Wood Finish Choices | Erik Organic

Choosing the Right Wood Finish

Water-based.Our standard wood finish, it is a water-based varnish designed for durability. We've used this wood finish for over 6 years, and it has proven that it holds up very well to everyday wear and tear. Our standard wood finish is water-based, and It is quite a bit safer than oil-based wood finish.

Water-based finishes are those that you are probably most familiar with. We offer wood stains from General Finishes (the product is listed under 'Water Based Wood Stains') and Woodwright. Please note that the manufacturer's color names are not correlative with ours, and that MSDS sheets are available on request at their respective websites.

Our water-based wood stain is sealed with Woodwright precatalyzed finish, which performs well under moisture and cold check tests.

This is also the wood finish we use in creating distressed wood furniture.

Oil and Wax. This is a very safe finish that is also very durable. Oil & wax is a traditional method of wood finishing that has been used for centuries. Oil and wax finish has a citrus base, combined with natural beeswax and furniture grade oils. The oils penetrate into the wood while the wax seals the surface, maintaining a beautiful, rich luster. (This is Erik's preferred choice -- it's what he uses in his own home).

If your furniture is scratched or dented, this finish is also easy to repair. Light sandpaper plus additional oil & wax can quickly restore the lustre.

An MSDS sheet is available at the manufacturer's website.

Oil & wax finish has three disadvantages: It is only available as a clear finish, it has a slight tacky feel (it's not glass-smooth), and it requires regular maintenance.

Note: We can combine the water-based wood stain (providing color) with the oil & wax finish (to seal the furniture). This process is inconsistent and the colors tend to be subdued, but it is an option that a number of our customers have requested. Please contact us to discuss this in more detail.

AFM. AFM wood finishes are created to be very safe, and to offgas less VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than a standard wood finish. Please call us for wood samples.

The disadvantages of this wood finish are numerous: AFM stain colors are not as vibrant as water-based stain colors, AFM stains and finishes are substantially more difficult to apply properly to furniture, the finish has a slight tacky feel (similar to oil & wax), and perhaps most importantly -- we have not worked with the finish long enough to provide any assurances on its longevity.

AFM wood finish is a speclaized option, and furniture finished with it costs 12% more and requires an additional 2 weeks to complete.

MSDS sheets are available on AFM's website.

discount on furniture

As a repeat customer I'm even more pleased to know that you continue to deliver high quality solid wood products of excellent craftsmanship. I'd certainly recommend your products to anyone having an appreciation for simple, but elegant, and very functional furniture.