Why Do You Need a Wood Finish?

Wood Finishing is the process of embellishing and protecting a wood surface. A wood finish enables a homeowner to give wood an open pored or waxed appearance, and color its surface. Wood Finishes also allow you to protect the wood in your home, guarding the wood against the harmful effects of water penetration. Finishes may also help the wood to resist heat, chemicals, solvents, and the general wear and tear of everyday use. Here’s a quick rundown on the five most used types of wood finishes

Oil-based finishes, such as our Miniwax Antique Oil Finish and our Watco Danish Oil Finish, penetrate the wood. These finishes are easy to apply, and ofetn leave a permanent sheen on wooden surfaces.

Varnishes and Polyurethane Finishes are varnishes made with Polyurethane resins. These finishes are known for their protection and durability, and are available in gloss or flat sheens.

Shellacs are a type of natural resin finish that dries quickly. Our Rockler Shellac Kit provides you with everything you need for a rich, handsome finish.

Lacquers dry quickly, and can often be applied with a spray gun. Our Qualalacq Alcohol Resistant Lacquer is perfect for tabletops, and is available in gloss or satin.

Water-Based Finishes, such as Wood Turner’s Finish, are popular wood finishes that are easy to clean up and leave no solvent odor.

With that quick overview, we’ve barely scratched the surface (no pun intended). For more information on wood finishes, check out our Finishing Guide and our Finisher Q&A with Founder Nordy Rockler. Whatever finish you choose, you’ll find it right here at Rockler!

Clear Finishes

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4 StarsGeneral Finishes Gel Topcoat

From $9.69

This easy to apply wipe-on gel won't drip or run and creates a uniform professional quality finish. No sanding needed between coats and no unpleasant smell!

4.5 StarsGeneral Finishes Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat

From $12.59

Arm-R-Seal topcoats are made with only the highest quality urethane resin, making them extremely durable and long lasting.Choose from Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss.Available in Pint, Quart and Gallon sizes.

5 StarsEF PolyAcrylic Blend Top Coat

From $15.49

This fabulous finish was recently rated by Fine Woodworking magazine as "Best Brush-on" in a competition of national brands.

4.5 StarsSam Maloof's Finishes

From $18.19

Sam Maloof, one of America's most accomplished woodworkers, has used these same finishes on pieces placed in museums and the White House. Sold in pint and quart size cans.

3.5 StarsGeneral Finishes EF High Performance Polyurethane Top Coat

From $16.99

This is one of the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coats on the market today. It is non-yellowing and offers easy water clean-up. It contains all the consumer-friendly characteristics of PolyAcrylic Blend. In addition, it contains a UV Stabilizer to protect it from breaking down in…

4.5 StarsSalad Bowl Finish

From $12.59

Create a beautiful and safe finish on wooden bowls, cups, spoons, and countertops. Easy to apply - just wipe on with a soft clean rag. Achieves the sheen and resistance of a varnish. Dried film is non-toxic for food contact 72 hours after drying. Additional coats can be re-applied at any time if…

4.5 StarsGeneral Finishes Enduro-Var Water-Based Urethane

From $19.49

Bringing you the best of both water- and oil -based finishes, this advanced self-crosslinking top-coat combines the easy clean-up and fast dry times of a water-based finish with the warm amber hue of an oil-based finish. Its air-oxidizing curing process makes it extremely rugged, plenty strong for…

5 StarsRockler's Tung Oil

From $15.79

Pure tung oil forms a tough, all-natural oil finish that seals out water, and is completely unaffected by alcohol or acetone. It penetrates deep into wood pores, sealing the surface and creating a smooth, satiny sheen. This Rockler exclusive finish is made from 100% pure tung oil, making it one of…

5 StarsWaterlox Original Sealer/Finish, Quart

$31.49

A unique blend of tung oil and resin, Waterlox Sealer and Finish showcases the natural beauty of wood, providing lasting, durable protection without the plastic look of polyurethane. Waterlox Sealer/Finish has a medium sheen, bringing out the beauty in floors, cabinets, countertops, furniture…

4 StarsPolyurethane Gel

From $8.99

Easy-to-apply wipe-on gel won't drip or run and creates a uniform professional qualityfinish. No sanding needed between coats and no unpleasant smell! Just wipe on gelwith a clean cloth for fantastic results without brush marks. Satin sheen increaseswith the number of coats. Won't fade. Use with…

4 StarsBehlen Rockhard Table Top Varnish

$24.19

Put a beautiful, "rock-hard" amber finish on your fine furniture projects! Rockhard Table Top Urethane Varnish is the coating you need when you want a hard finish that will deliver maximum resistance to water, alcohol, food stains, chemicals, detergents, and other damaging liquids. This abrasion…

5 StarsGeneral Finishes Original Seal-A-Cell Clear

From $13.69

An unusual combination of oils and urethanes, Seal-A-Cell Clear is the ideal solution for achieving a natural look on beautiful woods that are not stained.Available in Pint, Quarts and Gallons.

