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Why finish Querkus
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Finishing options
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Finishing instructions
Querkus offers pre-sanded panels, flex, sheets, edge banding, slats and coustics - ready for your finishing touch. Why does finishing matter? Because it’s the step that brings out the wood’s true character and keeps it looking great for years.
A good finish protects against wear, sunlight and moisture, while making the grain and texture stand out. These instructions walk you through the essentials - so your project looks and performs exactly as you imagined.
Before you start, one step makes all the difference: sanding. Even though Querkus panels are pre-sanded, giving them a final pass ensures the finish sticks perfectly and lasts. Think of it as setting the foundation for durability and a flawless look.
Next, choose the finish that fits your project:
- Oil for a natural feel and deep protection.
- Varnish for extra resistance against stains and wear.
Want a custom tone? Staining before finishing is always an option. And if you want the grain to really stand out, go for a brushed finish - it adds texture and character you can see and feel. Explore our brushing techniques.
One more tip: Always follow the instructions from your varnish or oil supplier. It’s the best way to guarantee the result you expect.
You have several ways to finish Querkus panels, but oils and varnishes are the most common. Here’s what you need to know:
- Oil finish: Keeps the wood’s natural look and penetrates deep into the pores, protecting against water and liquids. The trade-off? It needs regular care to stay in top shape.
- Varnish finish: Creates a strong seal for maximum resistance to stains and grease - perfect for dining tables and worktops. Prefer a subtle look? Go for a matt varnish for a refined finish.
- Extra protection against sunlight: UV light can change the colour of wood over time. To slow this down, choose finishing products with UV blockers. They help maintain the original tone and reduce fading.
- Want a specific colour? Stain the veneer before varnishing or oiling. Darker stains help mask natural colour changes, while adding white pigmentation reflects UV light for extra protection.
Pro tip: Download our finishing instructions for three recommended products that offer optimal UV protection.
- Check the veneer first. Make sure the surface is clean and ready before you begin.
- Sand along the grain. This prevents scratches and gives you a smooth base. Remove all dust before moving on.
- Apply your chosen finish. Whether it’s varnish or oil, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for the best result.
- Let it cure properly. The final coat needs time to dry in a dust-free space. Depending on the varnish type, this can take several days.
Tip: Querkus boards are pre-sanded, but a quick final sanding with fine grit makes a big difference. It removes any glue residue and ensures a flawless finish.
Pro tips for a perfect finish
- Create the right environment: Work in a well-ventilated space with moderate humidity and temperature. Extreme conditions can affect drying times and finish quality.
- Don’t overwork the surface: Once an area starts to dry, leave it. Reworking can cause streaks and unevenness.
- Choose your varnish wisely:
- Oil-based varnishes give a rich colour and excellent durability, but they take longer to dry.
- Water-based varnishes dry faster and have less odour, though they may raise the grain slightly.
For the best protection against UV light on veneer, we recommend:
- Sherwin Williams – ICA (solvent-based finish, spray application)
- Sherwin Williams – OECO (water-based 2K system, spray application)
- Hesse PUR (solvent-based finish, spray application) – ideal for Querkus Terra references.
Standard finish for Querkus: HESSE PURA-NATURA HDE 52-0.
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