Choosing the Right Finish for Your Joinery: Lacquer, Oil, or Paint?

When you’ve invested in beautifully crafted bespoke joinery, the finish you choose is just as important as the design itself. It doesn’t just influence how your furniture looks, it also affects how it performs, wears, and ages over time.

Whether it’s a sleek kitchen, a warm oak wardrobe, or a rustic bathroom vanity, the right finish will protect the wood and bring out its natural beauty. Let’s break down the three most popular options - lacquer, oil, and paint - and help you decide which is best for your project.

1. Lacquer: Hardwearing and Contemporary

If you’re looking for a clean, modern finish that resists scratches and stains, lacquer is the way to go. It forms a hard, protective layer on top of timber, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways.

Lacquered joinery is easy to wipe down and maintain, making it a practical choice for families. It’s also available in various sheens - from ultra-matte to high-gloss - so you can achieve the look you want without sacrificing durability.

Best for:

• Kitchens and utility rooms
• Modern interiors
• Households needing easy maintenance

Consider if: You want a flawless, furniture-grade finish that lasts years with minimal upkeep.

2. Oil: Natural and Timeless

Oiled finishes bring out the wood’s natural grain and warmth, enhancing its tactile beauty. Rather than sitting on top of the wood like lacquer, oil soaks in, nourishing and strengthening the timber from within.

This finish suits anyone who loves a more natural, organic aesthetic, and it ages gracefully too. Small scratches or marks can often be buffed out and re-oiled, extending the life of your furniture.

Best for:

• Bedrooms, offices, and living areas
• Rustic or traditional styles
• Homeowners who appreciate natural patina

Consider if: You don’t mind a little periodic maintenance. Oiled joinery benefits from a light top-up once or twice a year.

3. Paint: Colour, Character, and Creativity

Painted joinery is where craftsmanship meets personal style. From soft neutrals to bold statement tones, paint opens up endless design possibilities. It can unify a space, highlight architectural features, or add a pop of personality where you want it most.

When done professionally, painted joinery can still reveal the underlying wood grain while achieving a smooth, luxurious finish. It’s especially popular for fitted kitchens, utility rooms, and bespoke furniture that ties into a room’s wider colour palette.

Best for:

• Kitchens and feature furniture
• Contemporary or country homes
• Anyone wanting colour coordination and flexibility

Consider if: You want creative control. Paint can be refreshed or changed easily when you restyle your home.

4. Sustainability and Maintenance Considerations

Many Scottish joiners, including Remo Volpe Joinery & Building Services, now use low-VOC finishes that are better for both health and the environment. These eco-friendly products reduce harmful emissions without compromising performance or aesthetics.

Whichever finish you choose, proper care is key. Avoid harsh cleaners, use soft microfibre cloths, and keep furniture away from direct heat sources. With the right upkeep, your joinery will look as good as the day it was installed for many years to come.

5. Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, just the right finish for your lifestyle.

• Choose lacquer if you want a sleek, durable surface.
• Choose oil if you prefer natural warmth and easy touch-ups.
• Choose paint if you want creative control and design flexibility.

Whatever your choice, a professional Scottish joiner can help you select the perfect product and apply it to perfection.

If you’re unsure which finish is right for your project, get in touch with Remo Volpe Joinery & Building Services for expert advice tailored to your space.

Ready to pick up a brush?

At Remo Joinery, we specialise in bespoke joinery solutions across Scotland. Whether you want timeless craftsmanship or a sleek modern design, we’ll bring your vision to life with joinery built to last.

Get in touch today to start the conversation about transforming your space.

Call: 07772 329705
Email: remo@remojoinery.co.uk