Finishing is one of the final steps in custom architectural woodwork production. The finishing process usually includes sanding, staining, painting, or varnish. Millwork finishes are important in commercial settings to satisfy aesthetics, durability, customization and safety. Did you know that one of the oldest wood finishes or the root of wood finish (pun intended) began in ancient China where linseed and tung oils were used? 

The two categories of wood finish are penetrating finish and surface finish. Most of the types of architectural woodwork finishes are paint, stain, oils, varnish, polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, and specialty finishes. Paint is a surface finish and offers the most versatility. Stain is a penetrating finish and can enhance the natural wood grain and texture maintaining a natural look. Linseed and tung oils are examples of penetrating finish. These oils are not durable, and because of this are not typically used on working surfaces. Varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer are surface finishes used to protect woodwork. Shellac is used for decorative purposes and is produced from the resin of the lac bug that is native to India. Shellac is a surface finish that is used for decorative purposes because it does not protect from water or chemical damage. Did you know that polyurethane (a plastic resin) was originally produced by Dr. Otto Bayer and was used to protect masonry, metals and wood for the military in World War II?

The process for commercial finishing is preparation, application, curing / drying, and final touchup. Most of the work done in preparing wood for finish is sanding. Sanding is done to create a smooth finish and remove imperfections and is critical in making sure that the finish will adhere to the wood. Once the wood is sanded and cleaned the finish is applied. This could be done by spraying, wiping, or brushing the finish on the prepared wood. Finish application is often done with multiple coats. Curing or drying of the applied finish can take from a couple of minutes to days. Final touches may include polishing or buffing to the level of sheen required. Did you know that with a UV surface finish the curing time with the correct UV lights can be as little as a couple of minutes?

Some of the challenges with commercial finishing are inconsistencies in the finish, environment, color matching, application mistakes, durability, and surface contamination. Inconsistencies in finish are usually caused by improper sanding or poor application techniques. Environmental challenges such as humidity and dust in the air can cause uneven drying/curing and imperfections in the final product. Color matching challenges can happen when two elements come together that were produced by two different fabricators. An example of this might be the color match between the door jams and the door when they are done separately by the millworker and the door company. Application mistakes can happen when the finish is applied too heavy or too light. The result will either be runs/drips in the case of too heavy and uneven sheen in the case of too light. Durability problems occur when the finish selected is inappropriate for the environment. An example would be a working surface such as a tabletop or transaction ledge. If the finish cannot withstand the wear and tear it will show scratches, scuffs and stains. Surface contamination happens when the wrong finish is used for the protection of the surface. An example would be using an oil finish in a wet environment. We have all seen the rings on a table from a drink cup. Did you know that the Architectural Woodwork Institute standard ANSI/AWI 0400-2022 Factory Finishing has a Performance Characteristic table that defines chemical resistance and wear by reagents such as coffee, olive oil and even wine? See Photo Below.

5 – No effect from the test.

4 – Minimal effect or slight change and little repair required.

3 – Some effect; noticeable change, and the coating will recover with minimal repairs.

2 – Moderate effect, performance adversely affected and repairs required.

1 – Poor performance and film failure is imminent and repairs are difficult.

The correct architectural woodworking finish is critical for the aesthetics and durability of the end products. No one will care how well built the woodworking is if the finish is peeling or is inconsistent. At Giffin Interior we have been providing excellence in commercial finishes since 1980. We take pride in the finish we provide, and it shines in our work.

Contact us to discuss your next custom architectural millwork and specialty finish project.  



Sales@GiffinInterior.com