Explore how polyurethane or polycrylic is among the best options for wooden artifacts for finishing touches with a better look and protection.
A wooden masterpiece needs finishing that enhances its looks and ensures it is done perfectly. To ensure the best finishing quality on a wooden art piece, furniture or anything that needs quality-based finishing touches, it is better to decide whether you need matte or glossy touches.
Both options give some extra benefits and protection against damages and ensure the protection of the wood. The choice between these materials depends on different reasons and purposes. These two materials work as sealing and protection coats for any natural wood.
Which finish would work for a certain wooden piece depends on knowing how these two materials differ. The most common reasons the user may prefer one over the other may include the nature of the wooden artifact, its usage and the kind of product that needs finishes.
Using polyurethane or polycrylic finishing coat gives extra protection on the wood surface; if you are looking for sheen, glossy or matte looks, these two options are always the most preferred solutions.
Gloss for a shiny look
Glossy touches always add some fancy touches, whether it’s a flooring project or furniture; polycrylic is a good indoor-use option. It is important to note that both finishing materials can give you perfect, shiny looks.
Polycrylic is water-based and is perfect for indoor projects. At the same time, Polyurethane is oil-based and water-based. So, it is better to decide if the wooden pieces are expected to be exposed to extreme weather; oil-based polyurethane would work the best.
The glossy wooden finish is always reflective and has a clear glass-like appearance, making it easier to protect the wood and keep it fancy at the same time. Such finishing touches can be obtained through polyurethane or polycrylic both. The gloss level depends on the type of material and the number of coats put on; in addition, the sanding of the wood and fine application of the finishing coats determine the gloss and shine of the product.
Getting a perfect glossy touch involves detailed coatings and bubble-free application to avoid imperfections while the project is finalized. It is also important to note that glossy finishing surfaces may reflect imperfection clearly and it is important to take care of it to get a flawless look.
Matte wooden finishing
Matte wooden finish is a velvety touch finishing coat that ensures a soft look with depth without any fancy shine. Polycrylic or polyurethane options are available to get matte look depending on the thickness, type of finishing coat, and number of coats on the finished product. Such a look retains the natural beauty of the wood while adding a subtle feeling of a velvety touch.
For furniture and art pieces or wooden floors that need a more rustic, dapper look, matte finishing could be the best. Matte finishing covers imperfections and is easy to achieve with a quick few coats on the wooden surface.
A water-based polyurethane clear coat or polycrylic is doable if the wooden project is for indoor use. It can give the desired look and wood protection for a long time. Water-based finishing coats have less or no VOC emission and, hence safe indoors. But for wooden surfaces subjected to extreme weather conditions and impact, oil-based polyurethane would be the best to cover, coat and protect the surface.
