Our Furniture Finishes

Overview

Vermont Woods Studios furniture is carefully finished with coatings that are clear, gentle and non-toxic. They are prepared to enhance the natural beauty of the wood and provide optimal protection for your wood furniture against the effects of moisture and normal wear. Finishes include natural linseed oils enhanced with protective varnish, low VOC lacquers, and even a custom whey-based natural varnish developed by the University of Vermont and Vermont Natural Coatings.

Our furniture is crafted from a variety of workshops across Vermont and each furniture maker has their own time-tested favorite finishes. The following are our most popular furniture finishes.

Hand-Rubbed Linseed Oil and Varnish Finishes

The furniture in our Cherry Moon, American Shaker and Vermont-Made Shaker Collections has a hand-rubbed finish comprised of natural linseed oils that condition the wood and varnish that protects the wood from moisture. The tops of case goods receive a 3 coat finish: the base coat is a blend of linseed oil and varnish, the next 2 coats are straight varnish. Sides of case goods have 3 coats of linseed oil, with no varnish. Dining table tops receive 5 coats of varnish over the initial coat (a blend of linseed oil and varnish). This blend of natural oil and varnish offers a look and feel of natural oil, while providing greater resistance to spills and humidity changes.  Care and maintenance of this furniture collection is easy.  Tops of tables and case goods require routine dusting only.  For sides of case goods and table legs, we do recommend application of linseed or lemon oil about 1-2 times/year, depending on the humidity in your home.

Lacquer Finishes

Our other furniture collections are finished with a clear, non-toxic, low VOC lacquer. This is a low-sheen, matte finish which is very durable and easily maintained. It is proven to resist damage from common household liquids (contact us for data and details about our spill testing). The lacquer finish does not require re-oiling or maintenance and is very resistant to moisture and spills. It is a clear, non-toxic finish that is smooth to the touch but not shiny. It is very durable while showcasing the natural beauty of the wood: a logical choice for families with young children.

Which Furniture Finish Is Recommended?

Each furniture product description includes the type of finish recommended and provided as a standard finish for that piece. Please contact us if you have questions on our standard finishes or to discuss alternative custom finishing options.

Wood samples are available (for a small charge that is refunded on purchase) if you wish to see and feel a particular wood species/finish up close.

When you purchase our furniture we will provide easy furniture-care instructions specific to your items. Be sure to keep these instructions handy and follow them consistently throughout the life of the furniture.

Custom Furniture Finishes

Our Custom Artisan Furniture pieces as well as our Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture pieces are each unique and custom finishes are selected after a detailed consultation between the client and artisan.

Custom finishes are also available on any of our furniture items as we understand that many fine furniture buyers have a specific finish in mind for their furniture. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss our finishes and custom alternatives in greater detail. We do offer wood stains, all-natural oils, Vermont Natural Coatings finishes and many other custom finishes that can be applied to your furniture for an upcharge, typically between 10 and 20%.