There are several options available to you when thinking about finishing exposed wood both inside and outside your home. This guide will hopefully help you choose the right finish for the job at hand.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil or Solvent based paints are probably the most popular finish for interior wood. Oil-based paint is hard wearing and can easily be wiped down if it gets dirty. This means that with a careful first application, you shouldn't need to repaint for several years. The range of colours available is simply huge and it available in a variety of finishes, including gloss and satin. A good undercoat or primer is essential if you want your painted wood to stay looking good.

Gloss Emulsion

Gloss emulsion combines the easy of application of emulsion, with the durability and finish of a traditional oil-based gloss paint. It is easy to apply and dries much faster than a true gloss paint. Gloss emulsion can be used both inside and outside, and unlike oil-based paint, will allow moisture to escape, whilst protecting from rainwater. You will need to apply a compatible gloss emulsion primer (two coats if possible) for the best results.

Varnish

If you want to protect the wood inside and outside your home, but do not want to cover it with paint, varnish could be the answer. Most varnish is based on polyurethane resin as this dries to a very hard finish and should be scratch and heat resistant. Normal varnish is generally ready to apply, but some varnishes (e.g. floor varnish) can need a catalyst added before use. Varnish is available in gloss, satin or matt finishes. If planning to varnish exterior wood, go for an exterior-grade varnish which is formulated specifically to resist the action of the weather.

You can also buy coloured varnish, should you wish to retain the look of the wood, but add a stain to the surface. As varnish does not sink into the wood, heavy wear can cause some loss of colour in places. You can help to prevent this by applying clear varnish over the top of the coloured varnish.

Wood Stain

Wood stain differs from paint and varnish in that it penetrates into the surface of the wood rather than coating the surface. Because of this, most general purpose wood stains do not offer any protection from moisture and a sealing layer of clear varnish or wax polish is a good idea. You can buy protective woodstain for exterior joinery (often called microporous paint) which will allow the wood to "breathe" whilst giving it a weather-resistant coating.

Preservers

Wood preservers such as creosote are specifically designed for exterior use on things like decking and timber fencing. The preserver penetrates deep into the surface of the wood and protects against rot and insects. Traditional creosote is still very popular, but there are also many other types of preserver available, including less smelly organic solvent preservers. These are particularly good for wooden framed greenhouses or timber planters. Preservers are available ...

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