Coatings, particularly wood coatings, are typically utilized to beautify and protect a substrate. Beautification is normally accomplished through adept color styling, generally through accentuating the wood grain with transparent stains and/or semi-transparent stains, or by applying an adeptly styled and designed opaque coating system. Protecting the beautified article may be accomplished by applying a clear or translucent coating system having physical properties such that environmental and/or use stresses that the item may be exposed to are sufficiently resisted in order to maintain the beauty and functionality of the item. The coating protection property is dependent upon the coating having adequate and uniform film build, proper physical properties, combined with longevity or durability of such physical properties. The coating beautification property is dependent upon the designed color and/or effect of the coating system, the coating having excellent flow and leveling, and, particularly for wood finishes, the coating system having excellent finish clarity or patina.
Finishing wood is an art and science that is based upon knowledge of the properties of the wood and the finishing materials. It is important to consider the properties of wood, its species, anatomy, color, chemical composition and extractives to successfully finish wood such that a beautiful, durable finish is obtained. In this regard, it is wise to consider the wood substrate as part of the finishing system.