Finishing Comparison GuideNote: When applying wipe-on type products, we recommend using a lint-free cotton cloth, Rockler's high-quality Cheese Cloth or perhaps a Foam Brush applicator. Content copyright © Rockler.com | |||
❈ Wipe-On Finishes | |||
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
 Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil by Rockler |
Gives a very professional looking, handsome finish yet is relatively easy to use. | When used alone, you'll get a satin to semi-gloss finish with good chatoyance. Adds warmth to natural wood color. | Good durability. World-renowned furniture maker Sam Maloof uses this in combination with the Sam Maloof Oil/Wax (see below) for his museum-quality tables, rocking chairs, and other furniture. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Sam Maloof's Oil/Wax by Rockler |
This oils-and-beeswax formula is made to be used in conjunction with Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish. | Use after applying Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish to increase chatoyance and give a rich, semi-gloss appearance. | See above. Oil/Wax formula is recommended for use on furniture that won't be exposed to excessive heat or moisture. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Arm-R-Seal by General Finishes |
Deeply penetrates wood and builds to a highly protective finish. | Available in satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. | Excellent. Our most durable wipe-on finish due to the high polyurethane content. Great for kitchen tables and other pieces that need to stand up to heat, moisture, and alcohol. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Minwax Wipe On Poly |
Voted best value in a wipe on finish by Fine Woodworking Magazine. Combines the beauty of a hand rubbed finish with the toughness of polyurethane. | Satin sheen with very light amber cast. | Good to excellent durability. Easy application and suitable for interior projects like furniture, molding and trim. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Butcher Block Oil |
Safe natural penetrating oil finish for butcher blocks, cutting boards, wood utensils, salad bowls and other wood surfaces. | Grain-enhancing, flat sheen. | A completely natural oil that meets all FDA requirements for surfaces that contact food. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Rockler's 100% Pure Tung Oil |
A 100% natural oil containing no driers or solvents. | Flat to satin-sheen finish. | Good to very good. Very water-resistant. Use on furniture or any wood object where easy maintenance is desired |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Wood Bowl Finish |
Made to be 100% safe for use on any wood surface that comes into contact with food. Varnish/oil blend. | Flat to satin sheen. | Good durability. Use on salad bowls, wooden spoons, cutting boards, etc. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
| Liberon Finishing Oil  |
A quick drying, low odor blend of high quality oils. | Produces a very even soft sheen. | Safe for food preparation areas. Resistant to water, heat, alcohol and food acids. |
❈ Brush-On Finishes | |||
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
EF Waterbase Polyurethane |
"EF" stands for environmentally friendly! Fast-drying. Easy water clean-up. | Your choice of satin or gloss. Virtually clear, so it adds almost no color to wood. | Excellent durability. Tough enough for kitchen/dining room tables. Durable enough even for floors! |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Zinsser Bullseye SealCoat |
A clear, premixed 2 pound cut of de-waxed shellac. Can be applied with either a brush or lint-free cloth. | On raw wood, 2 to 3 coats will produce a soft velvety sheen. However, SealCoat is most often used as an undercoat. | Use to seal raw wood in preparation for a final finish. Makes an excellent sanding sealer and barrier coat. For interior use. |
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Enduro Sanding Sealer |
This waterborne sealer sands easily and is designed to seal raw wood, help fill in wood pores, and build up surfaces in preparation for final finishing. | Flat - not intended as a final finish. | Great for sealing wood pores prior to final finishing. Stearated for easy sanding and extra surface build. Easy water clean-up. |
❈ Spray Finishes | |||
| Product | Qualities | Appearance | Usage |
Zinsser Clear Spray Shellac |
The classic finish for furniture and other wood surfaces now in convenient aerosol form. Safe and non-toxic, this natural finish enhances grain pattern and produces a soft, deep glow. | Soft, velvety sheen after 2 to 3 coats. | Good durability. Best for small-scale interior projects where a traditional finish is desired. Also has excellent sealing properties and can be used as a barrier coat under latex and oil paint. |
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