Wood finishes are used to preserve wooden surfaces throughout the home. Finishes form a protective barrier to limit the amount of visible surface damage to wood which can be easily dented or scratched. Wooden surfaces that are not particularly dense will require a finish that is more durable to provide prolonged protection. Durability concerns the make up of the finish as opposed to the amount of coats required. There are a variety of finishes available for a range of purposes. The most common and effective methods are detailed below.
Oil wood finish is a traditional finish for wood. After the oil has been applied it sets into the wood and forms a seal which isn't particularly thick; suiting surfaces which receive light use. Oil finishes that have been cured offer the best results, particularly Linseed and Tung oil.
Varnishing wood is another popular choice, offering high levels of protection for everyday use. Unlike oil, multiple layers can be applied to moderate the durability providing a tailored solution to suit your needs. Although a practical finish, problems can arise after application. For best results, leave the wood to dry where there is little dust or moisture in the air as this can effect the setting of the varnish and give an uneven texture.
Shellac is another alternative, mainly used for surfaces that receive light use throughout the day. Shellac is popular as it dries quickly and is available in a selection of colours to compliment your personal colour scheme.
Lacquer is often applied to furniture manufactured in factories as an effective seal. Similar to Shellac, lacquer is quick drying so therefore has less of a risk of becoming spoilt by dust or residue settling in the grains 
of the wood.
Water based finishes fulfil a selection of needs. Formed from a latex base without pigment, water based finishes are a more environmentally friendly solution that is also easy to wipe clean. Due to its consistency, care needs to be taken while applying the finish to prevent brush marks from being visible and to reduce the appearance of bubbles.
Wood finishes serve more than one purpose. As well as adding extended life to surfaces, wood finishes can be used to complement the colour scheme and mood of a room to suit your needs.