Fast finishes for timber furniture & homewares
Natasha Dickins
I love working with timber and my favourite part of making furniture is in the finishing when all the hard work starts to shine.
But I’m usually impatient to get the job done so have come up with some sealing solutions that can be applied quickly, with minimum fuss and are easy to clean up.
Most importantly, they protect the woodgrain while looking great and providing a tactile surface.
“These are my tried and tested workshop staples that I keep on hand for finishing most woodworking projects.”
One of my go-to brands is Bondall and their Monocel range of timber care products. I’ve come to appreciate the simple application process and consistent result. They’ve saved hours of production time and helped me create beautiful, enduring pieces.
Here’s why you need these workshop staples…
Build a DIY mid-century bedhead that shows off the woodgrain.
⓵ FOR RICH TIMBER TONES
To enhance while protecting from wear and moisture, Monocel Clear Varnish is a quick-drying formula that I’ve found best-suited to interior applications.
To add a little colour Monocel Stain & Varnish in Merbau, Chestnut, Cedar, Jarrah and Walnut give a natural tint with the same satin finish.
Apply with a disposable mini mohair roller for even application, wrapping in a zip-lock bag between coats to prevent it from drying out. Lightly sand with 240-grit before reapplying.
Revive weathered outdoor furniture with marine-grade varnish.
② FOR TOUGH PROTECTION
For outdoor furniture and high-traffic surfaces like kitchen islands, bathroom accessories or laundry benches that come in contact with water, use a marine-grade varnish like Monocel Gold Exterior Varnish in gloss or satin…
Designed for use on boats, it provides a tough surface that’s UV and moisture resistant. I’ve also used it on my front door handles.
TIP Apply with a brush or roller and do at least two coats for thorough sealing, allowing for dry times after each.
Done-in-a-day DIY timber-clad record cabinet with water-based sealer.
③ FOR SPEEDY RESULTS
For the fastest application Monocel Water Based Clear Wood Varnish in Satin and Gloss is my favourite for pieces that won’t take a lot of wear and tear but are best sealed to prevent the timber from changing colour over time.
I love the lightly textured feel this water-based varnish gives and it’s also great for homewares like hat racks and picture frames.
TIP The quick dry-time and easy clean-up means you can apply two coats of water-based varnish within a couple of hours and don’t need to wear gloves for application as it isn’t sticky when wet.
Transform treated pine sleepers into a rendered bench seat with furniture oil.
④ FOR NATURAL, MATT COATING
To preserve and maintain timber outdoor furniture kept undercover, I use Monocel Furniture Oil.
It highlights the woodgrain while adding a water-resistant coating with UV absorbers to protect from sun damage.
TIP Apply to the surface using the applicator then wipe in the oil in using cloth. It will eventually require reapplying, but dries quicker than varnish with a matt, non-reflective finish.
I also like to use furniture oil for mixed-surface furniture, such as sealing the raw timber of this painted shoe cabinet. It’s easy to apply into tricky areas with a cloth and doesn’t mark the surrounds.
Keep homewares, like handcrafted napkin holders, easy to wipe down with a light, matt finish.
⑤ FOR FOOD-SAFE SURFACES
For surfaces that come in contact with cooking or dining, Monocel Liquid Wax is infused with beeswax and is food safe.
It maintains the natural tones and texture of cutting boards, serving plates and napkin holders. Also good for handles, decorative bowls and timber features in a child’s room.
Wipe on with a cloth, leave for half an hour then repeat with the same cloth. The beeswax formula is odourless and safe on the skin. Leave food-preparation surfaces a couple of days to cure before using.
⓺ CLEVER CLEAN-UP
Washing up is my least favourite part of DIY, but here’s how I do it swiftly and efficiently (like doing the dishes)…
• Rinse off equipment with a hose as soon as the job is done
• Use Bondall Waterbased Turps like a detergent with a scourer, scrubbing trays, roller handles and stirrers while soaking brushes for a few minutes
• Rinse everything off and dry with a clean cloth
Water-based turps is non-toxic, low-odour, non-flammable and is so safe on skin that I use it to wash and scrub hands after painting and varnishing. It’s also great to soak a cloth and wipe away varnish drips and spills from the workbench.
Which finish will you choose for your next project?
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