< 
Wood Finishing Reference Chart
This handy chart explains what you need to know about the 6 most popular wood finishes.
Varnish
Shellac
Oil/Varnish
Lacquer
Correction: Jeff Richardson of Wood Essence Finishes (woodessence.com) points out that Target Coatings Ultima Spray Lacquer is not a toxic finish to apply. Target USL is a waterbourne lacquer, not a nitro-cellulose lacquer; it’s not non-flammable, featuring very low volatile organic compounds and zero hazardous air pollutants.
Oils
Waterbased
Carl Duguay - carlduguay@gmail.com
Carl is a Victoria-based furniture maker and the senior editor at Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement.
