If you are furnishing your home with sustainability in mind, the methods in which your furniture is produced, and the tools and products used to make them, will play a key part of your decision-making process.
At Design In The Sand, our Scandi and Farmhouse dining tables are crafted with a commitment to eco-friendly practices, and selecting the right wood finish for our dining tables is a major part of that mission.
We believe water-based finishes like Polyvine’s ‘Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish’ are the more sustainable choice for our bespoke dining tables compared to traditional oil-based finishes, and in this article we will explain why.
Why Water-Based Finishes Outperform Oil-Based Finishes Environmentally
Avoiding Microplastics Pollution
Unlike oil-based finishes, which often rely on synthetic, plastic-based binders, many water-based formulas are less likely to release microplastics into the environment. This is especially critical for products that may see wear or gradual breakdown over time, such as your dining table. Opting for water-based ensures fewer synthetic particles are released into your home and, eventually, the waste stream.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Maintenance
Oil-based finishes require strong solvents for cleaning and maintenance, which are often harmful to the environment. Water-based finishes can be cleaned up with simple soap and water, which is ideal for a dinging table and drastically reduces the need for chemicals. Not only is this better for our ecosystems, but it also means fewer harsh products entering our homes.
Greener Production Process
The production of water-based finishes generally involves fewer toxic chemicals and less energy-intensive processing compared to oil-based alternatives. These finishes also have lower VOC (volatile organic compound) levels, which helps minimize pollution during production. Companies like Polyvine invest in sustainable manufacturing processes, making water-based finishes the greener choice right from the start.
Reduced End-of-Life Environmental Impact
Disposal of water-based finishes is safer and simpler compared to oil-based options. Water-based products don’t contain hazardous waste that requires special disposal, so they’re less likely to harm soil or water. For instance, when a dining table finish reaches the end of its life, disposing of water based varnish is straightforward and eco-friendly. Thought our tables are designed to last a lifetime!
Longevity and Lower Frequency of Repainting
Polyvine’s Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish is a particularly resilient water-based finish, meaning it requires fewer touch-ups or reapplications than some oil-based options. This longevity reduces the frequency of reapplication, ultimately leading to less waste and less environmental impact over the life of the product. On a dining room table set in a busy family kitchen, this element it crucial.
Lower Toxicity, Safer Indoor Air Quality
Water-based finishes have lower levels of toxic compounds compared to oil-based finishes, creating safer air quality in your home. Water based varnishes are specifically designed to emit fewer harmful fumes, making them safe for your family and the environment.
Sustainable Packaging and Disposal
Polyvine prioritises sustainable packaging options, using recyclable and sometimes biodegradable materials, whereas oil-based finishes often come in heavy-duty plastic or metal containers that are harder to recycle. This shift toward eco-conscious packaging reduces the overall carbon footprint of each product.
Brush Cleaning Made Safer
One of the practical advantages of water-based finishes is that brushes and other application tools can be cleaned with water, eliminating the need for toxic brush cleaners. This reduces the chemicals in our workshop and it means fewer contaminants enter the water system, further reducing environmental impact.
Spotlight on Polyvine’s ‘Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish’
Polyvine’s ‘Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish’ stands out for its durability and clarity, giving our Scandi and Farmhouse dining tables an exceptional finish without compromising on sustainability. This varnish offers the same level of resilience as oil-based finishes but with a water-based formulation that’s better for both your indoor environment and the planet.
Conclusion and Recommendation
We build bespoke dining tables that are not only made to last, but are also mindful of the environment. Every choice we make on the materials we use and how we operate in our Cornwall-based workshop, is done so with sustainability in mind.
Given the numerous environmental benefits, we wholeheartedly recommend water-based finishes like Polyvine’s Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish. Not only are they safer for your home and the planet, but they’re also durable, beautiful, and maintainable with minimal environmental impact.
For our Scandi and Farmhouse dining tables, we recommend a water-based finish for a long-lasting, eco-conscious solution that aligns with our values of sustainability and style. By choosing Polyvine’s water-based options, you’re investing in furniture that’s as gentle on the environment as it is on your family.
