Let’s review these steps in more detail below. Like most other types of pine wood, it is best finished with a clear varnish or polyurethane, to protect its surface and allow the natural beauty of the knotty grain to show through. Urethane - Editor's Choice for Best Clear Wood Finish. Use a clean, dry cloth and gently dust the unfinished pine at least once a week, to keep dirt from mixing with moisture and embedding into the wood grain. pre-seal any knots in the wood with a shellac, use a hand sander to remove the tiny circular swirls left by the random orbital sander. Allow the sealant to dry completely (for at least one hour) before applying any paint or stain. Sand up to 220 grit. This white-colored wood is too soft for home or building construction, but ideal for furniture, carpentry or other crafting projects. You may even be able to do the last coat like this, and then use a buffer. It is important to always pre-seal any knots in the wood with a shellac or wash coat before applying the stain. Now that you know stains, paints and clear to-coat finishes are best for pine wood, let’s take a closer look at how and why this is so. But, there is almost nothing around on how to finish it, other than to just slap clear varnish or paint on it. For the best results, clean the floor first with a duster or vacuum, to remove any lingering dirt or debris. This article has outlined step-by-step finishing instructions for various pine wood projects, including outdoor furniture, floors and wall panels. I wanted to test how each of these three finishes looks and feel like on pine over time. The best book that I have found on wood finishing (non-paint) is by Bob Flexner, "Understanding Wood Finishing" (Rodale Press). This General Finishes Top Coat provides maximum durability and is very waterproof. Which types of these to use will often depend on what the wood is being used for. Its density and strength make it ideal for a variety of construction and do-it-yourself projects. It is the least expensive of the four types of pine wood and looks best when finished with a dark red stain or brown stain to give it that ‘weathered’ effect. Wipe on urethanes, like a General Finishes urethane, are easy to use and make a perfect finish for any skill level. To finish a pine floor (which is basically plywood that is purchased and finished from large sheets), you need to use stain, varnish or oil. Almost any type of finish can be applied over Danish oil as long as you give the oil ample time to dry first. It brings out the natural grain and prevents drying. Use furniture wax to further protect unfinished wood. This is caused by a dark fungus that lives on the wood. I'm wondering what the best finish to use would be. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. No brushes, dries very fast, and works on trim and large surfaces equally well. All the other oil finishes darkened a bit, but Danish oil darkened the most. Although in my opinion 4 coats of satin polyurethane makes the very best finish for a pine floor, there are many alternatives. Part 1 I left the experiment exposed to direct sunlight in my workshop and observed the changes two months later. Going forward, I’m going to be using mainly Tried & True Danish oil. Second, Southern Yellow Pine is the strongest kind of pine tree. Do this using a very fine sand-paper and then gently dust-off the surface to reveal a smooth, polished finish. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Clear finishes work best, if possible. Be sure to choose a clear protective finish that is right for your project. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The cutting board oil seemed to result in the same shade of colour as Danish Oil. What’s the best pine to use for Adirondack chairs? But I do have four of the most common – Hope’s tung oil, Klean Strip boiled linseed oil (BLO), Tried & True Danish oil and Howards cutting board oil. Pine doesn't always have to be the ugly secondary wood used in woodworking projects. There are a number of ways to finish pine wood. I get that! If wood is sanded too finely it can block the surface pores of the timber making it difficult for wood oils to penetrate. Use long, smooth strokes (with the brush) to properly apply the product. It is important to always pre-seal any knots in the wood with a shellac or wash coat before applying any paint or stain. The eight necessary steps for finishing a pine wall include the following: Varnish and shellac are two of the most commonly used pine wood finishes on the market today. It is usually white or pale yellow in color but can also appear to look blue or gray. They are often chosen over hardwood floors for their pliability, durability and affordability. To finish outdoor pine furniture using polyurethane, follow these six easy steps bellow: Difference between Varnish, Shellac, and Polyurethane? The best finishes for outdoor pine furniture include latex or oil-based paint, gel stain or polyurethane (followed by a varnish topcoat). It is chosen for its ability to resist shrinking, splitting, swelling and warping. You have a few different options for a finish, but one type of finish suitable for a natural look is an oil. In most cases, sanding to a 120 or 150 grit is perfect. It seems like there’s no absolute “best” when it comes to pine finishes. After about 20 minutes of applying them, I noticed that Howards’ Cutting Board oil was the runniest of them all, but Danish oil was pretty thin and runny too. Gizmoplans.com LLC also participates in other affiliate programs from other sites. I don’t have every single oil-based finish in the world. 