A Guide to Wood Furniture Finishes
The finish on a piece of furniture isn’t just about appearance — it protects the wood and defines the piece’s character. Understanding finishes helps you make informed decisions about restoration and care.
Piano Finish (Compounded Glossy)
A piano finish is the gold standard for a mirror-smooth, ultra-glossy surface. The process involves applying a catalysed polyurethane finish, then super-fine sanding through progressively finer grits, and finally compounding (buffing with polishing compound) to eliminate every microscopic imperfection. The result looks like glass.
At Olek, we’ve applied piano finishes to everything from chandelier-damaged dining tables (where dozens of holes had to be repaired first) to Marc Newson art furniture for gallery exhibition. Any finish can be compounded — the technique isn’t limited to one type of coating.
Lacquer
Lacquer dries quickly, builds well and can be rubbed to a high sheen. Traditional nitrocellulose lacquer has been used since the 1920s and remains popular for its clarity and repairability. It’s ideal for mid-century modern furniture and can be sprayed to a very thin, even coat. However, lacquer is less durable than polyurethane and can be damaged by alcohol and water.
Shellac & French Polish
Shellac — a natural resin dissolved in alcohol — has been used for centuries. French polish is a technique of applying shellac in many thin layers with a pad, producing a deep, warm lustre prized on antique furniture. It’s historically appropriate for 18th and 19th-century pieces but is less resistant to heat, water and alcohol than modern finishes.
Oil Finishes
Tung oil, linseed oil and Danish oil penetrate the wood rather than sitting on top. The result is a natural, matte look that highlights the wood grain. Oil finishes are easy to maintain (just reapply) but offer less protection than film-forming finishes. They’re common on Scandinavian and mid-century modern furniture — teak and rosewood pieces often had oil finishes originally.
Polyurethane
Modern catalysed polyurethane is the most durable furniture finish available. It resists water, heat, chemicals and abrasion far better than lacquer or shellac. When compounded to a piano finish, it achieves the same visual elegance as lacquer with significantly better protection. We use it extensively for tabletops and high-use surfaces.
Choosing the Right Finish for Restoration
The choice depends on the piece’s age, style, intended use and the client’s preference. For antiques, we often match the original finish type to preserve authenticity and value. For pieces that will see heavy daily use, we may recommend a more durable modern finish. We discuss the options with every client during the assessment phase.
Questions about the right finish for your piece? Contact us — we’re happy to advise.
