• Wood finishes come in two basic types. Surface finishes harden directly on top of the wood to create a film that protects the wood. Penetrating finishes absorb into the fibers of the wood to help preserve the natural color. Regardless of which type of wood finish you choose, you should sample it on a piece of wood of the same type or on a part of the project that isn't immediately visible.
  
  

Shellac

• Shellac provides a glossy finish, but lacks durability. This means that you will need to apply a new coat more often than you would with other finishes. Furniture subject to a lot of wear and tear is not a suitable candidate for shellac. Smaller decorative wood items are much more suitable. Because shellac has a short shelf life, do not use if the date on the can is more than 6 months old.
  
  

Polyurethane

• Polyurethane is available in satin and high-gloss formulas. The durability of polyurethane makes it ideal for finishing high traffic areas like floors, tables and desktops. Its synthetic makeup means that polyurethane is resistant to water seepage, damage from the sun and abrasions.
  
  

Lacquer

• The biggest advantage to lacquer is that it applies easily and dries quickly. This means lacquer is more impervious to dust than varnishes like polyurethane. You can also get lacquer in wide selection of colors. It is also good for accenting the natural color of the wood while darkening it less than other finishes. Lacquer is also resistant to water damage and abrasions.
  
  

Tung Oil

• Tung oil is a penetrating oil varnish that is derived from the seed of the tung tree. In addition to varnish, tung oil is available in pure and polymerized forms. Pure tung leaves a matte finish while polymerized tung provides a glossier finish. The varnish form is subject to chipping, but does provide a more natural look than polyurethane, according to "Reader's Digest New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual."
  
  

Danish Oil

• Danish oil is a combination of penetrating oils and resins that hardens the fibers of the wood when it reacts with oxygen. Danish oil will deepen the color the wood slightly the first time it is used. This deepening of color will continue with each subsequent use of Danish oil.
  
  

Linseed Oil

• Linseed oil is a traditional penetrating finish material that leaves a glossy finish. You can mix linseed oil with a variety of other elements to create a specific kind of character for your finish. You can also mix linseed oil with turpentine or varnishes made of natural resins. Mix a pint of each several days before you intended to use the mixture as a varnish according to "Furniture Finishing and Repair."