for balancing durability, natural appearance, and ease of application.
The best wood finishes for a natural, "raw," or matte look are penetrating hardwax oils, water-based polyurethanes, or Danish oils. These options soak into the wood fibers instead of forming a thick, shiny, "plasticky" surface layer, preserving the wood's organic texture.
To protect unfinished wood, choose a sealant based on its use: use polyurethane for high-traffic indoor furniture, spar varnish for outdoor exposure, mineral oil for food-safe surfaces, and beeswax/oils for low-contact pieces to preserve a natural, matte look.
Oil penetrates the wood fibers to enhance the natural grain and protect from the inside out. Wax sits on the surface, providing water resistance and a soft sheen. For best results, use a combination: apply oil first to nourish the wood, followed by wax to seal it.
In light of that, we prefer sealing over coating. Sealing wood protects wood from moisture and brings out its natural beauty at the same time. Sealer also allows wood to age gracefully. So much so, that the aesthetic differences between sealing and coating are truly remarkable.
Polyurethane is not made for outdoor use. The first and most important reason is that most polyurethanes are designed for indoor use. They aren't formulated to withstand UV rays, varying temperatures, or constant moisture. Outdoor elements quickly break down the finish, causing it to crack, peel, and flake.
Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane
This oil-based clear sealer protective coating protects and adds long-lasting beauty to woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors. It's one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more, and is a clear coat.
The jar of petroleum jelly or Vaseline that you have in your medicine cabinet can work wonders to remove white water rings from furniture. The oily petroleum base penetrates the finish on the wood, displacing the moisture trapped inside, and the oils also nourish and condition dry wood.
Our Amish finish shops all use catalyzed conversion varnish for an ultra-durable top coat. This is a special kind of varnish that requires a hardening agent to be mixed in at the time of application. Unlike other types of lacquer, conversion varnish must be sprayed in a professional finish shop.
Hardwax oils are a great option if you are looking for a matte finish that keeps both the natural look and feel of the wood. Polyurethanes are great if you want an increased sheen and prefer less texture to the floor.
Applying Natural Oils or Wax
Another option to protect and nourish unfinished wood is to apply natural oils or wax. These products penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural beauty while providing a protective barrier against moisture and stains.
To protect unfinished wood, choose a finish based on its expected wear and tear. Use polyurethane for high-traffic surfaces like dining tables, penetrating wood oil for a natural, low-luster look, or stain combined with a clear topcoat to alter the color.
Yes, Mod Podge can seal wood. It acts as an excellent all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish for indoor decorative items, decoupage projects, and minor craft pieces. However, it is primarily water-based and should not be used for high-moisture areas or heavy-duty outdoor wear without additional protection.
Matte vs. Glossy Finishes
Matte finishes are trending for their soft, modern look. They reduce glare, emphasize the texture of the wood, and give off a more organic, understated feel. Perfect for minimalistic and contemporary interiors, matte is also more forgiving with fingerprints and dust.
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Wood Stain delivers oil-like performance without the odor in a thick, fast-drying water-based formula. This product is available in a curated palette, hand-picked by Joanna Gaines to enhance the natural beauty of your interior wood surfaces.
Restore wood's beautiful shine- for less! Mix 1 cup of vegetable oil and a ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle, then shake and spray on wood before wiping with a cloth. Vinegar's acetic acid will disinfect while the oil nourishes the wood.
Yes, many Amish women wear deodorant, though the type used often comes down to personal choice and strictness of the local church district.
Most Popular Types of Wood Finishes
Evidence indicates that many Amish marriages occur at a young age, often during their late teens and early twenties.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on wood, but only if it is heavily diluted and you use it correctly. Dawn is excellent for cutting through kitchen grease and grime, but because it is a strong surfactant, using it too often or leaving it un-rinsed can strip protective finishes and dry out the wood.
Not only can you use Vaseline before applying eye shadow, but you can also use the jelly to remove it — and eyeliner and mascara — in one of the gentlest ways available. "It's light and lubricated, so the makeup slides right off without harming the skin," dermatologist Mona Gohara told Allure.
The best oil to rehydrate wood depends entirely on the item's use. For food-contact surfaces like cutting boards and spoons, use 100% pure food-grade mineral oil. For indoor furniture and antiques, nourishing drying oils like Tung oil or boiled linseed oil are best.
Getting a mirror-like, high-gloss finish on wood requires building up a thick, flat foundation of a clear film finish (like lacquer or polyurethane) and polishing it to perfection. A flawless gloss means eliminating all brush strokes, dust nibs, and surface texture.
Yes, lacquer is technically harder than polyurethane. Lacquer dries to a hard, brittle shell that is easy to rub out and buff, whereas polyurethane is a softer, more pliable liquified plastic. However, poly is generally considered "tougher" and more resilient to scratches, impacts, and heavy use.
For most woodworking projects, apply 2 to 4 coats of clear coat (like polyurethane). The exact number depends on the finish type and the item's use: