Why Finish Wood?
Do you ever ask yourself why you bother finishing wood since it looks so good unfinished? Well, here are several good reasons: 1. A finish protects the wood. This includes protection from moisture, chemicals, scratches (if the finish is thick enough), sunlight, and plain old dirt. 2. A finish makes it easier to keep the wood clean. If there was no finish, dirt would get lodged in the wood pores and be almost impossible to remove. 3. A finish enhances the wood’s appearance. It allows you to emphasize the grain, change the color, or impart a desired level of sheen to the wood. It helps to bring out the character of the wood. 4. A finish stabilizes the wood. Wood expands and contracts in response to changes in the ambient moisture levels, causing stresses that could lead to splitting, warping, and joint failure. A finish slows the moisture exchange between the wood and its environment, thereby reducing the stresses and stabilizing the wood.
