Seal the Deal: Choosing the Right Wood Finish!

Why Finish Your Wood? A wood finish protects your piece and makes your wood burning art pop! Choose based on the item’s purpose, look, time, and cost. 

An example of different types of varnish

Finish Picks by Project: 

• Food Boards & Utensils: Use food-safe finishes like mineral oil, Tung oil, linseed oil, or beeswax. (I’m yet to experiment with some of these!) 

• Coasters: Go heat- and water-resistant! Danish oil is your best bet. 

•  Wall Art & Signs: Keep it simple—use clear water-based finishes like polyacrylic or leave it natural! 

•  Painted Art: Use a clear spray finish to lock in watercolour or acrylic without smudges. 

•  Outdoor Pieces: Oil- or water-based protects against sun, rain, and more. My favourite is using “clear yacht varnish” (matt, gloss or satin versions, depending on desired finish). It’s a traditional tough varnish that provides long lasting protection, so your wood won’t crack, blister or peel over time, and it really highlights the woods natural colour. Go in the direction of the grain and for best results, apply two or three coats. 

•  Multipurpose Items: Any finish works! Choose clear or add stain—just avoid dark stains that hide your art. 

Pro Tips: 

• Wood grain darkens with finish—don’t panic! It lightens after drying. 

• Test on scrap wood first if you're unsure about the final look. 

• Dark stains can hide your design, so stick to lighter finishes to let your art shine!