Woodcare Oils, Polishes, Lacquers, Sealers and Strippers
Shop professional woodcare products for restoring, colouring, protecting and maintaining wooden furniture, cabinetry, joinery and interior timber.
Livedale supplies furniture oils, traditional French polishes, shellac sealers, fast-drying lacquers, paint and varnish strippers, specialist thinners and preparation spirits.
These furniture-finishing products may also be described as:
- Wood finishes
- Furniture restoration products
- Timber treatments
- Wood oils and polishes
- Furniture lacquers and sealers
- Wood refinishing products
- Cabinet-making finishes
- Wood stripping and preparation products
- Professional furniture-care products
The correct product depends on the timber, existing coating, required colour, working environment and the amount of protection or sheen required.
Choose from:
- Furniture Lacquers
- Woodcare and Furniture Oils
- Furniture Polishes and Wood Sealers
- Paint Strippers, Thinners and Spirits
Shop Furniture Wood Finishes by Type
Fast-Drying Furniture Lacquers
Browse Furniture Lacquers and Fast-Drying Wood Finishes for professional coatings used to seal and protect furniture, cabinetry and suitable interior timber.
The range includes fast-drying AC lacquer in a choice of sheen levels.
Furniture lacquer may also be known as:
- Wood lacquer
- Cabinet lacquer
- Clear furniture finish
- Protective wood coating
- Spray-applied furniture finish
- Acid-catalyst lacquer
- Fast-drying timber lacquer
Lacquer forms a protective coating over prepared timber and may be used to enhance wood grain, protect stained surfaces and create a consistent furniture finish.
Potential applications include:
- Tables and chairs
- Cabinets and sideboards
- Furniture frames
- Doors and panels
- Timber mouldings
- Shopfitting components
- New furniture manufacture
- Professional restoration work
The finished appearance depends on the selected sheen, surface preparation, application method and number of coats.
Choosing a Lacquer Sheen
A lower-sheen finish creates a more restrained appearance and generally reflects less light.
A higher-sheen lacquer provides a brighter, more reflective surface and can emphasise colour and grain.
Consider:
- The original furniture finish
- Expected level of handling
- Surrounding furniture
- Timber colour
- Visibility of surface marks
- Required maintenance
- Whether the lacquer will be sprayed or otherwise applied
Test the complete stain-and-lacquer system on a prepared sample before coating the finished furniture.
Furniture Oils and Natural Wood Treatments
Browse Furniture Oils and Natural Wood Finishes for penetrating treatments that nourish timber and enhance its natural appearance.
The range includes:
- Boiled linseed oil
- Danish oil
- Raw linseed oil
- Teak oil
- Tung oil
Wood oils may also be described as:
- Furniture finishing oils
- Timber oils
- Penetrating wood finishes
- Natural wood treatments
- Protective furniture oils
- Cabinet-making oils
- Wood-grain enhancing finishes
Unlike lacquer, which forms a defined coating over the surface, many furniture oils penetrate into the timber and build protection through repeated applications.
Potential applications include:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Cabinets
- Worktops
- Shelving
- Turned timber
- Interior joinery
- Garden and exterior timber where the selected product is suitable
The correct oil depends on the timber, location, previous finish and required appearance.
Boiled Linseed Oil
Boiled linseed oil is commonly used to nourish and enhance suitable bare timber.
It generally dries more quickly than raw linseed oil and may be used where a traditional oil finish is required.
Potential uses include:
- Furniture
- Timber handles
- Interior woodwork
- Traditional joinery
- Suitable exterior timber
- Restored wooden components
Raw Linseed Oil
Raw linseed oil is a traditional natural treatment for wood and may also be used as a lubricant during French polishing.
It penetrates timber slowly and normally requires longer drying periods than boiled linseed oil.
It may also be used to soften suitable traditional putty that has become stiff.
Danish Oil
Danish oil provides an easily maintained furniture finish that enhances the natural timber grain.
