Polyurethane is the most durable option for indoor woodworking projects. It's highly effective at protecting cabinets, doors, furniture, and floors from scratches and abrasive damage. Polyurethane is also water-resistant and is intended to enhance the natural appearance of the wood with a satin or mid-gloss finish.
Linseed, tung, refined hemp, soy, and walnut oil are all-natural oils that on their own can be used to seal and protect wood. They are called drying oils.
Varnishes provide the toughest of finishes whilst oils provide ease of application, maintenance and the ability to easily patch repair and restore areas of wear.
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 the most durable option for indoor woodworking projects. It's highly effective at protecting cabinets, doors, furniture, and floors from scratches and abrasive damage.
Sealers do not provide any coloration of the wood, but they protect it against moisture that causes rot and splitting. Most sealers last one cycle of seasons and should be renewed each year.
Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that are highly durable and water resistant, making them the best clear coat for wood protection.
Shellac – Shellac is a varnish made from the resin of the lac bug. It is a softer finish that is often recommended for lighter-colored woods. It is also better for areas with high moisture and frequent wear, as it dries much faster than polyurethane.
And lastly, grey and white-washed hardwood floors provide a contemporary yet timeless appeal. Choosing any of these hardwood floor colors that never go out of style will ensure your home maintains its elegance and value over time.
Thompson's Water Seal
This is why in most woodworking blogs, their water seal always tops the list of recommended wood sealers. Aside from resisting most types of mold and mildew, it's also long-lasting. So you won't have to worry about reapplying a sealer every couple of years.
The Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector falls short of expectations. While it claims to protect exterior wood, it offers zero UV protection, which is critical for preventing graying and preserving the natural beauty of your deck or other wood surfaces.
Water-based oil-modified polyurethanes are an excellent choice for outdoor applications as they provide good durability while being less harmful to the environment.
Oil-based varnish tops the durability charts in terms of water-resistance. The secret lies in its synthetic resins which have been bonded to drying oils and mixed with a thinner. (Faster to cure, varnishes that use urethane for their resin—often labeled polyurethane—dominate the modern market and are easier to find.)
Overall a very dull appearance unless burnished to a high sheen. Once applied, wax is very difficult to remove. Protection of the wood surface is minimal.
Invest in high-quality floor lacquer or varnish
Buy hard-wearing paint or varnishes to buffer and coat your floor. Consider moisture and chemical-resistant floor varnish for home spaces and lower-traffic commercial applications. Try a reliable floor lacquer for a more durable finish in high-traffic areas.
One significant advantage of lacquer is its ease of repair. Scratches and damage can be easily fixed by applying a new layer of lacquer and buffing the surface. Polyurethane repairs, on the other hand, often require sanding and recoating the damaged area.
For high-traffic areas and outdoor projects, polyurethane—especially the oil-based variety—is the best choice due to its superior durability and resistance to water and heat. For indoor projects, particularly those involving light-colored wood or areas with minimal wear and tear, polycrylic is an excellent option.
Because polyester has a much higher solid content than polyurethane, polyester's surface is stronger making it less vulnerable to scratching and chemical cleaning.
Epoxy finishes provide the most protection of all outdoor finishes, creating a thick, plastic-like, water-impermeable barrier on the surface of the wood.
Many customers choose water-based polyurethane as a greener alternative to oil-based finishes. Water-based poly's low VOCs and fast dry times make the application process less of a hassle for homeowners. If homeowners are open to the idea of vacating for an extended period, oil-based poly is an option.
On average, Thompson's water seal will last for about 5 years. Depending on the weather patterns in your area, this deck sealer might need your attention more often. In a rainy state, you might need a fresh coat of water seal for ultimate protection every 2-3 years.
We can permanently seal your log cabin or wood siding to protect it from the elements for decades. Ever-Sealed wood protects your home from the elements, but also repels wood-boring insects.
Staining wood with an exterior clear coat is important to maintain its quality and sturdiness. Clear coatings are water-resistant to protect wood from adverse weather. That means you'll have your wood protected against bacteria, mold, and even fungi.