Choosing Wood Finishes

1. When selecting wood finishes, ensure the product comes from a legitimate manufacturer and includes a quality assurance certificate; verify the production batch number and date, and confirm the product is certified compliant before purchasing.
2. Solvent-based wood finishes are subject to mandatory 3C certification regulations in China; therefore, when purchasing, check the product packaging for the 3C mark.
3. When purchasing wood finishes, request a random inspection report for the specific product issued within the past year. The required content of the report varies by product type: polyurethane finishes must meet the technical requirements of HG/T 2454-2006 (*Solvent-based Polyurethane Wood Finishes*) for application performance and GB 18581-2001 (*Limit of Harmful Substances in Solvent-based Wood Coatings for Interior Decoration*) for environmental safety; water-based wood finishes must meet the technical specifications of HG/T 3828-2006 (*Water-based Wood Finishes for Interior Use*).
4. When selecting polyurethane wood finishes, pay attention to the choice of thinner. Polyurethane finishes purchased in supermarkets typically come in a package containing the base component, a curing agent, and a thinner. Strictly speaking, different types of wood finishes require specific thinners that are not interchangeable. However, considering factors such as solvent price, availability, application safety, and environmental impact, certain common solvents can be blended to serve as substitutes for specific thinners.
5. Purchase water-based wood finishes from reputable home improvement supermarkets or specialty stores. Consumers can choose based on their budget and the classification of the finish: for a lower price point, select "Type I" water-based finishes; for mid-to-high-end or premium renovations, "Type II" or "Type III" finishes are preferable.
6. When distinguishing between different types of water-based wood finishes, the sense of smell can be a helpful guide: acrylic finishes tend to have a slightly acidic odor, whereas polyurethane finishes often have a faint, oily scent.