Wood finishing is an important phase in carpentry. It ensures that imperfections in the surface of the wood are minimized or hidden. Here is a list of the basic wood finishing tools every woodworker should have:

Sandpaper

This is a form of abrasive paper, with particles attached. Sandpaper is very useful for removing small amounts of material or for smoothing the surface of the work piece.

Sandpaper also comes in many different grits and types, depending on the tasks it is used for.

sanding blocks

Sanding blocks are made by wrapping a 1/4 sheet of sandpaper around a block of wood to provide stronger support.

Steel wool or bronze

It comes in different grades and different brands. Steel/bronze wool pads are used for the final finish. However, if you plan to use water to increase the grain of the wood, avoid using them. Also, remember that steel wool pads must be degreased before using them for woodworking.

wood stains

Wood stains are a type of paint that penetrates the wood without hiding the natural pattern of the wood. However, the color of the stain can be seen on the surface of the wood.

straight oils

Pure oils (usually pure tung oil, raw or boiled flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and mineral oil) are used for things like butcher blocks, cutting boards, and workbenches. You can apply as many layers of these oils as you like. Pure oils should be applied to items being handled as they easily attract dirt and grime.

Varnish

A varnish is a pure oil to which a resin has been added. These have polyurethane or other resins in the mix to make the mix even more flexible.

Mixtures of oils and varnishes

They offer great protection and are also easy to apply like straight oils. However, it is not recommended to use them on objects that are used frequently.

lacquers

The finish color of the lacquers is a semi-translucent light brown. There are also black, yellow, green, red and blue lacquers. Applied liberally, lacquers give the finish a more vibrant look.

water based finishes

Water-based finishes look milky when fresh and turn clear when dry. They are the perfect choice for high-traffic areas due to their good wear resistance. They can be applied over light colored paints or stains so the base coat shows up clearly.

brushes

Always keep a good variety of brushes in your toolbox. They come in many different sizes. The type and size of the brush will determine the look of the finished piece.

spray guns

Gus sprays are a great alternative to brushes, especially when you want to go faster.