A cutting board is a great example of where a clear finish is desired and the finish cannot be on the surface.
Best clear finish for wood floors.
This is a great choice for high end homes exotic wood or floors with intricate inlay designs.
Water based urethane dries by evaporation.
Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that prove highly durable and water resistant making them the best clear coat for wood protection.
Many clear finishes add a rich warm amber tone to the wood.
It gives your floor a clear finish and has uv inhibitors that delay the color changing process of wood.
They provide a natural appearance with a variety of satin semi gloss and glossy sheens and are ideal for kitchen cabinets doors furniture and floors but not recommended for outdoor use.
Crystal clear or amber tone.
These finishes dry clear which gives your table a slick glossy look.
Floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly pros.
Best hardwood floor finish for high traffic.
Very smooth and shiny finish.
But as long as the damage is shallow in the coating and not in the wood itself you can renew the hardwood floor by adding a new coat of polyurethane.
Easy application and cleanup.
Oil based polyurethane oil based polyurethane offers middle of the road durability at an affordable price.
Using this hardwood floor finish has other advantages.
Traditionally this smooth lustrous finish gives solid and engineered hardwood floors the signature wet look achieved by using multiple coats of high gloss polyurethane.
Many people use it on maple as it helps to bring out its natural color.
Low odor and low vocs.
You can choose whichever look you prefer for your project.
Oil based polyurethane has a strong odor and high vocs so are best applied to floors in unoccupied dwellings.
So what types of finishes can offer protection to the wood.
Arguably the most popular surface finish for hardwood flooring water based polyurethane provides a clear finish and has the traditional hardwood look and feel.
Fortunately there are solutions that have been used for 2000 years tung oil that are plant based and food safe.
The cheapest of the modern finishes this type adds a warm glow to popular wood flooring options like white oak or maple.
Best when professionally applied acid cured finishes are the most durable and expensive of all hardwood floor finishes.
However if your project is a light color whether stained or unfinished wood it is best to protect it with a finish that remains crystal clear.
Varnish is a clear finish that dries extremely slowly and may be difficult to apply.
Oil finishes add a bit of depth and color to unfinished wood.
They also protect the wood making them ideal for kitchen use.
Is easy to clean.