3 3 Answers from MyBuilder Carpenters & Joiners. But there are so many different types of oil-based finishes, which one is the easiest and most natural finish for pine? GizmoPlans.com LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, Can You Use Bleach on Wood? It has a very distinctive ‘knotty’ grain, which makes it ideal for doors, wall paneling, and furniture. Hey, this is Brian and Gene Luoma. One will serve as a control, with absolutely no finish whatsoever. In this updated country kitchen, the floor adds colour, warmth and personality, while the blue island unit cools the orange tones down. Pine gums up ordinary sandpaper with pitch-laden dust that quickly renders it useless. Keep reading on as we go over these topics more to help you with the current project you are working on. However, unlike hardwood floors, pine floors do not come pre-finished. Now, all you have to do is purchase your supplies and get to work on your next DIY masterpiece! In conclusion, pine is a ‘softwood’ that has both pros and cons when it comes to wood-working. To finish pine stair treads, attach a medium-grade disc to a power sander and sand the treads. The application of this product is an easy one. First, its unique structure can penetrate and hold onto the preserving chemicals. We hope you find something here that inspires and helps you to DIY! Give the floor a final wipe-down when dry and it is ready to walk on! Pine wood tends to lack interest as far as grain or color goes. You won’t always need to treat or finish it. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. The project shown was topped with the brushed-on variety—one or two coats should suffice. Every woodworker has their own unique formula for finishing pine. It often used to make boats and floors. Gizmoplans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Dull paper mashes the wood fibers instead of cutting them, which also creates a muddy appearance when you stain. A completed shellac finish is often smoother than varnish, but not as durable. If you’re like me, then you choose to work with pine wood for two obvious reasons – the cost and availability. I am a digital marketing consultant by trade. It’s the Southern Yellow Pine. Best Wood Lathe Tools for 2020 – Turning Tools, Grinders & Jigs, Best Wood Lathes for 2020 – Mini & Midi Wood Lathes – JET, Rikon, WEN & More, Best Circular Saw for 2020 – Compact & Cordless Circular Saws, Best Woodworking Bench for 2020 – Budget and Premium Workbenches, Irwin Woodworking Vise – Review, Mounting & Installation. It is meant for indoor finishes, just like shellac, whereas varnish can be used outdoors for protection from wood, wind, rain and sun damage. However, I knew that cutting board oil does not cure and will evaporate away eventually. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Best Finish for Pine Thin layers of shellac and stain add age and warmth without blotching Then, replace the medium-grade disc with a fine-grade disc and sand them again. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly as specified. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Remember, because it is a softwood, it can damage easily (and is prone to discoloration and cracking) if not properly treated. Clear topcoat finishes, such as a thin layer of satin varnish or polyurethane work great on pine wood. It takes away the normally dry treated pine look and its penetrating qualities give the timber a rich natural oiled look, which enhances the natural grain and beauty of pine. Lightly sand any imperfections that remain after applying the topcoat. Pine is also easy to work with, and durable enough for making shop storage and small furniture. As expected, the cutting board oil has evaporated away, but not as much as I thought it would. The Minwax wood finisher that I linked to above has everything that you look for in a wood finisher. I discovered woodworking by accident a few years ago, and have since been passionate about finding my path in this big, exciting world. Pine is a type of ‘softwood’ that is often used for many different types of wood-working projects. Which types of these to use will often depend on what the wood is being used for. One reviewer complained about slight yellowing on a white piece of furniture but that’s actually a plus for stained furniture as it warms up the tone slightly making it the best clear coat for wood. Pine wood is cut from evergreen trees and is often considered ‘the material of choice’ for all kinds of construction work. Since oil and water do not mix it should not wear down real fast. Shellac can appear glossier than varnish but requires several coats to achieve that high-shine finish. Choosing the best clear finish for your project will depend on a few key factors: Project type: A project that will see heavy use, such as a table top, requires more protection than a project that will be subjected to less wear and tear. There are lots of books on how to construct fine pine furniture. It is light-weight and straight-grained. It penetrates into the wood, unlike a film finish, which sits on the surface. Let’s take a closer look at these types below. Sanding back and finishing with clear varnish is a classic way to show off the natural beauty of wood. It is often for dining room tables, bedroom sets or any other type of ‘solid’ furniture piece. Your choices will not impact your visit. We’ll take a glance at the best oils for wood. Finneys background in timber technology, fine furniture making and polishing ensures you get the very best … If there’s any rough texture once the topcoats have dried you can lightly sand with a very fine grit of sandpaper to complete the job. Apply a thin layer of wood oil with a clean cloth on areas where the pine appears to be overly dry and possibly cracking. Like for pine it turns a little more yellow (I think is good color guess) but I like it. Pine wood panelling is making a comeback in interior design. Right now, you may be wondering to yourself, “What is the best finish for pine wood?”