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Best Finish For Cherry Wood (2025 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to enhance the look of your cherry wood furniture, you might be considering a finish for cherry wood. However, it’s important to understand the different factors you should take into consideration before purchasing any finishing product.

Firstly, you need to consider the type of cherry wood you have. Different finishes may work differently with different types of cherry wood. Additionally, you should consider the type of environment your furniture is in. If your furniture is exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight, you might need a finish that can protect it from these environmental factors.

Another important factor to consider is the color and the level of gloss you want to achieve. Some finishes may give your cherry wood a dull appearance, while others might enhance the natural beauty of the wood. It’s important to know what kind of finish you’re looking for before making a purchase.

So, are you ready to enhance the natural beauty of your cherry wood furniture? Do you want to protect it from environmental factors that could damage it? Maybe you just want to add a beautiful shine to it or bring out its natural color. Whatever your goal is, finding the perfect finish for your cherry wood doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Keep reading for some tips and questions to consider before making your purchase.

10 Best Finish For Cherry Wood

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for organizing and displaying books, decorative items or office supplies in a stylish manner.
2
Restoring and refinishing furniture or wood surfaces to their original beauty and shine.
3
This product is ideal for displaying items vertically with its adjustable shelves and stylish Saratoga cherry finish.
4
Ideal for restoring and refinishing wood furniture, cabinets, doors, and paneling to their original shine and color.
5
The product is ideal for wall and storage organization, with 15 shelves and a cherry wood finish.
6
Ideal for organizing and managing cords with two door options for TVs up to 70 inches in a cherry finish.
7
Ideal for holding and displaying a large television with its sturdy structure and attractive finish.
8
This product is ideal for staining and protecting wood surfaces while providing a glossy, natural cherry finish.
9
The product is ideal for creating a classic and elegant workspace with ample storage and work surface.
10
This product is ideal for staining wood surfaces with a rich, cherry color and a long-lasting finish.
The product is ideal for organizing and displaying books, decorative items or office supplies in a stylish manner.
Restoring and refinishing furniture or wood surfaces to their original beauty and shine.
This product is ideal for displaying items vertically with its adjustable shelves and stylish Saratoga cherry finish.
Ideal for restoring and refinishing wood furniture, cabinets, doors, and paneling to their original shine and color.
The product is ideal for wall and storage organization, with 15 shelves and a cherry wood finish.
Ideal for organizing and managing cords with two door options for TVs up to 70 inches in a cherry finish.
Ideal for holding and displaying a large television with its sturdy structure and attractive finish.
This product is ideal for staining and protecting wood surfaces while providing a glossy, natural cherry finish.
The product is ideal for creating a classic and elegant workspace with ample storage and work surface.
This product is ideal for staining wood surfaces with a rich, cherry color and a long-lasting finish.

1. Sauder Select Collection 5-Shelf Bookcase, Select Cherry Finish

The Select Cherry Bookcase is a perfect solution for organizing books, decorative items, and other belongings. It comes with three adjustable shelves that can be arranged to suit your storage needs. The bookcase has a Select Cherry finish that blends well with most home décor styles. The bookcase is constructed from engineered wood, which is durable and long-lasting.

The patented slide-on moldings make the assembly process quick and easy. You can have the bookcase up and ready to use in no time. The bookcase has five open storage shelves that provide ample space for displaying your favorite home décor. The bookcase is finished on all sides, making it versatile and easy to place anywhere in your home.

The assembled dimensions of the bookcase are L: 35.276" x W: 13.228" x H: 69.764". The bookcase is an excellent addition to any room in your home, from the living room to the office. It is sturdy and reliable, making it a good investment in your home organization.

Pros

  • Three adjustable shelves offer flexible storage options
  • Quick and easy assembly with patented slide-on moldings
  • Select Cherry finish blends well with most home décor
  • Durable and long-lasting engineered wood construction
  • Finished on all sides for versatile placement anywhere in your home
  • Five open storage shelves provide ample space for displaying your favorite home décor

2. Howard Products Rf9016 Rf3016 Restor-A-Finish, 16 Oz, Cherry

Restor-A-Finish is a quick and easy solution to restore wood finishes without the need for complete refinishing. This unique formula penetrates the wood finish and blends out minor scratches, blemishes, and abrasions. It is available in nine colors, including Neutral, Maple-Pine, Golden Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Mahogany, Dark Walnut, Dark Oak, and Ebony Brown, to match almost any wood finish tone. The product is suitable for all light reddish shades of wood.

The simple wipe-on, wipe-off process makes it easier to use and restores most finished wood surfaces that seem to need a complete refinishing job in a few minutes. Restor-A-Finish also removes white heat rings, watermarks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes, making it an ideal solution for restoring old furniture.

One of the significant advantages of Restor-A-Finish is that it restores the finish without removing any of the existing finish. So, before you go to the extreme of stripping it, try Restor-A-Finish. Please note that this item is not for sale in Catalina Island.

Pros

  • Restores wood finishes without the need for complete refinishing
  • Available in nine colors to match almost any wood finish tone
  • Removes white heat rings, watermarks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes
  • Simple wipe-on, wipe-off process
  • Restores the finish without removing any of the existing finish

Cons

  • – Not available for sale in Catalina Island

3. Cherry Wood Bookcase: Versatile Home Decor Solution

Add a touch of elegance to your home or office with the Oxford Tsui tall bookcase from Howard Miller. Made of select hardwoods and veneers with a Saratoga Cherry finish, this bookcase is durable and sturdy. Its traditional design features a fluted front frame and a wrap-around pediment on the left portion, giving it a notable appearance.

With a height of 81.75 inches, a width of 26.25 inches, and a depth of 14.25 inches, this shelf bookcase can fit in any space. It features four wood shelves, out of which three are adjustable, providing ample space for displaying accent pieces of varying sizes. The adjustable levelers ensure stability on uneven or carpeted floors.

This wooden bookcase is an ideal choice for collectors of antiques, books, and picture frames. Use it as a stand-alone piece or combine it with other bookshelves in the Oxford collection for a creative space. Howard Miller offers a variety of products, including curio cabinets, wine and bar furnishings, storage cabinets, and adjustable height desks, making it a one-stop-shop for specialty home furnishings.

Pros

  • Made of select hardwoods and veneers with a durable and sturdy design
  • Features a traditional design with a fluted front frame and a wrap-around pediment, giving it a notable appearance
  • Has four wood shelves, out of which three are adjustable, providing ample space for displaying accent pieces of varying sizes
  • Adjustable levelers ensure stability on uneven or carpeted floors
  • Can fit in any space with a height of 81.75 inches, a width of 26.25 inches, and a depth of 14.25 inches
  • Can be used as a stand-alone piece or combined with other bookshelves in the Oxford collection for a creative space

4. Howard Rf8 Products Restor-A-Finish, 8 Oz, Cherry, 8 Fluid Ounces

Restor-A-Finish is an exceptional formula that penetrates wood finishes to restore them to their former glory. It is designed to blend out minor scratches, blemishes and abrasions while giving wood surfaces a refreshed look. This product comes in nine colors, including Maple-Pine, Neutral, Golden Oak, Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut, Dark Oak, Dark Walnut, and Ebony Brown, to match almost any wood finish tone.

Restor-A-Finish is incredibly easy to use, and it takes only a few minutes to restore finished wood surfaces. With a simple wipe-on, wipe-off process, you can restore most wood surfaces that would have otherwise needed a complete refinishing job. Restor-A-Finish removes white heat rings, watermarks, sun fading, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes without removing any of the existing finish. You can restore the finish rather than stripping it off.

Restor-A-Finish is an excellent choice for anyone looking to restore their wood finishes. It is simple to use and provides a quick and easy solution to restore your wood finishes without the need for a complete refinishing job.

