Wood Finishing Comparison Guide...

WIPE-ON FINISHES When applying wipe-on type products, using lint-free cotton or Rockler's high-quality Cheese Cloth is recommended.

Rockler's Poly Gel Finish CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Easy to apply. Simply wipe on. For a drip proof, run proof and uniform finish. APPEARANCE: Satin sheen increases with the number of coats. Won't fade. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good durability. Suggested for use on chairs, dressers, and chests. Also ideal for use on molding and woodwork.

Rockler Shellac Kits CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: It dries very fast and gives you a nice appearance. APPEARANCE: Best for matching antique finishes. Tinted for different wood tones. DURABILITY & USAGE: It is not completely water resistant, and it can be brittle.

Rockler's WunderCote Finish CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Easy to apply. Simply wipe on. Requires less sanding. Fast dry time. APPEARANCE: Slight amber cast to it so it looks more like a varnish finish. Available in gloss and semi-gloss. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good durability. Suggested for use on furniture and table tops.

Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil by Rockler CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Gives a very professional looking, handsome finish yet is relatively easy to use. APPEARANCE: When used alone, you'll get a satin to semi-gloss finish with good chatoyance. Adds warmth to natural wood color. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good durability. World-renowned furniture maker Sam Maloof uses this in combination with the Sam Maloof Oil/Wax (see below) for his museum-quality tables, rocking chairs, and other furniture.

Sam Maloof's Oil/Wax by Rockler CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: This oils-and- beeswax formula is made to be used in conjunction with Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish. APPEARANCE: Use after applying Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish to increase chatoyance and give a rich, semi-gloss appearance. DURABILITY & USAGE: See above. Oil/Wax formula is recommended for use on furniture that won't be exposed to excessive heat or moisture.

Arm-R-Seal by General Finishes CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Deeply penetrates wood and builds to a highly protective finish. APPEARANCE: Available in satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. DURABILITY & USAGE: Excellent. Our most durable wipe-on finish due to the high polyurethane content. Great for kitchen tables and other pieces that need to stand up to heat, moisture, and alcohol.

General Finishes Nordic Oil CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Formulated of pure oils, phenolic resins, and drying agents that go on easily. Non-toxic when dry, meaning it can be used on surfaces that will come into contact with food. APPEARANCE: Flat to satin-sheen finish. DURABILITY & USAGE: Excellent durability. Water and abrasion resistant. A good choice for highly burnished turned surfaces, such as bowls and vases. Also great for walking sticks and chairs — even table tops.

Rockler's 100% Pure Tung Oil CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: A 100% natural oil containing no driers or solvents. APPEARANCE: Flat to satin-sheen finish. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good. Very water-resistant. Use on furniture or any wood object where easy maintenance is desired.

General Finishes Danish Oil CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: High linseed oil content penetrates deeply into wood. Tried-and-true and easy to use. APPEARANCE: Flat sheen with "open pore" appearance. DURABILITY & USAGE: Fair durability. Use on indoor furniture and decorative items. Requires reapplication over time.

Woodburst Chinawood Oil CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Designed especially for outdoor use, but can be used indoors as well. APPEARANCE: Flat to satin sheen. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good durability. Helps protect wood from elements. Great for use on decks, outdoor furniture, picnic tables, and backyard play sets.

General Finishes Salad Bowl Finish CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Made to be 100% safe for use on any wood surface that comes into contact with food. Varnish/oil blend. APPEARANCE: Flat to satin sheen. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good durability. Use on salad bowls, wooden spoons, cutting boards, etc.

General Finishes Toy Maker's Finishes CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Safe for use on children's toys and furniture. Applies easily like an oil, yet looks like a varnish. APPEARANCE: Flat to satin sheen. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good durability. Use on bare wood or stained children's furniture and toys.

BRUSH ON FINISHES

General Finishes Poly/Acrylic Waterbase CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Very fast drying and easy to apply. Easy water clean-up. APPEARANCE: Your choice of satin or gloss. Virtually clear so it adds almost no color to wood. DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good. Use on chairs, dressers, chests, molding and woodwork.

General Finishes EF High Performance Waterbase Polyurethane CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: "EF" stands for environmentally friendly! Fast-drying. Easy water clean-up. APPEARANCE: Your choice of satin or gloss. Virtually clear, so it adds almost no color to wood. DURABILITY & USAGE: Excellent durability. Tough enough for kitchen/dining room tables. Durable enough even for floors!

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