Wood Finish Comparison: A Deeper Look
Choosing the right wood finish can completely transform the look, feel, and durability of your handcrafted walnut pieces. At Mad Tree Woodcrafts® we take pride in showing exactly how different finishes bring out the beauty of solid walnut, all sourced from the same tree.
In this post, we compare popular wood finishes side by side — including Arm-R-Seal, Lacquer, High Performance Polyurethane, Danish Oil, Shellac, and Wax — so you can see how each one enhances the grain and protects your project. Whether you’re a woodworker, a DIY enthusiast, or simply curious about our process, read on to find the best wood finish for your next piece. And if you love how we finish ours, explore our collection of heirloom-quality walnut boxes and keepsakes handmade with care.
Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat
Our preferred finish, Arm-R-Seal requires three coats with a 12–24 hour dry time between coats. Inadequate drying time is one of the primary causes of finish failures; therefore, when in doubt, we recommend waiting longer. Many woodworkers find this urethane finish more visually appealing than lacquer because it enhances the wood’s grain with a warm, natural look without being overly glossy.
Lacquer
Lacquer is the fastest to dry, making it cost-effective from a labor standpoint. However, a single coat leaves the wood more susceptible to scratches. Some lacquers also have a high VOC (volatile organic compounds) content, which can be more harmful to the environment. It provides a glossy shine but does not bring out the depth and warmth of the wood the way Arm-R-Seal does.
High Performance Polyurethane
This water-based polyurethane is what we use on our Sliding Lid Boxes and White Washed Stain Boxes. It dries crystal clear and stays clear over time — it will not yellow like some oil-based finishes. As a film finish, it provides a smooth, protective coating but does not enrich the wood grain as oil-based urethanes do. Fine Woodworking named it their “Best Overall Choice” for durability and clarity. It contains a UV stabilizer to help resist sunlight damage and requires three coats, each drying in approximately two hours.
Other Popular Finishes
- Danish Oil and Tried & True Original Finish are oil-based varnish blends (primarily linseed oil). They penetrate deeply, creating a natural look, but may yellow over time.
- Shellac adds warmth and depth to wood, available in different tones, but it’s more sensitive to heat and moisture than modern finishes.
- Wax is simple to apply and easy to repair, but it offers the least protection against water, scratches, and chemicals. For this reason, wax is rarely used as a stand-alone finish.
Why We Care So Much About Finishing
At Mad Tree Woodcrafts® we take great pride in our finishing work. To us, finishing is both an art and a science, refined through years of experience. Understanding each finish’s properties — and mastering the techniques to apply them flawlessly — is what sets our products apart.
Thank you for reading, and please reach out if you have any questions about wood finishes or our handcrafted process.
~ Christy and Tyler