Pros

  • Easy to use with simple wipe-on, wipe-off process
  • Restores wood finishes while blending out minor scratches, blemishes, and abrasions
  • Available in nine colors to match almost any wood finish tone
  • Removes white heat rings, watermarks, sun fading, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes
  • Restores the finish without removing any of the existing finish

5. Concepts In Wood Overstock Wkt3072 3-Piece Wall And Storage System, 15 Shelves Cherry Finish

The bookcase is made of genuine wood veneers and solid wood molding which provides sturdy support to the structure. It is finished with a 10 step polyurethane cherry finish which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the bookcase. The bookcase features 9 adjustable shelves, with 3 shelves behind doors and 6 fixed shelves to store large and small items. The concealed storage of the bookcase helps to keep your living space organized by hiding away any clutter. The bookcase is designed for a quick, simple assembly process with dowels, camlocks, and an engineered wood back panel that is more durable than the cardboard on most ready-to-assemble bookcases. The materials used in the construction of this bookcase are imported from the U.S. and manufactured in Mexico, ensuring high-quality standards and durability.

The bookcase is perfect for people who love to read and want to keep their books and other items organized. It is an ideal addition to any living space or office, providing ample storage space and a stylish touch to your room decor. The adjustable shelves can be easily customized to accommodate items of different sizes, making it a versatile storage solution for your home or office. The concealed storage feature of the bookcase helps to keep your living space clutter-free, providing a clean and organized look to your room.

The bookcase is durable, sturdy, and easy to assemble. It is made of high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting performance and strength. The simple assembly process allows you to assemble the bookcase quickly and easily, without the need for any special tools or skills. The bookcase is a great investment for anyone who wants to keep their living space organized and stylish.

Overall, the bookcase is an excellent product that offers ample storage space, stylish design, and durability. It is perfect for people who love to read and want to keep their books and other items organized. The adjustable shelves, concealed storage, and easy assembly process make it a versatile and practical storage solution for any living space or office.

Pros

  • Durable and sturdy construction
  • High-quality materials used in construction
  • Ample storage space with adjustable shelves
  • Concealed storage feature helps to keep living space organized
  • Quick and simple assembly process

Cons

  • – None

6. Cherry Tv Credenza With Cord Management And Doors.

The Select Cherry TV Stand is a stylish and functional addition to any living room. It can accommodate TVs up to 70 inches in size and weighing up to 95 lbs, providing optimal viewing pleasure to the users. With versatile door options, this TV stand offers easy-to-insert panels in both safety-tempered glass and wood, allowing the users to choose their preferred style. The center door of the stand conceals a power strip (included) and gaming components, making it easy to keep the cords and wires organized and out of sight. The four large adjustable shelves located behind the doors provide flexible storage options, making it easy to store gaming consoles, DVDs, and other accessories. Overall, this TV stand is a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a great choice for any home decor.

Pros

  • Accommodates up to a 70” TV weighing 95 lbs. or less for optimal viewing pleasure
  • Versatile door options including easy-to-insert panels in safety-tempered glass or wood
  • Center door conceals power strip (included) and gaming components
  • Four large adjustable shelves behind the doors for flexible storage options

7. Sauder Palladia Credenza, For Tv's Up To 70", Select Cherry Finish

Bring a touch of class to your entertainment space with this TV stand, which can accommodate up to a 70" TV weighing up to 95 lbs. The stand features versatile door options, including easy-to-insert panels in safety-tempered glass or wood, giving you the freedom to customize your space to your liking. The center door conceals a power strip (included) and gaming components, keeping your space neat and organized. There are four large adjustable shelves behind the doors, offering flexible storage options for your media devices and accessories. The stand is accented with solid wood, adding an extra touch of elegance to your space. Please note that this item ships in several boxes and may arrive separately.

Upgrade your entertainment space with this stylish TV stand. With enough space to accommodate a 70" TV weighing up to 95 lbs, you can enjoy optimal viewing pleasure. The stand features versatile door options, including easy-to-insert panels in safety-tempered glass or wood that allow you to customize your space to your liking. The center door conceals a power strip (included) and gaming components, helping you to maintain a neat and organized space. The stand also features four large adjustable shelves behind the doors, giving you flexible storage options for your media devices and accessories. The solid wood accents add an extra touch of class to this piece of furniture. Please note that this item ships in several boxes and may arrive separately.