It may suit:
- Furniture
- Tables and worktops
- Doors
- Panelling
- Shelving
- Turned timber
- General interior joinery
Apply thin, controlled coats and remove excess product according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Teak Oil
Teak oil is commonly used on teak, hardwood and suitable furniture requiring a penetrative oil treatment.
Potential applications include:
- Teak furniture
- Hardwood chairs and tables
- Mid-century furniture
- Interior timber
- Suitable exterior furniture
- Replacement furniture components
The natural timber colour, previous coating and number of applications will affect the finished appearance.
Tung Oil
Tung oil provides a traditional penetrating finish for suitable wooden furniture and timber.
It can be built through multiple coats to enhance the grain and create a more substantial protective finish.
Allow each application to dry properly before adding further coats.
Furniture Polishes and Wood Sealers
Browse Furniture Polishes, French Polish and Wood Sealers for traditional polishing products, shellac finishes and preparation sealers.
The range includes:
- Button polish
- French polish
- Garnet polish
- Heat-resistant pale polish
- Knotting sealer
- Shellac sanding sealer
- Special white polish
- Transparent shellac polish
These products may also be described as:
- Shellac polish
- Furniture polish
- French-polishing finish
- Timber sealer
- Sanding sealer
- Knotting solution
- Traditional cabinet polish
- Wood-finishing sealer
Traditional French Polish
French polish is a shellac-based furniture finish traditionally applied in repeated thin layers using a polishing rubber or pad.
It may be used on suitable:
- Antique furniture
- Cabinets
- Tables
- Chairs
- Decorative timber
- Musical instruments
- Traditional joinery
- Fine furniture restoration
A French-polished surface can provide clarity, depth and a characteristic polished sheen.
Successful application depends on:
- Thorough surface preparation
- Clean working materials
- Controlled application
- Thin coats
- Correct drying time
- Suitable polishing technique
- Careful cutting back between stages
Button and Garnet Polishes
Button polish and garnet polish provide warmer, darker shellac finishes than pale or transparent alternatives.
They can help enrich suitable:
- Mahogany
- Walnut
- Dark oak
- Antique furniture
- Traditional cabinet work
- Period-style furniture
The existing timber colour and any applied stain will influence the final appearance.
Pale and Transparent Shellac Finishes
Pale, special white and transparent shellac polishes may be more suitable where the natural colour of lighter timber needs to be retained.
Potential applications include:
- Pale furniture
- Light-coloured timber
- Decorative cabinet work
- Restoration requiring minimal colour change
- Timber already coloured with stain
Always prepare a finished sample before treating the complete furniture item.
Shellac Sanding Sealer
Shellac sanding sealer is used to seal prepared timber before the final polishing or finishing coats.
It can help:
- Reduce uneven absorption
- Bind loose surface fibres
- Create a more consistent foundation
- Make subsequent sanding easier
- Prepare timber for compatible finishing systems
Once dry, the sealer may be lightly cut back using a suitable fine abrasive before the next coating is applied.
Knotting Sealer Solution
Knotting solution is applied to resinous knots before painting or applying a compatible finish.
It helps isolate natural resin that could otherwise bleed through the completed coating.
Potential uses include:
- Pine furniture
- Softwood doors
- Timber mouldings
- Joinery
- New wooden components
- Furniture frames containing visible knots
The knot must be clean, dry and properly prepared before the sealer is applied.
Paint Strippers, Thinners and Preparation Spirits
Browse Paint Strippers, Cellulose Thinners and Woodcare Spirits for removing old finishes, thinning compatible coatings and cleaning suitable tools or surfaces.
The range includes:
- Cellulose thinners
- Methylated spirit
- Rustins Strypit paint and varnish stripper
- Xylene thinners
These products may also be described as:
- Wood-finish removers
- Paint and varnish strippers
- Lacquer thinners
- Solvent cleaners
- Furniture-restoration solvents
- Wood-preparation spirits
- Coating reducers
- Spray-equipment cleaners
Each product has a specific purpose and should only be used with compatible coatings, tools and surfaces.