4 StarsZinsser Bullseye SealCoat

$15.79

This is the only sanding sealer you will ever need! It gives depth and beauty to wood grain, and won't raise or swell the wood grain. 100% wax-free formula dries in minutes and sands easily.Please note that this item can only be shipped by UPS Ground to addresses within the continental United…

4.5 StarsWatco Danish Oil Finish

$17.99

This finish soaks deep into wood pores to provide protection from the inside out. Because it hardens inside the wood, it will never chip, peel or wear away. Made from a unique blend of penetrating oil and varnish that stains, seals and protects in one easy step, it enhances the natural look and…

0 StarsMahoney's Food-Safe Fine Finishes

$15.99

Easily create a beautiful food-safe finish on wood utility ware such as bowls, butcher blocks and utensils.Heat-treated walnut oil Utility Finish hardens to a beautiful satin finish. Follow with Oil Wax Finish for a satin sheen. Made from beeswax, carnauba wax and walnut oil.

0 StarsWaterlox Original Satin Finish, Quart

$42.99

Offers all the durability and natural beauty of the original Waterlox finish in a softer satin sheen. A unique blend of tung oil and resin, Waterlox Satin Finish showcases the natural beauty of wood, providing lasting, durable protection without the plastic look of polyurethane. It is the lowest…

4.5 StarsOutdoor Oil

From $16.79

Outdoor Oil is an exterior-rated penetrating linseed oil.Note: This product is not available in the Pasadena, Torrance Orange and Ontario stores due to AQMD VOC requirements

5 StarsLiberon Finishing Oil

From $21.99

This easy, durable, non-toxic oil finish has been approved safe for toys! A blend of high quality oils, resins and dryers, Liberon Finishing Oil resists water, heat, alcohol and food acids, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and other high-use areas. Beautiful matte/satin sheen does not…

4.5 StarsButcher Block Oil

$9.79

Safe for butcher blocks, cutting boards, wood utensils, salad bowls and other wood surfaces. A completely natural oil that meets all FDA requirements for surfaces that contact food.

5 StarsToymaker's Finish

$18.99

Safe for use on children's toys and furniture as well as turning projects. A completely non-toxic finish when cured. Applies easily like an oil finish, yet looks like a varnish. Use on bare or stained wood surfaces.

4.5 StarsMinwax Wipe-On Poly

$12.59

Durable clear finish combines polyurethane protection with classic hand-rubbed beauty. Just wipe on with a lint-free cloth - no need to worry about drips or brush marks. A great choice for any project, especially furniture, railings and trim. Can also be used to touch-up small scratches on wood…

3 StarsBloxygen Gas for Preserving Unused Finishing Materials

$13.69

Preserve unused finishing materials! Just spray in the can and seal.Bloxygen uses an inert gas to drive the oxygen out of your container. Simply blow the oxygen out of your container with Bloxygen and then seal the lid. The heavy, inert Bloxygen gas sinks down to block oxygen from the liquid…

0 StarsBulls Eye Shellac

From $10.59

Trusted by generations of woodworkers, shellac is a traditional, quick-drying finish that is ideal for antiques and fine furniture. It is durable, non-yellowing and imparts a warm glow to all wood surfaces. Also works great for sealing wood, knots and drywall prior to applying paint. All-natural…

5 StarsGeneral Finishes Exterior 450 Varnish

From $22.99

Here's a tough, clear finish that will shrug off sun, rain and wind and look good doing it. With UV absorbers to reduce sun damage, and mildewcides to keep mold and fungi at bay, General Finishes' Exterior 450 will reduce fading and greatly lengthen the life of any exterior wood. A water-based…

4 StarsVermont Natural Coatings Poly Whey

From $21.99

Made Green! This professional, water-based polyurethane not only enhances theinnate beauty of wood, it preserves it with a durable shield that is environmentallysafe. A unique whey formula and low-VOC content mean healthier air quality, so youwon't need to move out while the finish dries. Clear…


"Have been a return customer for a number of years, and a recent experience has really cemented that bond for me. After using my Rockler lighted magnifying lens for a few months, one of the wires from the battery pack came loose. When I contacted Customer Service to inquire about sending the unit back, they instead sent me a brand new one - no questions asked, no return expected, no charge whatsoever. This simple step - coupled with top quality, innovative products - ensured my repeat business more than any other advertising technique or gimmick could ever do. Keep up the good work, Rockler!"
- Scott Long - 12/28/2012
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