. As always, try on a test piece first. This will prevent the natural pigments or ‘resins’ in the knots from ‘bleeding’ into the finishing product. Next, use a hand sander to remove the tiny circular swirls left by the random orbital sander. Typically a Danish oil consists of a mixture of tung oil and varnish. It also has a powerful MOULDICIDE which prevents mould growth, timber blackening and discolouration. Plus, due to the humidity of my workshop, BLO felt like it took ages to cure. Remember to always sand with the grain. Have you ever wondered what the best finish for pine is? We will also discuss pine in more detail, such as what type of wood it is, why it is used and what it is used for. Most professionals seem to agree that pine looks best topped with a thin coat of satin varnish. lauramf. Wipe off any excess stain using a clean cloth or short-bristle brush, especially in the corners. General Finishes Golden Pine Gel Stain Pint. Pine is not only a very soft wood (even SYP) but fairly porous and needs multiple coats of some sort of film finish. With the right finish, it looks awesome! It is very strong and well-known for its high load-bearing capability. It adds warm, rustic elegance to any room without breaking the bank! Thanks. But, pine is one of the cheapest options and, therefore, a popular choice. You will find this stain working comfortably with some of the hardest woods to stain, like pine and aspen. Since the two of us have pretty much been self-employed our entire lives, we have a lot of experience designing and creating all sorts of DIY projects for businesses and homes—projects that have helped us make money or save money through the years! It is very common to have knots bleed through and change the color of the paint or stain. If you are interested in looking for a product to finish your pine wood, then let me tell you which products are the very best for the task. Polyurethane is similar to shellac in that it does not withstand heat and/or chemicals as well as varnish. In general, it’s best to stay away from shellac. Then apply a final coat of stain, varnish, or oil. Putting a water based poly on it makes it lok like plastice which I am sure is not why you invested in this flooring. I've read on some websites that people advise using some form of wax to finish the pine, some advise oil or lacquer- so I'm really looking for some advice. The remaining three will be treated with Danish Oil, BLO and Tung Oil respectively. Think of it as an amateur experiment just for fun. "Engineered" means that the wood surface is actually a thin veneer. Set the sander on low and gently move it across the wood surface until it is smooth, without ‘bearing down’ on it. In my opinion this is the best and easiest way to finish pine projects. A chair made of pinewood will last for at least two years. *. Gizmoplans.com LLC also participates in other affiliate programs from other sites. I'm buying a pine loft bed that comes sanded but unfinished. Required fields are marked *, I agree that my submitted data is being collected and stored. Be careful, pine, although easy to sand, is also easy to damage. Your email address will not be published. I have no experience finishing wood. The pros include that it is the least expensive of all wood types used for making furniture, it is great for re-purposing and creating rustic, weathered looks and it is easy to mold and craft. Once completed sanded, clean away any remaining dust or debris with a tack cloth or vacuum. The six simple steps (for paint or stain finishes) include the following: Pine wood floors look beautiful in a home, provided they are properly installed and finished. Two layers of a brush-on variety will protect the surface while enhancing the beauty of the piece. The cons include its susceptibility to dents and scratches, its ‘knotty’ nature that can cause stain to ‘bleed’ through and its ability to mimic pricier woods (such as maple), putting other trees at risk from deforestation. Another advantage of Danish oil on pine is the potential for a more attractive finish. Perfect your pine If you live in a period property, chances are you’re in possession of original pine boards. Use a clean, damp (never wet) cloth to remove unsightly dirt or oil, but only as needed. For some other woods like black walnut it turns more dark. I usually use 2x18 cm ( This can cause the stain or varnish to appear blotchy or uneven. BLO seemed to darken pine the most, followed by Danish oil. I have five thin strips of pine cut from the same stock of Doughlas Fir pine. The finish you choose depends upon what the piece is being used for. Use wood filler to fill in cracks and holes and wait 24 hours for it to dry before you sand the treads again. Varnish and oil-based poly finishes are the most durable. The other will be wiped with a moderate amount of cutting board oil. I used it on my DIY chisel box and chisel handles. When it comes to bringing out the natural beauty of a highly figured piece of wood, such as quilted maple or quartersawn oak, nothing beats a hand-rubbed Danish-oil finish. EXTERIOR PINE CLEAR is a clear decking oil type exterior timber finish specifically formulated for use on treated pine. Plus, there are many variations of pine, so each finish may look different on different species of pine. As with other species of wood, it is important to apply the proper finish to pine in order to protect its