Finishes

• Oil-based stains – penetrate deeply, enrich colour and are ideal for feature walls or benchtops that require easy spot repair.
• Wax timber finish & beeswax – deliver a natural, low-sheen patina perfect for heritage restorations, dining tables and cabinetry.
• Water-based polyurethane timber floor finish – fast drying, low-VOC and crystal clear – a favourite for light species such as ash and birch.
• 2-pack polyurethane timber floor finish – the benchmark for high-traffic cafés, retail stores and sports halls thanks to exceptional chemical and scratch resistance.
• Shellac timber finish – traditional solution for antiques and musical instruments where a warm, amber glow is desired.
• Advanced timber finishing systems – multi-layer coatings that combine stain, sealer and topcoat in one process to shorten on-site time.

For solid or pre-finished timber flooring, look for finishes tested to CSIRO slip ratings and able to handle daily abrasion. Water-based products cure fast, while 2-pack polyurethane provides industrial-grade toughness.

A food-safe oil or hardwax blend is often the best finish for timber benchtops and dining tables, as it can be patch-repaired without sanding the entire surface.

Low-sheen oils or clear acrylics specified for wall and ceiling finishes keep glare down and allow large surfaces to breathe, reducing the risk of cupping.

Where UV exposure is intense, select an exterior-graded stain containing trans-oxide pigments. Re-coat intervals are longer and colour fading is minimised.

• Durability: Review Taber abrasion or impact tests when comparing specialised timber finishes.
• Sheen level: Matte hides imperfections, gloss amplifies grain; semi-gloss sits between.
• VOC content: Water-based and plant-oil formulas contribute to healthier indoor air.
• Slip resistance: Essential for stairs and commercial floors – request certified R-ratings.
• Maintenance: Oils and waxes need periodic buffing; polyurethanes offer long intervals between recoats.

Our Products catalogue brings together Australia’s most reputable manufacturers and distributors in one place. Explore stains and treatments for colour control, specify low-VOC paints for blended schemes, or integrate acoustic timber panels finished to match adjoining joinery. For kitchen islands that mix materials, pair timber with a durable solid surface top and maintain visual cohesion by colour matching the finish.

Surface preparation is 80 % of the job. Sand evenly to at least 120 grit, remove dust with a tack cloth and test the chosen finish on an offcut to confirm colour. When finishing timber in humid regions, monitor substrate moisture; most coatings perform best below 12 % MC. Follow the manufacturer’s re-coat windows to avoid inter-coat adhesion failure.

When specifying commercial projects, check finishes meet the relevant fire hazard indexes and Green Star VOC thresholds. The independent resource WoodSolutions offers detailed guidance on Australian standards for finishing timber.

Use ArchiPro’s comparison tool to shortlist products, download safety data sheets and request sample boards. With direct supplier messaging you can confirm lead times, MOQs and installation advice, ensuring your timber finish performs as beautifully as it looks.