Timber: Finishes
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 3.9.2
Finishes
Finishes for wood are:
Danish oil
- This provides a hard wearing finish for furniture projects.
- It is a mixture of oil and varnish.
Wax polish
- This provides a light sheen and provides protection to the wood.
- It will bring out the natural grain of the wood.
Varnish
- Varnish is used to bring a shine to the wood whilst protecting it and enhancing the grain.
- The varnish will also come in many different types like matt, gloss or satin.
Painting
- Painting can provide a completely different colour.
- It will require a primer which is an undercoat to the wood.
Tanalising
Tanalising is another way to finish wood.
Tanalising
- Tanalising is the process in which timber (fence timber) is treated to allow for further gains in strength and acts as protection against the outdoor elements.
- A chamber is created, which is vacuumed. This opens the timber cells.
- Hydraulic pressure is then applied, which allows the preservative to penetrate the cells.
Step 1
- The tanalising process involves placing the timber within the treatment cylinder and creating an initial vacuum within the timber cells.
Step 2
- After some time (once the timber is fully immersed in the treatment) the timber is put back into a vacuum chamber so any excess solution can be removed.
Step 3
- Hydraulic pressure is then applied, forcing the preservative deep into the timber cells.
Step 4
- The timber is then left out so the preservative can fully fix on the surface grain and deeper into the wood.
- The lower pressure of the timber can allow this to happen at a steady pace.
Test yourself on Timber: Finishes
What is Danish oil made from?
What finish brings out the natural grain in the wood?
Which of these products might one tanalise?
The Tanalising Process