How to choose the right color and finish for your woodworking project?

After building a piece of furniture, the last step you’d want to think carefully about is choosing the color and finish of your masterpiece. No matter how expertly you’ve built a table, it won’t look as good if the color doesn’t look right.

If you’re having trouble on this part, this article lists down important tips on how to choose the right color and finish for your woodworking project.

CHOOSING THE PAINT COLOR

Do you simply choose a paint color randomly for your furniture, not taking into consideration how it’ll look together with your other furniture pieces?
If yes, then this is a surefire way to look like you’ve done a sloppy job.

Here are some ways on how to chose the right paint color for your future woodworking projects:

• Color coordinate paint colors

In the room you’ll be placing your newly made furniture in, pay attention to what colors are most dominant. A bright orange chair might look too harsh when placed next to an electric green wall, but changing the saturation might make these two colors go well together.

• Match the paint colors

Oftentimes, people choose the whitest paint and use it as a contrast color for their interiors. If you’ve already painted your walls white, it’s fine to paint your furniture white as well. However, painting your walls and your furniture in the same shade of white could look boring or dull.

If you want to retain the same shade, using different shades in the same color family could also work. Just make sure to limit it to at least three variations.

• Use a matching color for the trimming

You might be tempted to add accent colors to your furniture. While it may be a good idea, it’s not exactly recommended to use colors that are too contrasting.

For example, using a pure white trim on a maroon furniture will make the color contrast too stark. To solve this, most people would use another shade of white. Instead of using pure white, try using a cream color instead. This softens and complements the color maroon.

CHOOSING THE WOOD FINISH

When plagued with the question of how to choose the right color and finish for your woodworking project, it’s important to know what different types of finishes there are. The five common types of finishes for furniture are (1) brush-on polyurethane, (2) oil finishes, (3) shellac, (4) wax and (5) wiping varnishes.

Once you familiarize yourself with the properties of each, then it’ll be so much easier to choose. Here are some things you should consider:

• Protection

The type of finish you choose should be able to provide protection to your woodworking project. Check if the finish you want to use can improve wood’s resistance against scratches, or if a certain finish makes wood more durable. This should be an important consideration if you want your project to last.

• Your comfort with the application method and tools

Some finishes can be applied with a brush, while others should be wiped on with a rag. There are even some finishes that can be sprayed on. Choose which finish you will be most comfortable applying.

• Aesthetic

This is a huge factor to consider since you’ll want your finished project to be pleasing to look at and well-made. If you want to use your project for your bedroom, go for the finish that produces the look that you have in mind. Don’t choose a glossy finish if you want your furniture to have a flat look.

In addition to these tips on how to choose the right color and finish for your woodworking project, you can also solicit suggestions from your local hardware store. They’ll be happy to help!