What are the advantges and disadvantges these wood finishes?
Varnishes and shellacs are really just used to seal the wood. They will do very little to change or highlight the natural character of wood. Wax has basically the same effect as varnish and shellacs, but wears off easier and is not as permanent. It will give a nive shine to wood but I wouldn’t use it anywhere near a heat source or it can run over time and if you have lots of little fingers around touching it, it will turn gray or dirty looking. Stains come in oil-based and water based. Oil-based are a little harder to work with but stand the test of time on kitchen cabinets, trim, crown, or wood floors, After each coat has dried 24 hrs, lightly sand with a very fine sandpaper and reapply stain. Continue this process til you get the finish you like. If you are wanting to change a finish, go with a polyshades. All it requires is a very light hand sand and your furniture or cabinets are updated.
