At Applewood Joinery we have a variety of different finishes to put the final touch on your product.
It is important for our customers to know exactly what finish they want on their joinery. We will be deep diving into the pros and cons of some of the different types of finishes that we provide here at Applewood Joinery.
Oil Finishes
This is one of our most requested finishes at Applewood Joinery, especially for oak projects. Oil finishes are popular because they naturally enhance the grain, highlighting the beauty and character of the timber whilst keeping its natural look. They’re also easy to apply and maintain, making them a practical choice for homeowners who want to keep their wood looking warm, rich, and well-cared for over time.
There aren’t many downsides to oil finishes, but there are a couple to keep in mind. They don’t work quite as well on softwoods or sapele, as the grain just isn’t as bold or eye-catching as it is on oak. The other thing is that oil needs to be reapplied now and then to keep the wood protected. It can take a bit of time, but we think it’s well worth it for how good it keeps the timber looking.
We usually apply oil finishes using a brush or cloth, depending on the project and customer preferences. Both methods work well and give the joinery a clean, natural look. We’re always happy to adapt based on what the client wants, it’s all about getting the right finish for the piece.
Below are some examples of the finish that we provide with oils here at Applewood Joinery.
Wood Stain Finish
Wood stain is a popular finish that adds colour while preserving the natural grain of the wood. It’s useful when you want timber to match other items that you have or appear richer in tone.
Wood stain is mostly requested on products that are made in softwood. This is to make the softwood look like a nice hardwood, like sapele, giving it a rich and elegant tone. While trends come and go, darker woods often have a classic feel that doesn’t date easily.
There are a few things to be wary of when using wood stain as a finish. Once a dark stain is applied, it’s very difficult to remove or lighten without sanding the wood back to bare. Dark stain can go blotchy if the wood absorbs unevenly (especially on softwood). Pre-treating or using a conditioner helps, but it adds time and care to the process. These stable doors and fireplace have been finished with wood stain.
Traditional Paint Spray Finish
At Applewood Joinery, we often use spray finishes for a wide range of custom projects, it is our most requested type of finish.
We’re proud to have a skilled French polisher on our team who specialises in spray finishing. Spraying creates a clean, even coat without any brush marks or streaks, resulting in a smooth, professional finish that’s hard to match with hand application. We can spray in any custom colour to match existing décor, and you’re welcome to request specific paints, whether it’s from Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or any other brand and we’ll ensure your joinery is finished in that exact shade.
Spray paint finishes can completely cover up the natural grain of the wood. That’s great if you want a modern, smooth look, but not ideal if you want to show off the wood’s character. For example, nobody really asks for oak to be spray finished because it hides all the beautiful grain that makes oak special.