Cellulose Thinners
Cellulose thinners may be used for thinning compatible cellulose products and cleaning suitable application equipment.
Potential workshop uses include:
- Adjusting compatible lacquer viscosity
- Cleaning spray guns
- Cleaning suitable brushes and equipment
- Removing compatible wet coating residue
- Professional furniture finishing
Do not use cellulose thinners with an unrelated coating system unless compatibility has been confirmed.
Methylated Spirit
Methylated spirit is widely used within traditional furniture finishing and French polishing.
Potential uses include:
- Thinning compatible shellac polish
- Cleaning suitable equipment
- Preparing compatible surfaces
- Traditional French-polishing work
- Removing certain residues
Use only in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from flames, sparks and other ignition sources.
Paint and Varnish Stripper
Paint and varnish stripper can help soften and remove suitable old coatings before furniture is repaired, recoloured or refinished.
It may be used on compatible:
- Paint
- Varnish
- Lacquer
- Furniture coatings
- Timber mouldings
- Doors and panels
- Detailed furniture components
A chemical stripper can be particularly useful around carvings, mouldings and corners where aggressive sanding could alter the original timber profile.
Xylene Thinners
Xylene is a strong solvent used with compatible coatings and for suitable specialist cleaning or thinning work.
It should only be used where the product or coating manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Check:
- Product compatibility
- Working ventilation
- Required protective equipment
- Suitable container materials
- Safe storage
- Disposal instructions
Choosing the Correct Woodcare Product
The required product depends on the stage of the restoration or finishing process.
Removing an old coating
Choose a compatible paint and varnish stripper where the existing finish needs to be removed before repairs or refinishing.
Cleaning and preparing the timber
Use suitable spirits, abrasives, brushes and preparation cloths to remove contamination and create a clean working surface.
Repairing damaged wood
Browse Wood Fillers, Waxes and Furniture Touch-Up Repairs for cracks, dents, holes, scratches and localised damage.
Colouring bare timber
Browse Light-Fast Furniture Wood Stains for fast-drying alcohol-based wood stains in traditional furniture colours.
Sealing prepared timber
Choose a compatible sanding sealer where the surface needs sealing and levelling before further polishing or coating.
Applying a protective finish
Choose oil, shellac polish or lacquer according to the timber, intended appearance and required level of protection.
Maintaining an existing finish
Use a compatible polish, wax or reviving treatment where the existing coating remains sound and does not require complete removal.
Oils, Polishes or Lacquers?
Choose furniture oil where:
- The natural appearance of the timber should be enhanced
- A penetrative finish is preferred
- Future maintenance needs to remain straightforward
- The wood is suitable for oil treatment
Choose French polish or shellac where:
- A traditional furniture finish is required
- Antique or reproduction furniture is being restored
- Clarity, warmth and depth are important
- The application method suits the project
Choose lacquer where:
- A harder surface coating is required
- Faster professional finishing is needed
- A consistent sheen is important
- The product will be applied with suitable equipment
Do not apply one finishing system over another without confirming compatibility.
Preparing Furniture Before Finishing
Careful preparation is essential for an even, durable result.
A typical preparation process may include:
- Identifying the existing finish.
- Cleaning away dirt, grease and wax.
- Removing incompatible coatings.
- Repairing damaged timber.
- Sanding the surface evenly.
- Removing all dust.
- Testing the selected colour.
- Applying stain where required.
- Sealing the timber.
- Applying the chosen protective finish.
Browse:
- Steel Wool and Furniture Abrasives
- Woodcare Brushes
- Woodcare Cloths and Tack Rags
- Wood Fillers and Touch-Up Products
Remaining wax, silicone, glue, grease or patches of old finish can cause poor adhesion and uneven colour.
Applying Wood Oils
A typical oil-finishing process may involve:
- Preparing the bare or compatible timber.
