Finishes

• Oil finishes (linseed, tung, hardwax): Penetrate fibres, highlight grain and are easy to refresh. Ideal for furniture and timber flooring finishes.
• Wax finishes: Beeswax wood finish leaves a warm, low-sheen surface. Often used over shellac.
• Polyurethane finishes for wood: Two-pack or water-based systems that form a tough film. Recommended for high-traffic floors and cabinetry.
• Urethane & polyester finishes: Similar to polyurethane but with faster cure and excellent chemical resistance-popular in hospitality fit-outs.
• Shellac wood finish: Traditional, fast-drying sealer bringing rich colour to heritage joinery.
• Stains & toners: Adjust timber tone before sealing; available in water, solvent or spirit bases.

1. Durability: Will the surface face abrasion, UV or moisture? Polyurethane and urethane wood finish systems excel on floors, while oils suit protected interiors.
2. Aesthetics: Gloss, satin or matte? Clear or pigmented? For natural looks, oils and hardwax oils are favoured; for deep build and shine, consider shellac followed by beeswax to finish wood.
3. Sustainability: Low-VOC water-borne products and plant-based oils reduce emissions and simplify site safety.
4. Maintenance: Oils and waxes are easy to spot-repair, whereas film-forming coatings may require full re-sand to refurbish.

Always sand to an even grit, remove dust and test the finish on off-cuts. Apply in thin coats, respecting recoat windows. For exterior cladding, back-prime end grain and maintain with scheduled recoats to avoid premature breakdown. Detailed guidance is available in the WoodSolutions guide to timber finishes.

Exterior timbers demand flexible, UV-resistant coatings. Penetrating oil wood finishes move with the grain, reducing cracking. Interior surfaces can accept harder films such as polyurethane wood finish, but be mindful of sheen level-high gloss shows imperfections.

Co-ordinating surfaces ensures a cohesive design. Pair a warm cherry finished wood benchtop with colour-matched paints on adjacent walls, or contrast brushed oak panels with stone from our tiles & stones collection. For acoustic performance in open-plan offices, team timber battens with acoustic panels. High-moisture zones may call for timber-look solid surface sheets that replicate grain without the upkeep.

Commercial projects frequently stipulate slip resistance (R-rating) on wood floor finishes. Check manufacturer test data to ensure compliance. In bushfire-prone regions, confirm the coating does not compromise BAL ratings of the substrate.

1. Discover: Filter finishes by sheen, VOC, brand or certification within our Products hub.
2. Compare: Side-by-side view lets you weigh up cost per litre, coverage and curing time.
3. Connect: Message suppliers directly for project-specific advice or bulk pricing.
4. Specify: Download data sheets, sustainability credentials and installation guides in one click.
5. Order: Request samples or place orders, confident you’re sourcing from Australia’s most trusted manufacturers.

• Clean with pH-neutral products; avoid ammonia which damages urethane finishes.
• Re-oil exterior timber every 6–12 months depending on exposure.
• Place felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches on polyurethane or polyester finish on wood floors.
• Ventilate rooms during application to speed curing and minimise odour.

Ready to specify a finish that elevates your timber project? Explore premium options across oils, waxes, shellac and modern polyurethane systems, then request samples to see the colour and sheen in person. With ArchiPro, achieving a flawless wood finish has never been easier.