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Step 1: Understand the Mid-Century Look
Before choosing the right wood finish for your furniture, you should understand the characteristic that defines mid-century style furniture. Mid-century design spans from the mid-1930s through the mid-1960s. A design movement that started in the U.S. and Britain, it champions simplicity, functionality, organic shapes, and eclectic mixes of materials.
Mid-century furniture usually displays wood – either light, medium or dark-hued. In light of this, if you want to preserve this authentic mid-century style, it is best to choose finishes that will match with these tones.
Step 2: Know Your Wood Type
Identifying the type of wood your furniture is made from is fundamental before choosing a finish. Different wood species absorb stains and finishes differently. For example, maple and birch are tight-grained woods that don’t absorb stains as well as open-grained woods like oak and ash. For mid-century furniture, commonly used wood types include teak, walnut, rosewood, and oak. You can choose a finish that emphasizes the natural beauty of the wood grain or one that adds a bit of color and sheen.
Step 3: Select the Right Type of Finish
There are numerous types of finishes available, each bringing its unique set of properties and aesthetics to the table. Here are the most common types which are best suited for mid-century style furniture:
– Oil-Based Finishes: These penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing the grain and adding rich, warm tones. Tung oil and linseed oil are popular choices for mid-century furniture because they are easy to apply and provide a durable, protective layer.
– Wax: Wax gives a low-gloss satin sheen that’s perfect for the mid-century look. It’s best applied over another finish (like oil) as it doesn’t provide a lot of protection on its own.
– Polyurethane: This type of finish is resistant to water and scratches, making it suitable for furniture that will see a lot of use. It provides a high-gloss surface, which is not very typical for mid-century styles, but it can be an option when durability is a top priority.
– Shellac and Lacquer: These are traditional finishes that’s often found on original mid-century pieces. Shellac is made from a resin secreted by a bug and dissolved in alcohol. It is non-toxic, brings out beautiful warm colors in wood, but is less durable. Lacquer provides a durable, high-gloss finish and is commonly used on high-end furniture.
– Varnish: Varnish is a transparent, hard, protective finish that provides good protection against scratch, moisture, and heat.
Step 4: Choose Your Level of Sheen
The level of sheen can significantly affect the look of your piece. It ranges from matte to high gloss. Matte finishes offer a low-sheen look that’s great for hiding blemishes. Satin finishes give you a bit more shine and reflectivity, enhancing the beauty of the wood grain. Semi-gloss and high-gloss formulas produce a reflective, shiny surface that gives a more modern look.
Always ensure that the finish matches the overall aesthetic of the furniture and complements other elements in the room.
Step 5: Application and Maintenance
Lastly, how you apply the finish and maintain it impacts the final result. Some finishes are easy to apply with a cloth, while others may require a brush or sprayer. Regular dusting and wiping with a damp cloth are usually all the maintenance mid-century furniture needs, but regular re-applications of wax or oil finishes could be necessary to protect the wood and keep it looking its best.
By understanding your furniture’s authentic style and needs, and carefully considering your choice of wood finish, you can maintain and enhance the mid-century appeal and durability of your beloved pieces. Using these guidelines will ensure you balance both functional demands and aesthetic pleasure, displaying your mid-century furniture to its finest advantage.
