Woodworking projects are fun to create. To make your piece extra special, be sure to finish it properly. There are a variety of wood finishing products. Here are some of the most popular.

Many people simply apply wood wax. It does look nice but it doesn’t last long and it doesn’t protect the wood very well, so you will have to reapply it eventually. This can be an advantage if you haven’t decided how you want the piece to look. Wood finishing wax does not last very long.

Have you ever noticed how some wood products have a yellow or orange tint? The piece is likely coated with shellac. This is a long-lasting finish that protects against water and some solvents. However, it does not protect against alcohol. While shellac is safe once it is dry, there is a special knack to applying it.

Linseed oil also has a yellow tint when it is applied, but that tint darkens as it ages. This is a durable finish but it doesn’t protect the wood much. You can easily apply linseed oil with rags, but you will have to sand the project as the wood absorbs the oil. Linseed oil takes longer to dry than some other finishes.

You can use alkyd varnish for a clearer finish; however it does have a somewhat orange glow, similar to shellac. This type of varnish is petroleum based, it is fairly safe to use. You can simply spray or paint the varnish onto your piece, but be careful to clean up bubbles and streaks quickly. If you do make a mistake, you can use paint remover.

For a clear finish, try nitrocellulose lacquer. This gives a very durable finish that really protects the wood. However, be careful when applying it as it uses solvents that are toxic. If you make a mistake, you have to remove it with a lacquer thinner.

Water-based polyurethane finishes are considered to be safer than other products. Again, you will have to guard against streaks and bubbles but you can fix mistakes by using paint remover. Sometimes water-based polyurethane can leave a faint blue tint.

To select the best finish for your project, visit your local hardware or home improvement stores. They should have a variety of these finishes with samples to show how they will look. Store personnel should be able to give useful advice as well.

When using any of these finishes, be sure to follow the safety precautions printed on the label. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area and have all the tools necessary to apply the finish properly. Make sure you also have goggles, gloves, a face mask and clothes protectors handy.

By following these steps, you will be able to give your wood project the finish it deserves.

Nash Wendin publishes essentially for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a website on machinery in a wood shop . His writings on basic wood working tools can be found on his site .