Choose a wood finish from its exact approved use, appearance and application instructions. Varnish, polyurethane and lacquer labels do not provide a universal indoor-versus-outdoor or durability ranking.
Start with the surface and use
Identify the timber, previous coating, floor or furniture role and indoor or outdoor exposure. A finish approved for furniture is not automatically suitable for a floor, exterior deck, boat surface or food-contact worktop.
Compare the actual products
Browse woodcare and varnishes and read each product’s specific surface and exposure requirements. Do not assume every varnish is exterior-grade, every polyurethane is a floor finish or every lacquer has the same properties. This guide does not establish that a particular lacquer product is stocked.
Check appearance
Confirm the stated finish and any tint, then assess a small prepared area as instructed. Colour change, sheen and ageing vary by formulation and use; do not use a universal oil-based-versus-water-based yellowing rule.
Compatibility and preparation
Only coat over old varnish, stain or paint where the exact products and preparation are confirmed compatible. Identify the existing finish before selecting a new system. Do not use a general polyurethane-over-varnish recommendation or automatically add a clear finish over floor paint.
Coats, drying and handling
Use the product’s coat count, coverage, between-coat preparation, recoat window and full-cure instructions. No universal drying table applies to every finish. Read the safety sheet for ventilation and protection; water-based does not mean hazard-free.
Exterior and specialist applications
Use a product explicitly approved for the timber and exposure. A yacht name does not establish continuous-immersion suitability or every marine application. For timber floors, read the wood-floor selection guide and confirm traffic approval before ordering.
