A well-applied finish adds the finishing touch to the beauty and durability of wood furniture. A proper finish requires several coats of oil, wax, lacquer or paint to the wood surfaces. Sometimes the grain is "highlighted" using steel wool.

Other than hardwood stains, other types of finishes used in wood furniture construction are:
Pickled. Open pores of the wood are treated with a pigment for contrast. The background of the wood is either left natural or may be stained.
Glazed. Glazes are are often used to even out a lighter and darker areas after the staining and sealing process. Glazes may be transparent or semi-transparent.
Distressed. Distressed furniture finishes involve scuffing “beating up” the furniture to achieve an aged, rustic look with “character”. Distressing, or “fly specking” can be accomplished using anything from a chain with bolts to a paintbrush dipped in black paint to give the wood furniture an aged look.
Painted. Painted furniture can be used to harmonize with a color scheme in a room or achieve a cottage or cabin style. Painted furniture tends to show flaws in the wood, so pieces that are earmarked for a paint finish may need additional preparation to remove any imperfections in the wood before the finish is applied.
Lacquered. Clear and tinted lacquers may also be used to show off the beauty and grain of natural or stained wood. Tinted or opaque finishes change the color of the wood and can make two different woods appear to be the same. Lacquer finishes may be flat or buffed to a high gloss and provide water resistance and extra protection and durability to furniture.

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Putting the finish on furniture is the final payoff for all the hours you've spent removing the old finish, making repairs, sanding, staining, and smoothing. Some might consider the finishing step as routine, others might think it's creative. Either way, it is usually easy to do, if you use the right materials, take your time, and exercise a little patience. In this article, we'll discuss how to pick the best finish for your furniture wood. We'll also review some application techniques, including preparation work and drying tips, so whatever finish you choose should provide a long-lasting look.Of the six basic finishes, all can be beautiful, but when it comes to durability, two types outperform all the others: varnish and penetrating resin. Varnish, the most durable of all finishes, is available in high-gloss, satin, and flat forms for whatever surface shine you want. Applying varnish can be difficult, but the results are worth the work. Penetrating resin sinks into the wood to give it a natural look and feel; it is easy to apply and durable. The other furniture finishes do have their advantages. The one requirement common to all finishes is a dust-free environment during application. Providing this environment isn't easy, but it can be done. Consider using a finish that dries with a matte or flat surface; this type of finish gives you the opportunity to remove dirt and lint with rubbing abrasives.