Applying a finish incorrectly can ruin a piece. Poor finishing has spoilt some of the most beautifully made wooden antiques. This is why it is so important to apply the finish correctly and understand how the finish will affect a piece in the long term.

There are many things to consider when finishing a piece: what stain goes with what wood? What finish works with what type of wood? Should the wood grain be filled or left open? Can this type of wood be bleached? What type of shine will look best (glossy, matt, semi-matt, satin)?

One of the most overlooked and underachieved aspects of wood finishing is the wood colouring. The majority of wood finishes do not add colour; at most, they will darken or very slightly tint the raw wood colour. Wood in its raw form is often irregular in colour; Walnut for instance is immensely varied in colour and figure, from one piece of wood to another. To achieve a uniform colour, some kind of colouring process needs to be performed, this requires mixing raw stains, dyes or pigments, which are applied at different stages of the finishing process. Failing to colour properly leads to patchy and uneven looking work.

Advice and guidance can be given on all projects as to the best way to finish or achieve the desired finish of a piece.