Wood has been used as a building material for ages. While it is a highly durable and long-lasting material, it has to be protected from weather conditions like moisture, water and heat. Here’s when wood polishings help to protect the surface from such conditions while leaving the surface looking elegant and rich. Wood polishes can be used to restore old wooden furniture pieces, make newer furniture long-lasting and act as a protective layer for all kinds of surfaces.
Types of Wood Polishes:
1. Water-based wood polish
Water-based wood polish is made up of several chemical components dispersed in water. These generally comprise acrylic or polyurethane compounds that are sometimes emulsified. They are clear in appearance and are available in matte or glossy finishes. They do not age to become yellow and are elastic. Water-based wood polishes have lesser chemicals and are thus more environmentally friendly. They are also durable and safer to use both in the interiors as well as the exteriors.
2. Lacquer wood polish
Lacquer wood polish is a popular type of wood polish, known for rendering the wooden surface rich-looking. Available in various options, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, acrylic lacquer, catalyzed lacquer, etc. This polish is sprayed over rather than applied using a brush. It saturates the wooden surface to form a thick super glossy coating that is water resistant, low-maintenance and doesn’t age to become yellow. The only con of this polish is that it is heat-sensitive and may emit harmful fumes when exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Shellac wood polish
Shellac is made of a resin (lac) dissolved in alcohol. Available in several different colours, this wood polish can be used on any and every wooden surface. It can also be used as a stainer or sealer and gives the wood a glossy look. The only con of this type of polish is that it cannot stand weather conditions like excess moisture or water, making it ideal for indoors.
4. Polyurethane or PU wood polish
Polyurethane or PU polish is made using a polymer that is used to coat the surface for a matte or glossy finish. It develops a hard layer on the surface that is resistant to corrosion, weathering and abrasion. PU is available in both water-based and solvent-based formats. This type of polish is durable and ideal for use on any surface. However, the polish may turn yellow as it ages.
5. Oil-based wood polish
Penetrating or oil-based wood polish gives lustre, gloss and satin-like finish to the surface. It is used on surfaces that require a luxurious appeal. This slow-drying, durable finish covers up cracks and scratches on the surface rendering it all glammed up and elegant looking.
6. Wax-based Wood Polish
Made from dissolving wax, paraffin, ceresin, and Montana in oil, this is one of the most natural and efficient wood polishes out there. Available in both liquid and paste form, this type of polish has several variations depending on where they are obtained from. It protects the surface from all sorts of adversities like water, moisture, UV rays, etc.
7. Melamine Wood Polish
Melamine and formaldehyde (chemical compounds) are mixed together to form melamine resin which is used as polish. It forms a thin layer on the impervious surface, making the surface non-breathable. This protects the desired surface from all sorts of weather conditions, thus prolonging its life.
8. Varnish wood polish
Varnish is a warm durable type of wood polish that gives a warm appearance to the surface. It can be used on both bare and stained wood and is available in many different varieties. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned before the application of varnish. It gives a glossy, sparkling finish to the wooden surface.
Wood polishing Guide:
1. Cleaning the Wood Surface
Applying wooden polish essentially means the wooden surface is being sealed. Thus, it is extremely important to thoroughly clean the surface before applying wood polish. Use a microfibre cloth to make the surface dust-free. Remove stubborn stains by washing them with mild soap.
2. Filling cracks and cuts
The surface should be smooth, and free from cracks and cuts before it is polished. Fill the cracks and crevices on the surface using plaster or Paris. Ensure that the shade of the surface and POP mixture match.
3. Sanding the surface
In the case of restoration of polish on a piece of old wooden furniture, it is essential to even out the surface. The old polish may be of a different type or must have come off unevenly. Thus, the old layer needs to be completely scrapped before the application of the new polish. The surface must be smoothed out using sandpaper.
4. Choosing the right wood polish
There are several different types of woods available. These are classified on the basis of their properties and sometimes also on the basis of colours. Light-toned and dark-toned woods will use different types of polishes. Depending on what kind of finish is desirable on a given surface, the wood polish should be chosen accordingly. For example, varnish wood polish gives a warmer appearance, whereas lacquer gives a lustrous high gloss finish. The colour of the wood polish is realised after a few months from application, as polishes generally react with the surface slowly.
5. Application on the surface
Wood polish generally comes in liquid form. These are applied using a soft cloth on the surface part-by-part. Section the surface into multiple parts and apply polish on each of them one by one. Once done, wait for the layer to dry before repeating the process. Some layers may require fewer coats than others.
6. Burnishing wooden surfaces
Burnishing essentially means giving the wood polish a touch-up by hand-rubbing the surface using oils like linseed or lemon oil. Start with a bare surface. Make sure the surface is smooth and crack-free. Dip a piece of cloth in the polish, and wipe the cloth on the surface to be polished. Then, let it soak for a few moments and using a dry cloth, remove the excess. Take a few drops of oil on the palm and rub them on the surface in a circular motion. Repeat this process once a week for a period of six months to restore the shine of the wood polish.
Wood polishes have a diverse range of applicability on all kinds of wooden surfaces. Be it an old piece of heirloom furniture, the main door of the house or a newly made bed, wood polishes protect, prolong life and make the surfaces look rich. Use them appropriately and adequately to get the desired finish.
References:
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- Anon, 2022. What are the pros and cons of shellac wood finish? Obsessed Woodworking. Available at: https://www.obsessedwoodworking.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-shellac-wood-finish/ [Accessed September 18, 2022].
- Homeglazer, 2022. Difference between melamine Polish and Pu Polish. Homeglazer. Available at: https://www.homeglazer.com/difference-between-melamine-polish-and-pu-polish-melamine-vs-pu#:~:text=PU%20Polish%20or%20Polyurethane%20Polish,degrade%20the%20furniture%20over%20time. [Accessed September 18, 2022].
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