Wood Finish Calculator
Professional wood finish calculator for furniture making and restoration projects. Calculate polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, oil, wax, and varnish requirements with environmental conditions and application guidance.
⚠️ WOOD FINISHING SAFETY NOTICE
Wood finishing requires proper ventilation, protective equipment, and controlled environmental conditions. Always follow manufacturer's safety guidelines and ensure adequate air circulation during application and curing.
Project Specifications
Surface to Finish
Finish Type & Application
Environmental Conditions
Additional Surfaces
Cost Analysis
Finish Results
Enter surface dimensions and finish specifications to calculate your wood finish requirements and application timeline.
Finish Types Guide
Polyurethane offers durability, lacquer provides quick drying, shellac gives natural beauty, oil finishes enhance grain, wax provides soft luster, and varnish offers weather resistance.
Environmental Control
Temperature and humidity significantly affect finish application and curing. Ideal conditions are 65-75°F with 40-50% humidity for most finishes.
Application Methods
Brush application provides control, spray gives smooth finish, wipe-on offers ease of use, pad application reduces bubbles, and roller works for large areas.
Drying & Curing
Allow proper drying time between coats and full curing before use. Different finishes have varying drying times and environmental sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate the total surface area to be finished (length × width for each surface), consider the finish type coverage rate, and multiply by the number of coats. Add 10-15% for waste and touch-ups.
Polyurethane is more durable and water-resistant but takes longer to dry. Lacquer dries quickly and provides a hard finish but is less durable and requires more coats. Polyurethane is better for high-use items.
Most projects need 2-3 coats. The first coat seals the wood, subsequent coats build protection and appearance. High-use surfaces may need 3-4 coats. Sand lightly between coats for best adhesion.
High humidity slows drying and can cause blushing. Low humidity causes fast drying and brush marks. High temperature accelerates drying but may cause bubbles. Ideal conditions are 65-75°F with 40-50% humidity.
Brush application offers the most control and is best for detailed work. Spray provides the smoothest finish for large surfaces. Wipe-on finishes are easiest for beginners. Choose based on your skill level and project size.
Drying time varies by finish type: Lacquer 1-2 hours, Polyurethane 4-6 hours, Oil finishes 8-12 hours, Shellac 2-3 hours. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and test in inconspicuous areas.