Chapter 16: Finishing wood

Abstract

Wood finishes (paint, varnish, and stain, for example) give a desired appearance, protect wood surfaces, and provide a cleanable surface. Many people consider appearance most important when choosing finishes for wood products. However, from a technical aspect, protection—from water, sunlight, and weathering—is most important for wood used outdoors. For wood indoors, appearance and a cleanable surface are generally most important. When selecting a finish, one should consider appearance, protection, cleanability, how properties of wood affect finish application, and how long it will likely last. Guidelines in this chapter explain how to obtain long service life for contemporary finishes on lumber and wood composites used in the United States and Canada. The chapter begins with a review of wood properties important for wood finishing. This is followed by properties of various wood products used outdoors and the effect of sunlight, water, and weathering on wood and finishes, and how to control moisture.

Parent Publication

• Wood handbook: Wood as an engineering material

Citation

Hunt, C.G. 2021. Chapter 16: Finishing wood. In: Wood handbook—wood as an engineering material. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-282. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 36 pp.