Wood wax is generally considered the easiest type of finish to apply. You simply wipe it on and buff it off.
Many woodworkers choose polyurethane as a go-to finish simply for its familiarity. Easy to apply, it looks good on a variety of woods and provides plenty of protection.
Poly is nearly the default choice these days because most consumer-level varnishes are poly, including when it isn't specified on the labelling. And it is the toughest of the common varnishes (by quite a margin) anyway, making it the superior choice if durability and waterproofing are desired.
POLYURETHANE. Polyurethane is the most common clear wood finish choice for refinishing furniture. Chemically it's made with an acrylic (plastic) resin. It's relatively inexpensive, easily applied and extremely durable.
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based interior stain is what most people think of when it comes to wood stain. They are readily available and the easiest to use. They usually have a linseed oil binder that allows plenty of time to remove the excess before the stain dries.
If you really want to avoid sanding, you can use a liquid sander or deglosser. These products help dull the existing finish on your floor so that a new stain or finish can adhere properly. A liquid sander is easy to apply—just wipe it on, wait a few minutes, and then wipe it off.
If you have oil-based stains (which dries slower), brushing or spraying large areas could work, but lacquer and water-based stains simply dry too fast. This could result in imprints of the bristles on your wood surface. You won't have that problem when you apply and finish staining with lint-free cloth wipers.
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.
One of the most popular ways to make wood flooring shine without varnish or wax is to use a clear, matte sealant. This can be applied with a fresh microfiber cloth, which will help erase any scuffs and light scratches.
Sealers are best recommended for any types of surface while varnish is a lot better for indoor woods where there is minimal chance of moisture or high humidity. It is best recommended for laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen cabinets.
Oil-based varnish is one of the most common types of the varnish used today. It is made from a mixture of oil and resin, which gives it its durability and water-resistant properties. Oil-based varnish is ideal for outdoor furniture or any other type of wood exposed to the elements.
Shellac, lacquer and water-based coatings are all very fast-drying and easy to use, so they are great options. Shellac and lacquer will add some amber tint to the wood, which can be quite attractive, but water-based coatings usually are completely clear. That means they won't yellow even the lightest colored woods.
Linseed oil, which comes from flax plant seeds, is an easy to apply wood finish, with a brush or cloth. However, curing may take longer. It soaks into the pores, resulting in a shiny appearance. It is a mixture or oil (usually boiled linseed oil or tung oil), varnish, and thinner.
Instead of sanding, use a liquid deglosser to dull the existing finish. This product helps you prepare the surface for new stain or paint without the need to strip or sand.
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.
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.
The most durable wood floor finish is aluminum oxide, which can last up to 25 years with proper care.
Lacquer can be used on most woods, but it cannot be used on mahogany and rosewood; the oils in these woods will bleed through the finish. Lacquer can be used over lacquer-base, non-grain-raising (NGR) and water-base stains and over lacquer-base fillers.
Water-based stains are generally the easiest to apply on wood. They have a quick drying time, low odor, and are easy to clean up with water.
Ensure that you are using a clean rag to apply each coat of varnish. Optional: After the final coat dries, you can very lightly sand the project with 2000 grit sandpaper. This will give you a buttery smooth surface!
Finally, pour the stain into a one-quart pail, and apply the stain using a brush or a microfiber staining pad. As you stain the wood, wipe off any excess stain with a microfiber cloth to have a consistent color and fewer blotches.