Enjoy a touch of elegance in your entertainment space with this TV stand. The stand can accommodate up to a 70" TV weighing up to 95 lbs for optimal viewing pleasure. The versatile door options include easy-to-insert panels in safety-tempered glass or wood, giving you the freedom to customize your space to your liking. The center door conceals a power strip (included) and gaming components, keeping your space neat and organized. The stand also features four large adjustable shelves behind the doors, offering flexible storage options for your media devices and accessories. The solid wood accents add an extra touch of class to this piece of furniture. Please note that this item ships in several boxes and may arrive separately.

Pros

  • Accommodates up to a 70" TV weighing 95 lbs. for optimal viewing pleasure
  • Versatile door options including easy-to-insert panels in safety-tempered glass or wood
  • Center door conceals power strip (included) and gaming components
  • Four large adjustable shelves behind the doors for flexible storage options
  • Solid wood accents for an extra touch of class

Cons

  • – Ships in several boxes, may arrive separately

8. Minwax Polyshades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish – Quart, Natural Cherry, Gloss

Minwax PolyShades is a reliable oil-based wood stain and polyurethane solution that can be used on bare or previously finished wood surfaces. It offers a rich finish with a glossy sheen, enhancing the natural wood grain while providing long-lasting protection in a single step. With PolyShades, you can easily transform your furniture, woodwork, doors, cabinets, and accessories with a classic, medium brown color that looks great on a variety of projects.

This one-step wood finish reduces finishing time and can be used over existing polyurethane finishes, making it perfect for changing the color of your wood surface without the hassle of removing the existing finish. It is easy to use and requires only a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper, removing sanding dust, and brushing on a coat of PolyShades. This product is exclusively developed for interior wood surfaces and can be cleaned up with mineral spirits.

Minwax is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products for over a century, and they offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need. Try PolyShades today and experience a reliable and efficient wood stain and polyurethane solution that enhances the natural beauty of your wood projects.

Pros

  • Provides a rich finish with a glossy sheen
  • Enhances the natural wood grain
  • Offers long-lasting protection in one easy step
  • Can be used over existing polyurethane finishes
  • Easy to use and requires only a light sanding
  • Cleans up with mineral spirits
  • Developed exclusively for interior wood surfaces
  • Comes from a trusted brand with over 100 years of experience in wood finishing and wood care products

9. Sauder Heritage Hill Executive Desk, Classic Cherry Finish

Create a comfortable and functional workspace with this Executive desk. It features a flip-down drawer front that reveals a slide-out keyboard/mouse shelf with metal runners and safety stops. The desk has three file drawers with full extension slides that hold letter, legal or European size hanging files. The two file drawers on the left side are lockable with a key for added security. Additionally, there are two small drawers with metal runners and safety stops for storing pens, paper, or other office supplies.

With an overall dimension of 70 1/2" (179.1 cm) Width x 35 1/2" (90 cm) Depth x 29 3/4" (75.4 cm) Height, this Executive desk provides ample room for your computer, documents, and other essentials. It has grommet holes in the desk top for cord management, keeping the workspace neat and organized. The black melamine top is heat, stain and scratch-resistant, ensuring long-lasting durability and easy maintenance. The desk is constructed with engineered wood and comes in a classic cherry finish.

Assembly is quick and easy with the patented t-slot drawer system, and everything you need is included in the package. Upgrade your home office with this elegant Executive desk that combines style and functionality perfectly.

Pros

  • The desk has a flip-down drawer front that reveals a slide-out keyboard/mouse shelf with metal runners and safety stops.
  • Three file drawers with full extension slides hold letter, legal or European size hanging files.
  • Two file drawers on the left side are lockable with a key for added security.
  • Two small drawers feature metal runners with safety stops.
  • Grommet holes in desk top for cord management.
  • Black Melamine top is heat, stain and scratch-resistant.
  • Quick and easy assembly with patented t-slot drawer system.
  • Executive desk comes in a classic cherry finish.
  • The desk provides ample room for your computer, documents, and other essentials.

Cons

  • – The desk is made of engineered wood construction.

10. General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Georgian Cherry

General Finishes offers a top-quality stain that provides the most satisfying "finishing feel" compared to their other products. It is a heavy-bodied stain that does not penetrate deeply into the wood like liquid oil-based stains, but rather, it creates a lustrous finish that woodworkers appreciate.

