Top 5 Wood Finishes For Cabinets
1. Wood Dye
Wood dyes have the benefit of matching the existing wood or they may also be used to change the color of the surface. Dyes are colorants that are dissolved in solvents like alcohol, water, or mineral spirit. for the most part, they work in the same fashion as cloth dyes. Wood dyes have the allure of bringing about color changes without hiding the grains of the wood. Wood dyes are applied via sponge, brush or spray gun. They also come in both water-based and oil-based compositions.
2. Shellac
Shellac is #2 on our list of Top 5 Wood Finishes For Cabinets due to it’s distinct look. Shellac is a resin secreted by the female Iac bug. This secretion is mixed with alcohol as a solvent and is used on wood. Shellac is available in multiple colors and is often used to easily cover damage on wooden surfaces. it has the added benefit of being easy to apply and quick to dry. Shellac leaves wood with a glossy finish but unfortunately has a large downside being that it can be damaged by water. So for this reason it is not recommended for anything looking to be fit in kitchens or bathrooms.
3. Wax Finish
Wax finishes are easy to apply but it requires repeated applications to get the desired effect. Once the application is done, it subsequently needs buffing at the end. waxes are available in liquid, solid and stick form. The wax is often obtained from a variety of vegetable, mineral and animal sources. it can also be formulated into several different colors. They come in both hard and soft but keep in mind that even the hardest of waxes are still softer than varnish.
Wax finishes unfortunately only provide short term protection for the wood and for that reason they are unpopular among woodworkers and cabinet makers. Also, since they are on the softer end of finishes, they provide little protection against scratches and wear.
4. Oil Finish
The natural oils in wood dry out over time. For this reason, oil finishes are a great means of revitalizing woods that are dried out. Oil finishes replace the previous oil in the actual wood itself and not merely form a layer atop the wood. This has a much cleaner finish which makes the wood look richer and translucent.
There are generally two different types of oils which can be used, drying and non-drying oils. Drying oild change from liquid to solid when exposed to oxygen. The most commonly used drying oil in linseed oil. Non-drying oils include vegetables and mineral oils. these are mainly used for wood treatment and can be used on the interior as well as exterior surfaces.
5. Varnish
Varnish tops our list of top 5 wood finishes for cabinets for multiple reason. Varnish is available in multiple styles and colors including colored and transparent. Varnish is primarily made up of oil, solvent, and resin. It has the benefit of being hard, durable and protective from scratches and dents. Most varnishes come in a glossy finish but can also be customized to create a satin/semi-gloss finish by adding flattening agents. On top of that, varnish gives very good UV protection which helps preserve wood for a very long time. Due to all these factors including variety and familiarity, varnish tops our list of the top 5 wood finishes for cabinets.
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