The Enduring Allure of Natural Finishes
As an experienced woodworker, I’ve always been drawn to finishes that allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. While the industry may tout the virtues of ultra-durable, high-gloss lacquers and polyurethanes, my heart has long belonged to the timeless allure of natural oils, waxes, and soaps.
You see, I believe that a woodworking finish is about more than just protecting the surface – it’s about enhancing and celebrating the inherent character of the material. The imperfections, the unique grains, the subtle variations in color and texture – these are the hallmarks of a truly handcrafted piece. And in my view, the best finishes are those that allow these natural qualities to shine, rather than obscuring them beneath a thick, uniform sheen.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. As a lifelong woodworker, I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of using finishes that are safe, both for myself and for the environment. I’ve seen too many of my colleagues succumb to the harmful effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metal driers. And I refuse to subject myself or my customers to those risks, no matter how impressive the initial results may be.
So, in my workshop, you’ll find me reaching for the natural oils and waxes, the soap-based finishes, and the water-white lacquers. These may not offer the same level of immediate “wow” factor as their more industrial counterparts, but they possess a beauty that only deepens with time and use. They develop a rich, lived-in patina that tells the story of the piece and the hands that crafted it.
Embracing the Imperfect
One of the key reasons I’m drawn to these natural finishes is their ability to gracefully accommodate the inevitable wear and tear that comes with everyday use. Unlike the brittle, film-forming finishes that can crack, chip, and peel under duress, these softer, more pliable coatings can be easily repaired and maintained.
Think of it this way: when a polyurethane-coated table gets a nasty scratch or scuff, the damage is often catastrophic, requiring a complete refinishing to restore the surface. But with a natural oil or wax finish, those same imperfections can be easily buffed out or touched up, seamlessly blending back into the overall patina.
This idea of “wabi-sabi” – the beauty of imperfection – is something that resonates deeply with me. I don’t want my furniture to look like it’s just emerged from a factory showroom, untouched and untested. I want it to bear the marks of use, to tell the story of the lives it’s been a part of. And these natural finishes allow for that organic evolution, that gentle aging process, in a way that the high-gloss synthetics simply can’t.
Mastering the Application
Of course, applying these more temperamental finishes does require a certain level of skill and patience. There’s no quick-drying, spray-on solution here. These are finishes that demand a more hands-on, thoughtful approach.
But for me, that’s all part of the joy of woodworking. I relish the opportunity to get in there with a rag or a brush, to carefully work the oil or wax into the grain, to build up those layers of protection and patina. It’s a meditative process, one that allows me to truly connect with the material and the piece I’m creating.
And the results, I believe, are well worth the effort. There’s a depth and warmth to these natural finishes that simply can’t be replicated by their more industrial counterparts. They invite you to reach out and touch the surface, to feel the subtle textures and contours. They create a tactile, sensory experience that goes beyond the merely visual.
Choosing the Right Finish for the Job
Of course, not every project is suited to these more labor-intensive, natural finishes. There are times when the demands of the piece or the preferences of the client call for something more durable and uniform in appearance.
For reproductions or items that need to withstand heavy use, a shellac or lacquer finish may be the better choice. And for those customers who insist on an ultra-shiny, pristine look, I’m certainly not going to argue. I’m here to serve the needs of my clients, not to impose my own aesthetic preferences.
But even in those cases, I make it a point to educate my customers on the tradeoffs involved. I explain how those high-gloss finishes, while offering impressive initial protection, can ultimately lead to more complex and costly maintenance down the line. I share my experiences with the heartbreaking failures I’ve seen, the chipped and cratered surfaces that were once so flawless.
And whenever possible, I try to steer my clients toward more forgiving, sustainable options. Perhaps a water-white lacquer instead of a solvent-based polyurethane. Or a wax-and-oil blend that can be easily refreshed and rejuvenated over time.
The Importance of Safety
Of course, as much as I adore the tactile beauty of these natural finishes, I’m also acutely aware of the importance of safety. After all, I’m the one who has to handle these materials day in and day out, often in enclosed workshop spaces.
That’s why I’m so adamant about using finishes that are free of harmful VOCs and heavy metal driers. I’ve seen too many of my colleagues suffer the consequences of long-term exposure to these toxic substances. Respiratory issues, neurological problems, even cancer – the risks are simply too high to ignore.
And it’s not just about protecting myself, either. I believe that as woodworkers, we have a responsibility to our customers and our communities to use materials that are as safe and environmentally friendly as possible. After all, these pieces of furniture will be used and enjoyed by real people, often in the heart of their homes.
So, when it comes to finishing, I always take the time to carefully research the safety data sheets, scrutinizing the ingredients and the potential hazards. And if a product doesn’t pass muster, it doesn’t make it into my workshop. Period.
A Legacy of Enduring Beauty
Ultimately, my approach to woodworking finishes is rooted in a deep respect for the materials, the process, and the people who will eventually use and enjoy the final product. I want to create pieces that not only look beautiful, but that will continue to evolve and improve with age, rather than deteriorating over time.
And perhaps most importantly, I want to do it all in a way that preserves my own health and the wellbeing of my community. I’m not interested in shortcuts or quick fixes that might offer an initial visual payoff but come with hidden long-term costs. I’m in this for the long haul, my sights set on building a legacy of enduring, heirloom-quality furniture that can be passed down for generations.
So, when you commission a piece from me, or perhaps come across one of my creations in a gallery or a showroom, take a moment to appreciate the care and consideration that went into its finish. Marvel at the way the light plays across the surface, the subtle variations in tone and texture. And know that behind every brushstroke, every carefully applied layer of oil or wax, lies a deep commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
