Timber finishes

• What are the surface treatments and finishes mentioned for timber?

  Paint, Stain, Varnish, Wax, Shellac, Veneering
• What are the uses of different surface treatments for timber?

  • Paint: Indoor and outdoor furniture
  • Stain: Fencing and sheds
  • Varnish: Indoor furniture and wooden boats
  • Wax: Indoor furniture
  • Shellac: Indoor and outdoor furniture
  • Veneering: High-quality indoor furniture and luxury car dashboards
• What is the description/application of paint as a surface treatment?

  Paint is a coloured liquid applied by brush, rag, or spraying.
• What are the advantages of using paint on timber?

  Available in a wide range of colours and provides good protection.
• What are the disadvantages of using paint on timber?

  Conceals the natural grain of the wood and can be affected by sunlight.
• What is the description/application of stain as a surface treatment?

  Stain is a coloured liquid that soaks into the surface of the timber.
• What are the advantages of using stain on timber?

  Changes the colour of the timber while retaining the grain and natural look.
• What are the disadvantages of using stain on timber?

  Provides very little protection and needs to be reapplied regularly.
• What is the description/application of varnish as a surface treatment?

  Varnish is a clear liquid that soaks into the surface of the timber.
• What are the advantages of using varnish on timber?

  Provides a hardwearing finish to the timber while offering good protection.
• What are the disadvantages of using varnish on timber?

  Can be affected by sunlight and is easily scratched or chipped.
• What is the description/application of wax as a surface treatment?

  Wax is a coloured liquid that adds shine to natural, stained, or varnished timber.
• What are the advantages of using wax on timber?

  Gives a smooth shiny finish and smells nice.
• What are the disadvantages of using wax on timber?

  Needs to be reapplied regularly and provides very little protection.
• What is the description/application of shellac as a surface treatment?

  Shellac is a clear liquid that soaks into the surface of the timber.
• What are the advantages of using shellac on timber?

  Gives a very high-quality finish and requires a high level of skill to apply.
• What are the disadvantages of using shellac on timber?

  Requires a high level of skill to apply and still requires finishing.
• What are the advantages of using veneering on timber?

  Gives the appearance of high-quality, expensive timber.
• What is the description/application of veneering as a surface treatment?

  Veneering involves gluing a thin layer of wood to a manufactured board.
• What are the disadvantages of using veneering on timber?

  Requires a high level of skill to apply and still requires finishing.
• What are the different types of finishes mentioned in the study material?

  • Matt: a dull finish with no shine
  • Satin: a finish with some shine
  • Gloss: a very shiny finish
• What is a typical mistake when answering questions about finishing wood?

  Not understanding if the finish is for an outdoor or indoor application.
• What details should be included when describing a finishing process for timber?

  • Preparation of the timber
  • Sanding
  • Filling
  • Cleaning