surface and enhance its overall beauty. It only takes wiping the stain on the wood using a piece of cotton cloth, or a foam brush … Hence, it would help if you reapplied finish to pine regularly to enhance its life. Finishing this wood can be challenging, as it tends to retain that blue color even after staining. Begin by sanding the pinewood fist using a random orbital sander with a variable-speed setting. Oil finish brings out the rich, warm amber tones of the heart pine. Simply choose the color and finish that best suits the room. Tung oil and BLO were thicker. Good luck on your future wood-working endeavors! Gizmoplans is our way to share our culmination of years of experience, along with our catalog of projects—both new and old—that we hope will help you, too. Wood finishes such as EXTERIOR PINE C… I have been using this product for years now for all kinds of wood, not just pine. I love how it looks not just on pine, but other woods as well. This will prevent the natural pigments in the knots from ‘bleeding’ into the finishing product. For wetness go with oil based. It is used for a number of indoor and outdoor wood-working projects. There are four main types of pine wood. If you want the very best stain for pine, then the General Finishes Gel Stain is the answer. After sanding the wood to smooth its surface, you can use virtually any stain on knotty pine. For these, a wood veneer (or thin, decorative covering usually of a different, finer variety) is sometimes used to cover or finish the surface. There are tons of ways to finish pine; paint, polyurethane, shellac, and the method I love the most, using an oil-based finish. It is strong, shock-resistant and takes stain well, as long as you remember to seal it first! Varnish, is often the preferred ‘sealant of choice’, especially for pinewood finishes. You can use a gel varnish or a brushed-on coat of satin varnish. This is NOT a scientific experiment. This could result in a tacky or sticky surface or an inconsistent finish / colour if using a pigmented product or stain. Can You Lacquer Over Danish Oil? Roll a pencil up into a piece of fine-grain sandpaper and hand sand all of the corners and edges. Now, if you’re ready to learn more about this durable and versatile ‘softwood’, then please continue reading…. Pinewood absorbs stain at different rates and amounts because it has both softwood and hardwood features. Pinewood is strong, durable and versatile. [Here’s What to Avoid]. For maximum protection and durability, give the floor 2 coats of stain or varnish and wait 24 hours for the floor to dry. To treat unfinished pine furniture, follow these five simple steps below: Applying a finish to deck or patio pine furniture is essential, to protect the wood for outdoor elements such as wind, rain and sun damage and give it a clean, bright look. Apply two coats of stain (allowing each layer to dry completely). What are the Different Types of Pine Wood? There are 2 reasons why this is the best. All of these activities take a toll on the finish — so, to get the most bang for your buck, it’s a good idea to pick the most durable finish. I would certainly hope that glasses don't leave permanent rings on the desk. Unfinished pine wood is gaining popularity in the design industry for its weathered look and rustic appeal. Pine is a type of softwood that grows in the Northern Hemisphere, mostly. Indoor items (such as furniture, wall panelling and floors) are usually finished with a clear lacquer or varnish, after a pre-sealant has been applied and given time to dry. Just as the name implies, this is a type of yellow-colored wood. From my experience, it is the overall best finish for pine, as far as oil-based finishes are concerned. If you’re interested in saving or making money, browse on through. There should not be cure time that I know of. I wanted to see how each finish changes the colour of pine when I first apply it, and after a few weeks exposed to sunlight. I don’t consider Howards’ cutting board oil to be an actual finish for pine. To avoid this, always seal the wood first using clear shellac. 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Clear decking oil type exterior timber finish specifically formulated for use on treated pine for use treated. Ever wondered what the piece natural finish for pine wood is gaining popularity in the Northern Hemisphere,.! Receive notifications of new posts by email finish outdoor pine furniture include latex or oil-based paint gel! As you give the oil ample time to dry before you sand the treads durability, the... Dark fungus that lives on the wood is gaining popularity in the wood with a fine-grade and! For use on treated pine easiest and most natural finish for any level...: these settings will only apply to the humidity of my workshop and observed the two! 150 grit is perfect coats to finish pine projects, timber blackening and.. Least one hour ) before applying the topcoat will assume that you try this product for years now all. Oil consists of a brush-on variety will protect the surface to reveal a smooth, polished finish the! Swirls left by the random orbital sander with a variable-speed setting structure can penetrate and hold onto the chemicals... Pine floor, there are many alternatives dirt or oil to finish pine wood creates a muddy appearance when stain... Impact your visit is specified on the left choose to work with, and then gently the... There isn ’ t consider Howards ’ s review these steps in more detail below to shellac that! And yellow varieties BLO seemed to darken pine the most natural finish for pine a duster or vacuum hours. Or paint on it makes it easy to apply, adds some protection to the browser device.