How to Choose the Right Finish for Interior and Exterior Wood

Whether refreshing outdoor furniture, protecting a deck, or restoring antique trim, selecting the right type of paint or finish for wood is crucial to both appearance and durability. Not all coatings are created equal—each option offers different levels of protection, penetration, and visual effect. This guide outlines the key differences between popular wood treatment options and when to use each, especially for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking for long-lasting results.

Why Finish Matters: More Than Just Looks

Unprotected wood is vulnerable to moisture, UV damage, cracking, and mildew. A proper finish prevents decay while enhancing the natural grain or achieving a uniform colour. Choosing between oils, stains, or synthetic paints depends on several factors:

• Type of wood (softwood vs hardwood)
• Exposure to weather or moisture
• Desired finish (natural vs opaque)
• Maintenance expectations

Wood Oils: Preserving the Natural Beauty

Wood oils penetrate the surface, nourishing the timber and bringing out its natural colour. Ideal for garden furniture, decking, or hardwood floors, oils maintain flexibility as the wood expands or contracts.

Natural-looking and easy to reapply, oils like Danish, linseed, or tung don’t peel like film-forming coatings. However, they may require more frequent maintenance, especially on horizontal outdoor surfaces.

A variety of wood oils are available depending on colour tone, drying time, and compatibility with exterior use. Applying oils with a lint-free cloth or brush allows for even absorption and a subtle sheen.

Stains: Colouring Without Concealing

Wood stains are a good middle ground—providing colour while still allowing the grain to show. They offer more UV protection than oils and are popular for fences, cladding, and sheds.

Stains come in water-based and solvent-based variants. Water-based options dry faster and are easier to clean up, while solvent-based stains may penetrate more deeply. A stained surface can also be sealed for added durability.

For intricate joinery or windows, tools like sash brushes provide precision and control when working around mouldings or tight corners, helping to avoid drips and uneven coverage.

Polyurethane Paint: Protection for High-Traffic Surfaces

When a hard, durable shell is needed—such as on floors, stairs, or handrails—polyurethane paint offers superior abrasion resistance. It creates a sealed surface that resists chemicals, water, and heavy wear.

While less breathable than stains or oils, polyurethane coatings are ideal for high-traffic areas where durability outweighs natural aesthetics. They are commonly used in commercial settings or on garage floors due to their resilience and easy-to-clean finish.

Matching Finish to Function

For outdoor furniture, wood oils are ideal thanks to their natural look and ease of maintenance. If you’re working on exterior cladding or fences and want both colour and some protection, stains are a solid choice. For indoor areas like stairs, flooring, or handrails where wear is a concern, polyurethane paints provide a hard, long-lasting finish. And for detailed trim or narrow areas, using a quality sash brush makes the job cleaner and more precise.

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