Because wood and coal stoves commonly are used today, firesafe furniture is more important than it has been for several years. Finishes Furniture finishes vary with construction materials and styles. Fine wood furniture and other natural materials often are finished to emphasize their natural beauty. These finishes may be only on the surface or they may penetrate. Because surface finishes stay on the surface of the wood, they easily can be scratched or damaged.
Finishes protect a surface from soiling and wear.
The finest finish is considered to be the mellow, handrubbed look for wood furniture. High-gloss finishes show fingerprints and are not easy to care for. Even the best contemporary painted or plastic finishes have a mellow sheen. Commercial furniture manufacturers primarily use oil, lacquer and paint to finish wood furniture. They may stain the wood before oiling or lacquering.