WOOD STAINS & FINISHES
Interior stains and finishes, including varnishes, lacquers, shellacs, and natural oils, are used to colour and protect wood. While some water-based and natural oil finishes are safer, others — especially solvent-based coatings like catalyzed lacquers — can emit high levels of VOCs and contain hazardous substances. Products differ in toxicity depending on ingredients and application methods. Some are safe if applied in factory settings and allowed to fully cure before use.
Priority of choice
Best choice
Good alternatives
Less recommended / Better to avoid
- Factory-applied stains and finishes with time to cure,
- Water-based stains and finishes with low or zero VOCs (check for the absence of glycol ether solvents and isocyanates).
- Plant-based oils (with awareness of drying time, allergenicity and possibility of added drying agents like heavy metals).
- Solvent-based acrylics, urethanes, or varnishes,
- Catalyzed lacquers (contain urea formaldehyde),
- Products with methanol, NMP, toluene, or xylene solvents,
- High-VOC nitrocellulose or acrylic-modified lacquers.
Tips for healthier choice
- Avoid applying finishes on site — prefer pre-finished products.
- Choose water-based or plant-based finishes for indoor use. But ask the manufacturer or check the safety data sheet for toxic ingredients like cobalt, lead, chromium, glycol ether solvents, and isocyanates.
- Allow the products to cure completely before moving into the room.
- Read the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) for ingredients and warnings.
- Always ensure good ventilation and use appropriate PPE during application.
- Avoid products that are not durable or easy to repair in heavily used locations.
Certifications to look for
