Finishes

The finish protects wood and defines its final look. This section helps you choose the right finish, apply it cleanly, strip old coatings, and identify an existing finish.

Choosing a finish: butcher-block finishes, best wood polish, and outdoor furniture finishes.

Applying: Minwax Polycrylic, Rubio Monocoat, and finishing plywood.

Stripping & prep: remove varnish, strip finish, and liquid sandpaper.

Identify: tell what finish is on furniture.

For the complete finishing workflow, see our wood finishing guide.

What’s the best finish for a butcher block? A food-safe finish like mineral oil or a hardwax-oil for daily-use surfaces; a film finish only where no food contact occurs.

How can I tell what finish is on old furniture? Test in a hidden spot: denatured alcohol softens shellac, lacquer thinner softens lacquer, and neither affects a cured poly/varnish.