Custom Amish Furniture Finish:

see also Amish Furniture Wood Samples

We prefer to use a natural oil finish for all of our custom Amish furniture and custom Amish cabinetry. Neither do we usually use stain for our custom furniture & cabinets. Especially for Cherry and Walnut, the natural beauty of the wood remains and over time, a rich, warm patina can develop. Our oil finish for the furniture and cabinets is a special mixture made up of primarily Tung and Linseed Oils. Most of our custom furniture and kitchen cabinets are finished with this strong lustrous oil finish consisting of 4 coats followed by a coat of beeswax. Pieces are sanded between each coat. The result is furniture that is satin to the touch.

We use an oil for the furniture finish because it actually penetrates the wood and is very water resistant. However, it does take a few months for the oil to fully cure. While oil is not as water resistant as Polyurethane, it also will never yellow, scratch, peel or chip. And an oil finish will never have to be stripped or completely refinished. You can refreshen your Amish furniture or cabinets by just applying a little oil with a cloth rag.

We do offer Polyurethane as an option for custom furniture and custom cabinetry, however, if you do feel strongly that this is what you need. Polyurethane is a finish that coats the outside of the wood and provides protection from water. However, over the long run, it may require total refinishing as the original finish wears off.

Other finishes (such as custom stains, varnishes, paints or milk paint) are also available at your request for custom Amish furniture and custom Amish cabinetry.

We also offer special finishes for chemically sensitive people such as Tried and True natural linseed oil finish.

Caring for Amish Furniture and Cabinetry

Oil finishes for furniture and cabinets are easy to maintain and does not require much care. Spills can be wiped up with a rag. However, you should always use coasters for wet/hot glasses and containers.

Once or twice a year, we recommend polishing your custom furniture and cabinets with a good furniture polish or lemon oil to keep the wood from drying out. If desired, you can also apply a coat of paste wax or beeswax with a clean cloth to your Amish furniture. A wax finish will offer additional protection from water and will also make your custom furniture shine. If you need to first remove old wax, you can lightly wipe off the furniture first with a cloth damped in Murphy's Oil Soap and water.

Copyright Branch Hill Joinery Custom Amish Furniture, Cabinetry & Quilts 2005