Furniture is a major investment, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Buying unfinished furniture can be a smart choice when you have the time and skills to finish the pieces yourself.
Does unfinished furniture need to be sanded?
Most unfinished pieces need additional fine sanding before finishing to avoid surface fuzz or roughness that will show when the stain is applied.[1]
What is unfinished furniture?
Unfinished furniture is any piece of furniture that is made of raw wood boards, and the furniture has not been sealed, painted, stained, or treated in any way.[2]
Does unfinished wood need to be finished?
Unfinished wood furniture means the piece of furniture has been put together by craftsman, but still needs a finish (such as stain or varnish) to be applied.[3]
Is it OK to leave wood furniture unfinished?
Wood can be left unfinished if it won’t encounter weather, water or significant handling. If your project is placed outside, will be somewhere wet, or will be used on a regular basis, then you should apply wood finish. There’s a bit more too it, though, so let’s dive in![4]
What is an advantage of buying unfinished furniture?
When you buy unfinished furniture, you have the opportunity to make a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No one else will choose the stain style, paint color, or brush technique as you. So, if you hate to buy furniture that is factory-made from a box, your best option is to seek out furniture in its raw form.[5]
Is unfinished wood safe?
Leaving wood unfinished can actually be a perfectly acceptable option even in high-humidity parts of the house like kitchens and bathrooms.[6]
What is unsealed wood furniture?
Wood furniture that is untreated — that is, unfinished or unsealed — behaves much like a fresh unused board, porous and absorbent. Harsh chemical cleaners are out of the question, as they may damage or discolor the wood as it absorbs the liquid.[7]
How do you seal unfinished wood?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.[8]
Do I need to sand unfinished wood before staining?
You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood. Always sand down to clean wood (if you have enough meat left of the wood) before applying any stain.[9]
Do you have to sand unfinished wood before painting?
Step 1: Sand the Surface It may seem unnecessary to sand bare wood before painting, but stock lumber is often coated in a glaze to help protect it. Removing that coating will help the paint adhere. In addition, sanding opens the grain of the wood, which can also help with adhesion.[10]
What happens if you dont treat wood?
Untreated Wood Left in their natural, unfinished state, most woods deteriorate quickly when exposed to outdoor environments. However, there are several species that have naturally occurring chemicals that help them shrug off harsh weather and insects.[11]
What can I use on an unfinished wood table?
Varnish is a popular finish for raw and unfinished wooden furniture. The varnish will protect the wood from water, grease and dirt. Properly applied varnish will also give your bare wood furniture pieces a shiny, lustrous finish.[12]