Lacquer is a wood finish typically made with a solution of nitrocellulose and solvents to make a glossy or matte coating. Frequently sprayed on, it leaves a thin coat that dries faster than other finishes. While lacquer is ideal for furniture, but it is not recommended for use over old paint or varnish.
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. It is a clear and transparent wood finish that usually comprises drying oil, resin, and thinner or solvent. You can find a variety of varnish wood finishes based on lacquer, alkyd, polyurethane, and acrylic, shellac, and resins, among others.
RainGuard Wet-Look is a film-forming water repellent that dries down to a clear, gloss finish that darkens and enhances the color of the surface to create a “wet look”. It is non-yellowing, low odor, low VOC, and non-toxic.
Stain. Wood stain improves the overall appearance of the wood by enhancing the colour and increasing the visibility of the grains. It also helps to hide inconsistencies in the wood by blending the surface colour into a continuous shade. Unlike other finishes, wood stain doesn't protect the wood.
Different formulations of polyurethane create different levels of luster or sheen, so choose based on your preference. Flat or matte polyurethane leaves the least shiny coating and conveys the look of natural, unfinished wood.
Rainguard Wet Look Sealer enhances and rejuvenates surface color and beautifies with a high gloss, "wet look" finish.
Polyurethane is better for durability, but polycrylic is better for interior surfaces like cabinets, furniture, and trim.
Use a brush or rag to apply a clear furniture wax such as beeswax. Remove excess and buff lightly (not too much as you don't want to polish the wax) Add cerusing wax over the clear wax, as needed, to counteract any darkening or warm tones in the wood.
Polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer are tried-and-true sealants with excellent waterproofing properties. For best results, apply the wood finish at room temperature, ideally between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use commercially prepared lemon oil. You can also make a simple polish by mixing 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Pour it on a soft cloth and work it into the wood, wiping with the grain. Buff till shiny.
Polishing wood furniture naturally
To make your own polish, you can use vinegar and olive oil. This is a great combination to not only clean but also to add shine as the white vinegar is a natural astringent, and the olive oil adds moisture back into the wood.
You'll get a choice of sheens with both polyurethane and polycrylic, but polyurethane wood finishes will also tint. Both polyurethane and polycrylic come in satin, gloss, and high-gloss sheens, so you can go as shiny as you'd like to emphasize your wood's character and craftsmanship.
It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a shiny, sleek sheen for a bright, modern look. It's also non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
Polycrylic and polyurethane are both clear top coats that can be applied over stain or raw wood to create a protective finish. Polycrylic is water based, and polyurethane is oil based (though there are some water based polyurethanes).
Polyurethane Wood Finish
Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that are highly durable and water resistant, making them the best clear coat for wood protection.
Is wood sealer the same as varnish? The difference between wood seal and varnish is that a sealant protects the surface from moisture, while a varnish gives it a glossy finish. Sealants are usually applied to unfinished wood but can also be used on finished surfaces.
When using OIL BASED finishes: The best method for bringing out the natural characteristics of wood grain is to use a penetrating oil like Tung oil, Walnut oil or double boiled Linseed oil.
DAP Plastic Wood All Purpose Wood Filler is a high-quality, latex-based wood filler that looks and acts like real wood. It can be used to repair cracks, gouges, holes and other surface defects on furniture, woodwork, molding, cabinets, paneling, plywood, windows, doors and painted surfaces.