Wood Finishes

Wood finishes vary from paint, stain, glazing, high gloss, semi-gloss, and matte. Other surface treatments such as crackling, flyspecking, sand through, and distressing can be added to the finish.

When painting wood doors, keep in mind that hairline cracks may develop where the doorframe connects because wood expands and contracts with humidity. The advantages of wood are its warmth, its ability to take on many different finishes and styles, and its ability to conceal and retouch small scratches and dings. The disadvantage is that it is inherently unstable and may warp--try adjusting the hinges before you call for help.