They provide a natural appearance with a variety of satin semi gloss and glossy sheens and are ideal for kitchen cabinets doors furniture and floors but not recommended for outdoor use.
Best clear finish for wood floors.
So what types of finishes can offer protection to the wood.
Easy application and cleanup.
Arguably the most popular surface finish for hardwood flooring water based polyurethane provides a clear finish and has the traditional hardwood look and feel.
However if your project is a light color whether stained or unfinished wood it is best to protect it with a finish that remains crystal clear.
Using this hardwood floor finish has other advantages.
They also protect the wood making them ideal for kitchen use.
Many clear finishes add a rich warm amber tone to the wood.
Floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly pros.
Fortunately there are solutions that have been used for 2000 years tung oil that are plant based and food safe.
Very smooth and shiny finish.
A cutting board is a great example of where a clear finish is desired and the finish cannot be on the surface.
Oil finishes add a bit of depth and color to unfinished wood.
Hardwood floor refinishing can help you get rid of those unsightly scratches and marks.
But as long as the damage is shallow in the coating and not in the wood itself you can renew the hardwood floor by adding a new coat of polyurethane.
Low odor and low vocs.
These finishes dry clear which gives your table a slick glossy look.
Many people use it on maple as it helps to bring out its natural color.
Oil based polyurethane oil based polyurethane offers middle of the road durability at an affordable price.
Oil based polyurethane has a strong odor and high vocs so are best applied to floors in unoccupied dwellings.
Traditionally this smooth lustrous finish gives solid and engineered hardwood floors the signature wet look achieved by using multiple coats of high gloss polyurethane.
Others remain crystal clear.
You can choose whichever look you prefer for your project.
Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that prove highly durable and water resistant making them the best clear coat for wood protection.
The cheapest of the modern finishes this type adds a warm glow to popular wood flooring options like white oak or maple.
This is a great choice for high end homes exotic wood or floors with intricate inlay designs.
Crystal clear or amber tone.
It gives your floor a clear finish and has uv inhibitors that delay the color changing process of wood.
Varnish is a clear finish that dries extremely slowly and may be difficult to apply.
Best when professionally applied acid cured finishes are the most durable and expensive of all hardwood floor finishes.
Best hardwood floor finish for high traffic.