Woodworking Finishes - Version 1.0 Beginning woodworkers usually have a hard time applying a finish to a project. It seems like nobody cares how hard some joinery or teeny-tiny machining, but when it comes to putting a finish on their work, most woodworkers get as shy as a teenage boy on a first date. "Is this the best finish for my project?" is one I hear a lot.An Initiation RiteOnce you can answer that question calmly, confidently, and comfortably, you've passed a major initiation in the world of wood. Knowing your finishing products really isn't that hard. They only come in a few, easy to learn categories based on what they do to the wood and how much protection they offer. Wasex, oils, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers and water-based finishes. You use a different finish depending o how much protection, durability, repairablilty, look, and how easy to use it is.