- Removing all sanding dust.
- Testing the oil on an inconspicuous area.
- Applying a controlled amount with a brush or lint-free cloth.
- Working it evenly along the grain.
- Allowing the oil to penetrate.
- Removing excess product as directed.
- Allowing the correct drying time.
- Lightly preparing between coats where required.
- Applying further coats until the desired finish is achieved.
Do not leave heavy pools of oil on the surface unless specifically instructed.
Applying Furniture Polish and Shellac
Traditional shellac polish is normally applied in thin controlled layers.
The surface should be:
- Clean
- Smooth
- Dry
- Free from wax and grease
- Evenly coloured
- Properly sealed where required
Use clean, lint-free application materials and avoid contaminating the polish with dust or old finishing residue.
Raw linseed oil may be used as a lubricant during suitable French-polishing work.
Applying Furniture Lacquer
Professional lacquer application requires suitable equipment, ventilation and working conditions.
Before application:
- Check product compatibility
- Prepare and clean the timber
- Test the colour and sheen
- Mix or thin only as directed
- Use suitable spray or application equipment
- Apply controlled coats
- Maintain appropriate ventilation
- Allow each coat to dry properly
- Cut back between coats where required
- Protect the finished surface during curing
Do not spray solvent-based coatings without appropriate professional extraction and respiratory protection.
Abrasives and De-Nibbing Between Coats
Fine abrasives may be used between compatible finishing coats to remove dust nibs and minor imperfections.
Browse Steel Wool, Wire Wool and Wood-Finishing Abrasives for:
- Fine wire wool
- Foam-backed sanding pads
- Cabinet glasspaper
- Aluminium-oxide abrasive paper
The selected abrasive must be fine enough to avoid cutting through the coating or damaging furniture edges.
Remove all sanding residue before applying the next coat.
Brushes and Application Cloths
Browse:
Use a suitable applicator for the product:
- Finishing brushes for oil, varnish and compatible coatings
- Fitch brushes for mouldings and detailed timber
- Touch-up brushes for localised repairs
- Lint-free cloths for oils and polishing
- Tack rags for final dust removal
- Mixing cups for preparing compatible finishing products
Keep separate brushes and cloths for different finishing systems to reduce cross-contamination.
Testing Wood Finishes
Before coating the completed furniture:
- Prepare a sample of the same or similar timber.
- Apply any proposed stain.
- Allow it to dry fully.
- Apply the intended sealer.
- Add the selected oil, polish or lacquer.
- Allow the complete system to cure.
- Check colour and sheen.
- Assess adhesion.
- Compare it under different lighting.
- Record the products and application method.
A finish can appear considerably different once stain, sealer and topcoat are combined.
Safe Use of Woodcare Finishes and Solvents
Many lacquers, polishes, thinners, spirits and stripping products are flammable or contain strong solvents.
Before use:
- Read the label and safety information
- Ensure suitable ventilation
- Keep products away from flames and sparks
- Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection
- Use respiratory protection where specified
- Protect nearby upholstery fabric and foam
- Keep containers closed when not in use
- Store products securely
- Clean spills safely
- Dispose of waste correctly
Cloths contaminated with oils or solvents may present a fire risk.
Do not leave used cloths crumpled together or place them directly into ordinary workshop waste. Follow the product manufacturer’s storage and disposal instructions.
Trade Woodcare Finishes and Restoration Products
Livedale supplies furniture oils, French polishes, shellac sealers, professional lacquers, paint strippers, thinners and preparation spirits to furniture restorers, cabinet makers, joiners, wood finishers, upholsterers, manufacturers and training workshops throughout the UK.
The range covers:
- Preparing and stripping furniture
- Traditional French polishing
- Sealing bare timber
- Applying natural oil finishes
- Professional lacquer finishing
- Cleaning application equipment
- Furniture restoration and maintenance
Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.
Choose each product according to the timber, existing finish, application method and complete finishing system.