Wood Finishes Guide

Wood finishes create appearance, protect the surface, and make wood easier to clean. SENTIENT offers several finish options, including hardwax oil (most common for live edge), water-based finishes, lacquer, and other protective systems depending on the application.

How to Choose a Finish

Decide indoor vs outdoor first. Indoor use stresses finishes less than outdoor.
Decide your look: natural feel vs higher-build polished film.
Decide your maintenance preference: refreshable (oil) vs lower-maintenance (film).
If you want high-gloss on open-pored woods (oak, ash), plan pore filling.

Wood Finishes

Resin and Epoxy Fills

Stained

Charred

Bleach and Whitewash

Distressed Techniques

More Wood Finishes

Hardwax Oil

Hardwax oil is SENTIENT’s most common finish for live edge furniture.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane builds a tough, abrasion-resistant surface film that guards against daily…

Water-Based Finishes

Water-based finishes form a clear, durable protective film with minimal color shift,…

Lacquer

Lacquer dries fast and cures to a hard, polished surface with crisp visual clarity that…

Shellac

Shellac is a natural resin finish with centuries of use in fine woodworking.

Grain Fillers

Grain fillers fill the open pores in ring-porous hardwoods like oak and ash, creating…

Gloss Levels

Sheen is one of the most visible design choices in any finished piece of furniture.

Related Resources

Wood Species Guide

Compare 21 species by appearance, durability, and best applications.

Care and Maintenance FAQ

How to protect, clean, and maintain your SENTIENT furniture.

Custom Furniture

Bespoke design and fabrication for hospitality, commercial, and residential projects.

Need Help Choosing?

Tell us about your project and we will recommend the right finish.

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