Our standard offerings include three types: hardwax oil, water based topcoat, oil based topcoat. Each of the three finishes we offer is very durable and selection often comes down to personal preference based on look and feel. The water based and oil based topcoats provide a little more durability than a hardwax oil, but offer almost no repairability if scratches or dents do occur, where a hardwax oil finish can often be spot repaired.

Hardwax Oil

We offer two finishes in this category – Rubio Monocoat and Osmo. Rubio is a plant based. It is plant-based 0% VOC finish that has a very matte sheen and retains a very natural wood feel as it bonds and penetrates into the wood fibers where a water or oil-based topcoat are film finishes and layer on top of the wood. Another benefit is Rubio is that they offer an array of color options with their finish, which is the primary way we offer color alterations to wood species as we do not usually stain our pieces.

 

The second option we offer in this category is called Osmo. It is similar to Rubio but offers different sheen options including matte, satin, and gloss. Osmo often finishes out with a feel that is smoother than Rubio.

Water Based Topcoat

The water based topcoat we use offers excellent protection from scratches and moisture and comes in the following sheen levels: Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin, Dull, Flat, and Dead Flat. The water based topcoat results in a slightly lighter appearance that can be described as more natural and/or calm.

Oil Based Topcoat

The oil based topcoat we use offers excellent protection from scratches and moisture and comes in the following sheen levels: Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin, Dull Rubbed, and Dull. It offers a similar feel to the water based topcoat and imparts an amber/gold color to the wood and therefore offers a more classic appearance.

 

Given the current limitation of our shop not having a spray booth, the toxicity, and flammability of oil based spray finishes, we are limited to applying this finish option outside during nice warm water days.

Which Finish is Best for Me?

It really comes down to personal preference based on look and feel. Water based and oil based topcoats are more durable, but harder to repair. Hard Wax finishes are slightly less durable but easy to repair and provide a more natural look and feel. We invite you to schedule a shop visit where you can look at and feel the various finishes we offer on samples of the wood species we use most often.