This stain is perfect for achieving an even appearance on hard-to-stain woods such as aspen or pine. It is effortless to use as it can be applied with a foam brush or simply wiped on with a cloth. Say goodbye to messy spills or splashes with this easy-to-use product.

Pros

  • Provides a lustrous finish that woodworkers love
  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for achieving an even appearance on difficult woods

Best Finish For Cherry Wood FAQs

Can cherry wood be stained to achieve a darker finish?

Yes, cherry wood can be stained to achieve a darker finish. In fact, staining cherry wood is a common practice in the woodworking industry to enhance the wood's natural beauty and bring out its unique characteristics. However, it is important to note that cherry wood has a natural tendency to darken over time due to exposure to light and air, so staining should be done carefully to avoid over-darkening the wood.

Before staining cherry wood, it is important to prepare the wood's surface by sanding it to remove any imperfections and smooth out the surface. Then, a wood conditioner should be applied to the wood to help it absorb the stain more evenly. After the wood conditioner has dried, the stain can be applied with a brush or rag, and then wiped off with a clean cloth to achieve the desired depth of color.

It is recommended to test the stain on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood before applying it to the entire surface to ensure that the color is consistent and matches the desired finish. Overall, staining cherry wood can be a great way to customize its appearance and enhance its natural beauty.

How many coats of finish are recommended for cherry wood?

When it comes to finishing cherry wood, the number of coats required largely depends on your personal preference and the type of finish you are using. However, as a general rule, it is recommended to apply a minimum of two coats of finish to cherry wood.

Cherry is a hardwood with a tight grain pattern, which makes it relatively easy to work with. It is also known for its warm, reddish-brown color that deepens over time. To preserve this natural beauty, it is essential to use a high-quality finish.

Typically, the first coat of finish is used to seal the wood and provide a base for subsequent coats. The second and any additional coats are used to build up the finish and provide greater protection. Some finishes may require more than two coats, while others may only need one.

Overall, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific finish you are using and to sand between coats for optimal results. With proper care and maintenance, cherry wood can be a stunning addition to any home or project.

Should a sealant be used on cherry wood before applying a finish?

Yes, it is recommended to use a sealant on cherry wood before applying a finish. Cherry wood is a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry due to its beautiful color and grain pattern. However, it is also a hardwood that is prone to absorbing moisture and expanding or contracting with changes in temperature and humidity. This can cause the wood to warp, crack or split over time.

Using a sealant on cherry wood helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and causing damage. It also helps to provide a smooth and uniform surface for the finish to adhere to. There are various types of sealants available, including shellac, polyurethane, and lacquer. It is important to choose the right type of sealant for your project and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

In summary, using a sealant on cherry wood before applying a finish can help to protect and preserve the wood, ensuring that your furniture or cabinetry lasts for years to come.

What is the best finish for cherry wood furniture?

Cherry wood furniture is known for its rich reddish-brown color, grain patterns, and durability. When it comes to finishing cherry wood furniture, there are several options available. The best finish for cherry wood furniture largely depends on the desired look and level of protection.

One popular choice is oil-based polyurethane. It provides a durable and long-lasting finish that enhances the natural beauty of cherry wood. Another option is a clear lacquer finish, which offers excellent protection against scratches and stains while maintaining the natural color and grain of cherry wood.

For a more traditional look, a wax finish can be used. It provides a soft sheen and a smooth feel to the surface of the wood. However, it is not as durable as polyurethane or lacquer finish and may require more maintenance.

Ultimately, the best finish for cherry wood furniture depends on personal preference and the intended use of the furniture. It is important to consider factors such as durability, protection, and maintenance when choosing a finish.

What is the drying time for a cherry wood finish?

The drying time for a cherry wood finish can vary depending on the type of finish being used. If you are using a water-based finish, it can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to dry completely. However, if you are using an oil-based finish, it can take up to 24 hours to dry completely. It's important to note that the drying time can also be affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the finish is being applied. If it's too humid, it can slow down the drying process, whereas if it's too hot, it can cause the finish to dry too quickly and potentially lead to cracking. It's always best to follow the manufacturer's recommended drying time and ensure that the environment is optimal for the finish to dry properly.

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